Plum Organics Founder to Keynote Winter Fancy Food Show

Neil Grimmer, co-founder and president of Plum Organics, a fast-growing producer of organic foods for babies, toddlers and children, will be the keynote speaker at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.

Grimmer will talk about how his passion to ensure healthy eating “from high chair to the lunch box” has helped Plum skyrocket from startup to a $93-million brand in just six years. 

“Plum is a premier example of how specialty food companies can embrace social initiatives without sacrificing business success. We are delighted Grimmer will be sharing his insights,” said Ann Daw, president of the Specialty Food Association. 

Named No. 19 on Forbes Magazine’s 100 Promising Companies of 2013, Plum was acquired by Campbell Soup Co. in June 2013 and reincorporated post-acquisition as a B Corp., a new legal badge of honor for socially and environmentally responsible companies. 

Before starting Plum, Grimmer was vice president of strategy and innovation for Clif Bar. Plum is one of the 1,300 specialty food companies exhibiting at the Winter Fancy Food Show, where more than 18,000 buyers from companies including Whole Foods, Trade Joe’s, Central Market and JetBlue Airways will seek out the latest specialty foods.

Now in its 39th year, the show is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast. It takes place Jan. 19-21, 2014, at Moscone Center. The keynote is 5 to 6 p.m., Jan. 19, and open to all attendees at no charge.

Following Grimmer’s talk, the Specialty Food Association will present its second annual Leadership Awards honoring innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming the way the industry does business.