Sprouts Executive Named To USDA Organic Standards Board

Andrea Hatziyannis, a 2024 Top Women In Store Brands (TWISB) honoree, is one of five new members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). 

Currently a category strategy manager at Sprouts Farmers Market, which was named Store Brands 2024 Retailer of the Year, Hatziyannis this past November received the Marketing/Merchandising Award from Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE) and Store Brands.

Hatziyannis is one of five appointments made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to serve a five-year term, beginning in January 2025. The NOSB serves as an advisory body to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, providing recommendations on policies governing the production and distribution of organic food and products. This includes reviewing and developing the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB is composed of 15 members from across the organic community. 

Other new appointees include Kathryn Deschenes, director of Regulatory Affairs at Danone; Amanda Felder, organic integrity and environmental compliance manager at Taylor Farms; Cathleen McCluskey, policy and advocacy director for Organic Seed Alliance; and Corie Pierce, owner and operator of Bread & Butter Farm.

“The National Organic Standards Board plays a key role in bringing together the organic community, and we are thrilled to welcome our five new members," said Jenny Lester Moffitt, under secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs for the USDA. "They bring a wide diversity of experience and expertise; and will help guide the sector as it continues to grow."

Since joining Sprouts in May 2023, Hatziyannis has become a key player, leveraging her extensive background in food science and manufacturing to deliver category strategies that keep the grocer on the cutting edge. Her ability to monitor, maintain, and optimize retail execution has been instrumental in expanding the store’s private label offerings. 

“My unique blend of technical and business skills gives me a voice to speak for the needs of both sides of the aisle,” Hatziyannis previously told Store Brands. “Finding common ground within the industry between manufacturers and retailers has been key to my professional success, and it only continues as I grow and refine my skills.”