Schnucks Hires Organics Category Manager

Schnuck Markets Inc. has hired Niké VanArsdale, a 20-year natural products industry veteran, as its category manager for natural, organic, gluten-free and bulk foods. 

VanArsdale’s recent move from Longmont, Colo., to St. Louis to join the Schnucks team comes after an illustrious career in sales management with Presence Marketing and Kayser Sales and Marketing, and as a category buyer for Wild Oats Markets.  She was also a two-term board member of Naturally Boulder, an organization that fosters the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs. 

Raised on Organics

“I’m excited to team with Schnucks in their quest to bring new, exciting and healthy options to our stores and customers,” VanArsdale said.  “I was raised on natural organic food and this position will allow me to share what I know about these nutritious choices available today.” 

VanArsdale will report to Keith Shannon, Schnucks' director of center store. “Niké brings with her a tremendous amount of knowledge and we know she will work hard to ensure that Schnucks carries the products that our customers want and need,” Shannon said.  “Natural, organic and gluten-free items are some of the fastest growing categories in the supermarket.” 

VanArsdale attended Sarah Lawrence College, the University of Colorado and Barnes Business College; she has a degree in accounting.  Her fiancé Jeff Mikesell will be joining her in St. Louis after the outdoor season at the organic farm where he is a chef for farm-to-table events. 

Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets Inc. is celebrating 75 years of serving customers in 2014.  The family-owned company operates 98 stores and 94 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.