Humboldt Made successfully hosted its Buyer’s Tour June 11–13, 2026, bringing buyers, retailers, industry leaders, and influencers from across Northern California to experience firsthand the products, businesses, and communities that make Humboldt County unique.
Supported by Wildberries Marketplace, the City of Eureka, Sequoia Park Zoo, Bear River Casino Resort, Carter House Inns, and in partnership with the North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the three-day tour was designed to connect Humboldt businesses with decision-makers while showcasing the region’s thriving food, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.
Guests included Northern California Whole Foods Market’s Local Forager, representatives from Alaska Airlines, leaders from Wildberries Marketplace, Eureka Natural Foods, Murphy’s Markets, the North Coast Co-op, local elected officials, community partners, and other regional influencers.
The tour grew from a partnership between Humboldt Made and the North Coast SBDC Food Flight Program, which helps emerging food businesses launch and prepare for growth, distribution, and expansion into new markets.
“One of the biggest challenges for emerging food brands is getting meaningful face time with buyers and decision-makers,” said Wil Franklin of the SBDC. “The Buyer’s Tour created that opportunity while also showcasing the incredible ecosystem of businesses, agriculture, and innovation that exists here in Humboldt County.”
Throughout the three-day experience, participants visited a variety of Humboldt businesses and production facilities, including Ohana Organics, South Fork Mountain Water, Eel River Organic Beef Ranch, Jersey Scoops, Humboldt Cider Company, the North Coast Growers Association Harvest Hub, Jessicurl, Foodworks Culinary Center, Sunken Seaweed, Tulip Perfume, and Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate.
A highlight of the tour was a special product showcase hosted during Friday Night Market in Old Town Eureka. Organized by Humboldt Made and the North Coast SBDC, the event featured both emerging Food Flight brands and established Humboldt businesses, providing buyers and retailers the opportunity to sample products, meet makers, and learn about the growing diversity of Humboldt-made products.
“This wasn’t just about introducing buyers to products,” said Rosa Dixon, Executive Director of Humboldt Made. “It was about introducing them to the people behind those products and helping them understand why Humboldt businesses are different. Relationships drive opportunity, and that’s what this tour was built around.”
Another standout event was Dinner at the Zoo After Hours, held at Sequoia Park Zoo. Guests enjoyed after-hours access to the zoo and the Redwood Sky Walk while sampling local food, beverages, and live music beneath the redwoods.
“For decades, Wildberries has believed in investing in local producers and helping them succeed,” said Phil Ricord, owner of Wildberries Marketplace and the tour’s lead sponsor. “The Buyer’s Tour brought together the people, products, and partnerships that make Humboldt unique. It was exciting to see visitors experience the creativity, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout our region.”
The success of the event was made possible through collaboration between dozens of local businesses, farms, organizations, and community partners. Carter House Inns hosted many of the out-of-town guests, while Bear River Casino Resort provided shuttle transportation throughout the first two days of the tour. The City of Eureka and Sequoia Park Zoo partnered to create memorable experiences that highlighted the region’s culture, hospitality, and natural beauty.
The Buyer’s Tour is part of Humboldt Made’s ongoing efforts to support local economic development by connecting Humboldt businesses with new markets, strengthening regional partnerships, and increasing awareness of Humboldt-made products.
Following the success of this event, We plan to make the Buyer’s Tour an annual tradition. Planning is already underway for the Humboldt Made Buyer’s Tour 2027. If you are a new or emerging brand and want to be part of next year’s event, connect with Humboldt Made and the North Coast SBDC to start preparing today.
About Humboldt Made
Humboldt Made is a member-based organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the makers, growers, and producers of Humboldt County. Through marketing, advocacy, retail partnerships, business development, and community events, Humboldt Made helps local businesses grow while sharing the story of products made on California’s Redwood Coast.
For more information, visit www.humboldtmade.com.