Food Processing’s Food For Thought Podcast
Food Processing
Subscribe
Food Processing's Food For Thought podcast takes you beyond the headlines of the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Join host Erin Hallstrom and the team of award-winning Food Processing editors as they talk about issues affecting food and beverage processors.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
4 days ago
Building Resiliency in Food and Beverage Using Innovative Tools and Technology
This episode is the first in a two-part series sponsored by RSM. Part 2 will go live on Dec. 13, 2023.
Creating resiliency throughout a food and beverage business has been a target of many companies in the industry, and technology today can help them attain their goals in many instances.
In today’s Food For Thought episode, which is the first of a two-part series brought to you by R S M, Christian Winzeler, principal at RSM, discusses food and beverage companies’ desire for building resiliency, as well as some of the tools those businesses should be using to achieve their targets in this space.
Learn more about RSM
playlist_add
Nov 22, 2023
What Do Consumers Prefer in their Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwiches?
Stephanie Powell, director of marketing for Alpha Baking Co., discusses the results of a survey Alpha Baking commissioned to determine how consumers construct sandwiches using their Thanksgiving leftovers. From their choice of bread type and whether they use turkey or ham, to pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes — plus a few non-leftover "must haves" — the choices consumers make are interesting! At the least, they demonstrate a cornucopia of culinary experimentation over the Thanksgiving weekend.
View the article, including several charts of data from Alpha Baking's survey, by visiting our web site.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at Food Processing!
playlist_add
Nov 15, 2023
How Food and Beverage Processors Can Benefit from AI and Machine Learning
This episode is sponsored by IDS Imaging Development Systems.
Artificial intelligence is here, and food and beverage processors, as well as manufacturing at large, would be best served to take notice and get moving, or they might miss out on the benefits that AI and machine learning can bring.
Philip Freidin, an applications engineer at IDS Imaging Development Systems, joins us in this episode to give his perspective on what the short- and long-term outlook is for these innovative technologies and what applications might benefit most from the solutions they can provide.
Learn more about IDS Imaging Development Systems
playlist_add
Nov 8, 2023
Plant-Based, Conventional and Cultured — What to Expect in Protein in 2024
As the 2023 calendar year winds down, the protein industry sits in an interesting position. Each segment of the industry — whether conventional animal protein, plant-based, alternative and cultivated animal products — stands at a different point in its evolution, and the short-term future is certainly intriguing for all.
We sat down with Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, a CEO, independent board director and protein-industry veteran, to get her insights on what to expect in 2024 and beyond for the industry and companies dealing in plant-based, conventional animal, cultivated and alternative protein products.
Visit the Food Processing web page to learn more.
playlist_add
Nov 1, 2023
Insects in Foods? Nutritional Benefits Might Soon Make Science Fiction a Reality in the U.S.
When Tyson Foods announced a partnership with insect ingredients company Protix in mid-October, it made significant headlines and raised a positively curious eyebrow or two, at least among consumers. And although Tyson’s initial plan focuses on insect protein as a feed and pet food ingredient, we wanted to discuss the idea of insects as a food source both today and in the future. Alexandra Kazaks, PhD, RDN, joined us for that very reason. She is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists Nutrition Division and an experienced communicator of nutrition and health information from a scientific viewpoint for healthcare, industry, and the general public.
playlist_add
Oct 4, 2023
Collaboration Leads to Innovation on Equipment Design
To be successful in the food and beverage processing world, processors must keep up with the ever-increasing pace of innovation in operations. Plant and equipment design standards are always on the move, and we spoke with Paul Krechel, vice president of Sales, Service and Parts for Deville Technologies to get his take on how collaboration between processors and vendors can help the industry keep up.
This episode is sponsored by Deville Technologies.
Read the transcript of this episode on Food Processing's web site.
playlist_add
Sep 27, 2023
What Does Smucker-Hostess Deal Mean for Both Companies — and Food and Beverage M&A at Large?
Geoff Coltman is a vice president at Catena Solutions, a supply chain-focused consultancy with deep ties to the food and beverage space. In today's episode of the Food For Thought podcast, Geoff gives his insights on the recently announced acquisition of Hostess Brands by J. M. Smucker, analyzing what it means for each company, its customers and the industry at large. In addition, Geoff offers his thoughts on the mergers and acquisitions landscape in the food and beverage industry today and in the near future.
playlist_add
Aug 16, 2023
Seeking Top End Durability, Maintenance, Efficiency Through Drive Technology
The unsung heroes of a processing plant’s operation, drives and motors keep operations running effectively and efficiently — and often aren’t noticed unless they’re not performing up to standards for throughput, efficiency and food safety. Tony Pariseau, key market specialist for food and beverage at Nord Drivesystems, joined us recently to share what the team at Nord views as pushing the envelope of innovation in drive technology in the food & beverage industry today. This episode is sponsored by Nord Drivesystems.
playlist_add
Aug 9, 2023
How and Why Processors Should Bolster Their Cyber Defense Efforts Now
Kristin Demoranville is the founder and CEO of AnzenSage, a cybersecurity firm focused on the food sector. In this episode of the Food For Thought podcast, Kristin offers her thoughts on where the food and beverage industry stands on cybersecurity and what processors should be doing to bolster their defenses and champion the cause within their organizations. Read more on our Web page.
playlist_add
Aug 2, 2023
Putting IIoT to Work in Food & Beverage Plants
Today's episode is sponsored by Motion.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has taken hold of much of the manufacturing world, and food and beverage processors who haven’t yet implemented the technology will soon fall behind.
In this episode, we spoke with James Howe, executive vice president - chief commercial officer/chief technology officer for Motion, to learn where the food and beverage industry stands on IIoT implementation, what processors can do now to begin their journey down the path to IIoT success, and how to overcome the hesitance that might hinder more traditional operations.
Learn more about Motion
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Jul 19, 2023
The Issues and Challenges Driving Food Safety Strategy and Policies at USDA-FSIS
Sandra Eskin, deputy under secretary for Food Safety with USDA-FSIS, joins us to discuss a variety of topics, from worker and food safety impacts of increased poultry and pork line speeds to the data revolution and how it could affect the agency's efforts, as well as FSIS' proposal to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded, stuffed, raw chicken products. Read more about other challenges and issues in food safety at Food Processing's Web site.
playlist_add
Jun 30, 2023
Introducing A New Voice on the Food For Thought Podcast Channel
Erin Hallstrom officially hands over the microphone for the Food For Thought Podcast to Food Processing senior editor Andy Hanacek, as Hallstrom moves to a greater role within FP's parent company.
playlist_add
Jun 14, 2023
The World’s First Flavor Enhancing Sweetener
Today’s episode is sponsored by Silky Smooth MicroCreamery, the creators of SilkySweet
Necessity is the mother of invention; or at least that’s how the saying goes. For Chuck Nix, the need to create the perfect sweetener for ice cream led him to create SilkySweet, a flavor-enhancing, all-natural, sugar-free and ketogenic certified sweetener blend for a multitude of products.
Nix, who founded Silky Smooth MicroCreamery, transformed his life his few years ago by adopting the ketogenic lifestyle (aka, the Keto Diet).
After losing 100 pounds “and saving my life,” he says, he recognized the need for a sweetener that was not only healthy, but also enhanced the flavor of the products it was used with.
Nix sat down with Food Processing recently to talk about the SilkySweet product, how it got its start and how it can used in formulations to both enhance taste and enable category leadership.
Learn more about Silky Sweet and order your samples today
Read the transcript of this epis…
playlist_add
Jun 7, 2023
Combining High-Shear Mixing with Trusted Partnership
This episode is sponsored by EnSight Solutions.
How well do you know high shear mixing? Here to talk more about it is Don Wolfe, Product Line Manager for EnSight Solutions.
We talk why and how high shear mixing is used as well as how to get the most out of your mixer. We cap the episode off talking about what it means to be a trusted partner with EnSight Solutions.
Learn more about EnSight Solutions Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
May 17, 2023
Keeping Products Safe with Food-Safe Robotics
In this episode, sponsored by EnSight Solutions, we’re talking with Heath Clifton, Director of Automation and Controls about food-safe robotics.
We talk about what food-safe robotics are as well as the difference between hygienic and sanitary robotics before turning our attention toward the key features processors should they look for when evaluating robotics.
Read the full transcript on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
May 10, 2023
Finding and Retaining Talent in the Food & Beverage Industry
We’re capping off our conversation about food and beverage workforce issues with return guest Jennifer D’Angelo.
Jennifer, who is a vice president at Catena Solutions, was on back in March talking about the correlation between the supply chain and workforce issues in the food and beverage industry. On today’s episode, we dig a little bit deeper about those issues and about the future of work for food manufacturers.
From interpreting job-fulfillment data to rethinking and retooling job descriptions, onboarding, and mentorship, you won’t want to miss this tip-filled episode.
Visit our website for the timestamps of this week's episode
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
Staying Up To Speed With Freezer Door Solutions
Many in the production industry don’t realize the importance of high-quality doors to a facility’s success. In fact, high-performance doors can help your company save money and manpower — and increase productivity. This is especially true for those in the cold storage and food industries.
To explore the ins and outs of the high-performance door market and what doors might be best for your company, Food Processing sat down with Whitney Hopper, Director of Sales Cold Storage North America at Hörmann, to discuss.
Today's Episode is Sponsored by Hörmann
Learn more about Hörmann High-Performance Doors on their website
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Apr 26, 2023
Perceptions, People, and the Future of Labor for Food & Beverage Manufacturing
On today's episode, we’re talking with Miller Resource Group recruiter Denise Chludzinski about specific tasks and ideas companies can undertake to ensure they find and keep the best employees.
We kick off the episode talking about the perception problem food and beverage companies have among consumers and why that may be preventing future generations from considering careers in the ever-growing industry. We talk about the importance of connecting with consumers, especially when it comes to your reputation and how your company may be seen from the perspective of those job-searching younger generations.
We then pivot to talking about the jobs and roles that Denise is constantly hiring for as well as the skills most employers are looking for in their candidates. We also talk a lot about why companies are losing some of their most talented players and what they can do to fix that problem. We end the episode talking about what strategies and tactics manufacturers can employ to recruit…
playlist_add
Apr 19, 2023
Taking Processing Another Step Further
Today on the podcast, we’re talking with Jeff Broussard, president of EnSight Solutions. Jeff joins us to talk about further processing, a topic EnSight has a lot of knowledge on.
In the episode, Jeff talks us through what further processing is and what trends he’s seeing in the processing market. He walks us through developments in further processing equipment design before offering insights on what it means to be a trusted partner for food processors.
Today’s episode is sponsored by EnSight Solutions.
Learn more about EnSight Solutions on their website
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Apr 12, 2023
What the SVB Bank Collapse Could Mean for Food & Beverage Manufacturing
On today’s episode, we’re talking with financial expert, Jennifer Palmer.
Jennifer, who is the CEO and Founder of asset-based lending firm JPalmer Collective, is a return guest to the podcast and she’s here to talk about how bank collapses – like the one that happened with Silicon Valley Bank in March – can have a ripple effect for food and beverage manufacturers.
We take both a macro and a micro-economics approach to understanding how bank collapses can affect both large and small food and beverage manufacturers. We talk about what processors should be doing when it comes to their finance partners before capping things off with a slew of tips for how to plan and prepare for financial emergencies.
Visit the Food Processing website for the time stamps for this episode
Listen to the 2022 episode with Jennifer Palmer, Who’s Watching out for Food’s Female Entrepreneurs?
playlist_add
Apr 5, 2023
Exploring the Role of Product Inspection Solutions in Ensuring the Quality and Safety of Food Products
Florida-based Mettler-Toledo serves the food processing industry via its product inspection solutions to ensure the quality and safety of food products before they make it to the consumer. Mettler-Toledo sees product inspection as one of the most important elements to success for today’s production facilities. The company is a multinational manufacturer of scales and analytical instruments and is the largest provider of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications.
To gain insight into the role product inspection solutions play in the safety and quality of food products, we caught up with Robert Rogers, senior advisor of food safety and regulations at Mettler-Toledo.
Read the transcript of this episode
Today’s episode is sponsored by Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, a division of Mettler-Toledo.
playlist_add
Mar 22, 2023
Want to Improve Your Supply Chain Issues? Focus On your Workforce Strategies
With us on the podcast today is Jen D’Angelo, Vice President at Catena Solutions.
Today’s episode is packed with useful tips for food and beverage processors. Whether you work in HR, the lab, or even the plant floor, you’ll want to listen in as Jen walks us through some easy-to-implement tips and tools for attracting recruits of all ages to your company. Recruitment is only half the battle; Jen also offers guidance on retention strategies for keeping the employees you already have. And, of course, we talk about how all of this plays in to your supply chain.
Follow along with with the timestamps for this episode by visiting our website
playlist_add
Mar 8, 2023
Innovation & Information: A Conversation with Andy Hanacek
We sat down and talked with Food Processing’s newest addition: Senior Editor Andy Hanacek.
Andy’s fairly well known in the food and beverage industry, and we kick off the episode talking about that and so much more. We cover a lot of ground, including how Andy’s been helping to inform an industry that combats misconceptions and misinformation on daily basis.
Having covered the food and beverage industry for nearly 20 years, Andy talks about what he’s seen manufacturers do really well in the last two decades – and a few areas for improvement for the industry as a whole. We cap things off talking about a few of the issues this veteran industry reporter is keeping a close eye on in 2023.
Follow along with the timestamps for this episode by visiting our website.
Read Andy’s March cover story on automation in the food industry, The Food Plant of the Future: Feeding More with Less
Read Andy’s article on Meat & Poultry in the Post-Pandemic era, What Removing the COVID Emerg…
playlist_add
Feb 22, 2023
2023 Food Industry Forecast: Disinflation with a side of Agile?
With us on the podcast today is Gary Nowacki, CEO of TraceGains. We’re talking about what food and beverage processors might expect this year in terms of ingredient costs and supply availability. We launch into a discussion about inflation – and disinflation – and how both will play a part in the business strategies of many top food companies. As we attempt to make predictions about the coming year, one thing is certain: expect the unexpected.
The unexpected plays a big part in the second half of our conversation, where we talk about how CPG manufacturers have pivoted in the last few years and that many are learning to embrace and build a more agile supply chain. We chat a bit about how food and beverage companies seem to be establishing better partnerships with their employees through benefits and long term needs before digging in to a conversation about co-manufacturing and how brand owners and co-mans are collaborating to bring new products to market.
Learn more about the po…
playlist_add
Feb 8, 2023
How Mentorship is Helping Hershey Find the Next Generation of CEOs
With us on the podcast today is Marlene Creighton, Chief Sales Officer at Hershey. We’re talking about Hershey’s Future CEO program, which brings together 10 young women and girls from around the globe for a day of learning and mentorship. We talk about why this program is so important to Hershey and how it’s helping to make an impact on the next generation. We discuss the importance of mentorship and ‘reverse mentorship’ not only for the girls involved in the program, but also for the company as well.
Hershey, which was named Food Processing’s 2022 Processor of the Year, is a household name for many American consumers, and Marlene walks us through how programs like Future CEO help the company better understand – and listen – to its consumers. We talk about Gen Z’s importance to the brand before shifting to a discussion about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hershey.
We cap things off talking about why diversity and representation are so fundamentally important n…
playlist_add
Jan 25, 2023
How Rich Products is Feeding the Talent Pipeline for the Food & Beverage Industry
Today we’re talking with Jamie McKeon, Senior Vice President of Demand Creation at Rich Products. Jamie’s here to talk to us about how Rich Products is working with a local university to help find, encourage, and recruit the next generation of the food and beverage marketers.
We touch on the trends and observations the team has seen with the newest generation of the workforce as well as what Rich Products has learned about itself in the process. We also talk about advice for other companies that may want to explore similar options with their local schools and universities.
Head to our website for the timestamps for this episode.
Do you know an Influential Woman in the Food Industry? Nominations are now open for our 2023 Influential Women in Food awards. Head to our website to learn more about the awards and to submit your nomination for our 2023 awards. Visit the website
playlist_add
Jan 11, 2023
Inflation’s Big Impact on Small Food & Beverage Companies
Joining us today is Maria Pearman, Principal and Beverage Practice Leader, at GHJ. Maria is what you would call a ‘Contract CFO.’ She helps companies that are moving from their startup and emerging phases and gets them over the hurdles so they can reach their more mature stage of growth. How she helps them with these growing pains is something we dive into at the start of the episode.
We then spend a lot of time talking about the big issues facing small food companies right now, in particular how to deal with the squeezed margins and increased costs due to inflation. Maria offers advice on how processors can mitigate some of their losses, especially as it relates to supply chain issues.
We cap things off talking about what companies can do to help themselves out financially, with special attention paid to the relationships that can be cultivated or improved upon to help with loans or other financial resources.
Learn more about this episode
playlist_add
Dec 2, 2022
Food Safety And Consumer Trust
In this episode, Maggie Slowik, Global Industry Director for Manufacturing at IFS, walks us through how food safety and consumer trust are related. We talk about what trends she’s seeing as well as what’s at stake if a manufacturer doesn’t have good end-to-end quality management practices in place. We then spend some time talking about how food safety and traceability can lend themselves as opportunities for competitive differentiation. We dig into the current consumer mindset while also talking about the best practices of several food companies that have married transparency with consumer trust.
We end the episode with a discussion about technology’s role in all of this and how IFS can help processors remain compliant with regulatory requirements while also building that customer trust.
Read the transcript on the Food Processing website
This Episode is Sponsored by IFS
playlist_add
Nov 18, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Alexis Bertrand, Reid’s Dairy Company
For our seventh and final episode of the Influential Women in Food series, we’re turning our attention to Alexis Bertrand, Quality Assurance Supervisor at Reid’s Dairy Company.
A great listener. A teacher. A champion of women she works with. all are phrases that could be used to describe Alexis. A forensic science student in college, Alexis went on after graduation to become a microbiology technician at Reid Dairy. As her career evolved, so too did her inclination to uplift the women around her. Not only has she been a key figure in bringing more women onto the production floor, but she’s also teaching a whole new generation of women at her local college on why they should consider a career in bioscience.
But science isn’t the only things she’s teaching the future workforce, she’s also helping them grow their confidence and find their voice. We talk about all of that and whole lot more in this episode of the podcast.
Catch up with each of our Influential Women in Food on…
playlist_add
Nov 11, 2022
A Case Study In Remote Alarm Notification Software
WIN-911’s Cody Bann talks with us about how companies can not only improve their cyber security, but also mitigate their risks for cyber-attacks. We have a conversation about how tools like remote alarm notification software can help reduce cyber-attacks in processing facilities.
We’re then joined by Ozarka’s Trey Mixon, who explains how this Blue Triton brand out of Texas is using WIN-911’s remote monitoring tool and why it’s critical for them in keeping up with their real-time and long-term monitoring data. Trey offers an example of an emergency that was averted because of the Remote Alarm Software before explaining the advantages the software provides him and his team when they’re not on site.
Read the transcript and learn more about WIN-911
This episode is sponsored by WIN-911
playlist_add
Nov 4, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Jennifer Stojkovic, Vegan Women Summit
If you’re discouraged or frustrated by the disparity between how men and women are represented in the food and beverage industry, then this is a can’t-miss episode. This week, we’re talking with Jennifer Stojkovic, founder and creator of the Vegan Women Summit and the author of The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet.
We pack a lot of great information into this episode, from talking about how Jennifer got started to why she launched the Vegan Women Summit and penned The Future of Food Is Female.
Amid the conversation about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our boardrooms, we touch on the widening gap between who gets funding in new food and beverage ventures, and who does not. We talk about why representation matters and how things like the baby formula shortage would’ve likely been prevented had there been more diversity in the rooms where decisions were being made.
We also spend some time talking about why the Vegan Women Su…
playlist_add
Oct 28, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Jona Hightower, LRQA
This episode is part five of our Influential Women in Food Series, where we’re honoring women that have effected change for their colleagues and peers in the food and beverage industry.
With us today is Jona Hightower, Senior Lead Assessor with LRQA. Jona is the epitome of an influential woman in the food industry. She describes herself as having a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge and it’s something she’s known about herself since elementary school. That passion also shows up when she’s lending her expertise and counsel to the numerous women she works with.
We start things off talking about how Jona found herself in the role of an assessor. True to her knowledge-sharing self, she offers guidance on how one might enter the profession before we shift to talking about Jona’s passion for training and supporting those around her. We talk about the importance of defining what success looks like as well as how Jona has elevated numerous women by way of guiding them throu…
playlist_add
Oct 21, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Tara Paster Cammarata, Cenza, Inc
Today we’re talking with Tara Paster Cammarata, CEO and President, of Cenza, formerly known as Paster Training. We kick off our episode getting to know Tara, and how she turned a $500 gift 20 years ago into the multimillion dollar, privately-held training and consulting company it is today.
Tara walks us through how Cenza educates and trains processors on numerous topics relating to food safety and how her previous experiences in classrooms changed the way she approached helping the food industry make sure there were innovative approaches to food safety.
We talk about Tara’s mentors throughout her career as well as how working for bad bosses in the past shaped the kind of manager and leader she is today. We discuss other topics, such as her proactive approach to training as well as how she's helping and inspiring the women around her. We end the episode talking about the advice Tara has received throughout her career as well as advice she would give to women entering the food and…
playlist_add
Oct 14, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Javon Nicholas, Egg Rolls Etc.
With us today is Javon Nicholas, creator, founder, and owner of Egg Rolls Etc. Javon was named one of Food Processing’s 2022 Influential Women in Food, and for good reason. Her Chicago-based frozen food company, which specializes in comfort-filled egg rolls, is a lesson in love.
Javon, who has always had insatiable love affair with all things food, knew from an early age that she wanted a career that would keep her close to what she loved. In this episode, Javon walks us through how losing her mother and a trip to Taiwan became the impetus for launching a series of food products both made with – and from – love.
Throughout this episode, you’ll definitely understand why was named one of this year’s Influential Women in Food. From the advocacy work she does to help entrepreneurs learn how to build their businesses to the community work she does helping children understand how to be better, more culturally-sensitive humans, Javon truly is an influential woman in the food indus…
playlist_add
Sep 23, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Ria Dake, Balchem
With us today is Ria Dake, Sr. Business Director, Balchem.
This self-described introvert has been described by others as a ‘Master of Connection.’ We dig in to that juxtaposition by first talking about Ria’s career evolution and how one mentor early on helped Ria with a decision that would change her career path forever. We talk about what it means to be a ‘Master of Connection’ and how Ria used her knack for networking to help build Balchem’s Women of Impact Network, a company-wide affinity program with more than 200 members spanning multiple sites and remote locations.
Join us as Ria explains the how and the why behind the Balchem Women's Impact Network and what she’s learned about herself since co-founding the program in 2018. We talk about formal and informal mentorship, while capping things off with the advice Ria has received – and provided – throughout her career so far.
playlist_add
Sep 16, 2022
Ensuring a Sustainable Food Future from Farm To Fork
Are you looking for a solution that can help give you a sustainable advantage in the supply chain? Then look no further than Infor.
With us on the podcast is Mikael Bengtsson Industry Principal for Infor Food and Beverage. We’re talking about how this global leader in cloud software is helping food and beverage processors leverage data, increase profitability, and support business growth.
Join us as we talk about how Infor can help companies utilize data to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning, thereby optimizing their operations. We talk about current trends as well as how processors can better manage their sustainability efforts. We also address the process by which products move from farm to fork and how that relates to the supply chain and sustainability.
Learn more about Infor and all of its capabilities
This episode was sponsored by Infor
playlist_add
Sep 9, 2022
What AI-Driven Production Health Can Mean For The Food Industry
We recently sat down with Liran Akavia, Vice President of Sales for Process Health at Augury, to talk about the complex challenges manufacturers are up against and how they can use an AI-driven approach to optimize production health. During our conversation, we talked about how food manufacturers can identify the right AI technology as well as what the most common challenges food manufacturers face when adopting AI. We also discussed how process health can help food manufacturers overcome challenges with global instability and uncertainty as well as issues such as the workforce shortage.
We end the episode talking about Augury’s recent acquisition of Seebo, and how that merger has made for an extremely powerful combined solution and one-stop shop for process health and machine health.
Learn more about Augury
Enjoy the episode. Read the transcript on the Food Processing website
This episode was sponsored by Augury
playlist_add
Sep 2, 2022
Soyleic Soybeans Offer A Future of a Healthier Food System
Do you know what a SOYLEIC® soybean is? Here to explain what SOYLEIC® soybeans are and how they’re being used to create a healthier food system Bryan Stobaugh, Director Of Licensing And Commercialization at Missouri Soybeans.
During this episode, we talk about how SOYLEIC® soybeans were discovered and what makes them non-GMO. We talk about the process of commercialization for Soyleic soybeans as well as where they can be planted.
Learn more about SOYLEIC®
This episode was sponsored by Soyleic
playlist_add
Aug 26, 2022
Influential Women in Food: Cloeann Durham, Coca-Cola
With us today is Cloeann Durham. Cloeann is the Vice President of Quality, Safety and Environmental Sustainability for Coca-Cola.
A self-branded ‘science nerd,’ Cloeann’s college experience did not include visions of a future in the food and beverage industry. As her post-college experience evolved, so too did her options and she worked at several beverage companies before coming to Coca-Cola more than 20 years ago. We talk about Cloeann’s career evolution and how it helped create a foundation for the lesson’s she’s learned throughout her career. We talk about those lessons throughout this episode.
From the importance of collaboration, communication and transparency to finding your leadership style, we talk about all of the ways Cloeann has helped pave the way for other women in the food and beverage industry. And we conclude the episode talking about the best advice Cloeann has received – and would give – about a career in the food and beverage industry.
Learn more…
playlist_add
Aug 19, 2022
An Antimicrobial Solution That’s Fit to be Tied
With us on the podcast today are Brian Barr and John Archer, both of ABB. In this episode, we’re talking about the options food and beverage processors have when it comes antimicrobial cable ties. ABB recently expanded its line of Ty-Rap® cable ties with Ty-Rap® TyGenic™ cable ties, the industry’s first two-piece antimicrobial* and detectable cable tie.
We talk about those ties on the episode, along with what products ABB is bringing to the table to help food and beverage processors.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
This episode was sponsored by ABB
playlist_add
Aug 12, 2022
The Benefits of Acquisition
Ask anyone that’s been through a merger or acquisition, and they’ll tell you there are many more moving parts on the inside than what you see from the outside. The companies that are successful with M&A make the execution appear flawless. Such is the case with Motion’s recent Kaman Distribution Group (KDG) acquisition.
In this episode of the podcast, we talked with Randy Breaux, President of Motion, to talk about the acquisition—particularly, the reasons behind acquiring their number two competitor. We also discussed the benefits of merging the automation, fluid power and hydraulics, and repair services businesses. The following is our conversation.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food For Thought Podcast
This episode was sponsored by Motion
playlist_add
Aug 5, 2022
The Power of Data in Food Supply Chains
Joining us on today’s episode is Maggie Slowik, Global Industry Director for Manufacturing at IFS. And we’re talking all about the power of data.
In today’s manufacturing world, there are as many uses of data as there are products. So how do companies determine what to focus on to build out their strategy? That’s what we’re talking about and more in this special bonus episode.
According to Maggie, data is the new currency. We dive into what that means and how, as an organization, the ownership of data can give you more power than you ever imagined.
We also address concerns that some in food and beverage have about data, including how exactly they’re going to embark on their digital transformation as well as how they’re going to find – and fill – the talent pipeline when it comes to data analysis.
And we cap things off talking about the Metaverse and its possible implications on the food and beverage industry as a whole.
Read the transcript on the Food Processing…
playlist_add
Jul 13, 2022
When MRP Is Not Enough: Advanced Requirements Planning
Welcome to our midweek bonus episode of the Food For Thought Podcast.
Like your cellphone, your personal computer and your television, technology marches on and the latest editions really do have more functionality than the previous versions. That's also true for your ERP system. Advanced Requirements Planning not only accounts for expiring lots, but also helps to plan for yield losses as well as overlapping operations.
During a recent webinar, Food Processing Editor in Chief Dave Fusaro sat down with Kate Warner, Senior Solution Engineer for Plex Systems, to discusses why food & beverage manufactures need more from their Material Requirements Planning.
In this episode of the podcast, you can listen to that conversation.
If you’d like to learn more about Advance Requirements Planning or if you’d like to access white papers on Supply Chain Planning, the State of Smart Manufacturing, and how to stay agile during demand planning, you can do so here.
This webinar episode was spons…
playlist_add
Jul 8, 2022
Who’s Watching out for Food’s Female Entrepreneurs?
Today’s episode is a continuation of our Women in the Workplace series. Earlier this year we talked with women from GODIVA, Hot Bread Kitchen, and the Females in Food program about how each company is helping to empower women throughout the food and beverage industry.
Today we turn our attention to Jenn Palmer, CEO of eCapital ABL. At eCapital, Jenn leads an organization that specializes in financing food and beverage companies. At the helm since January of 2020, we talk about how Jenn’s career path helped her see the value of diversity – both among eCapital’s portfolio and within her teams. And speaking of portfolios, Jenn explains how her team helped grow eCapital’s portfolio 70%...during a pandemic.
In this episode, we talk about the hurdles women experience when trying to launch or grow a food business, with special attention paid to women’s access – or lack thereof – to capital. We also address how to make financing more equitable as well as HOW – and WHY – b…
playlist_add
Jun 24, 2022
How Mars is Taking on Food Integrity, Food Fraud and Adulteration
With us on the podcast is Dr. Susan Blount, Vice President of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs for Mars Incorporated. Today we’re talking about food integrity, food fraud and adulteration and what Dr. Blount and her team are doing to ensure consumers throughout the world have safer foods.
We kick things off talking about what food integrity is – and isn’t and what companies like Mars are doing to ensure a safe food system. We take a deeper dive into regulations across the world when it comes to the misrepresentation of food and how that plays into the global supply chain. We also address issues pertaining to consumer trust and how Mars is working with its partners for more consistent harmonization as well as the technologies that are available to detect fraudulent foods. We cap things off talking about the Mars Global Food Safety Center and as well as whether better detection methods or more regulations are more important when it comes to food fraud.
Enjoy the episode.
Read the…
playlist_add
Jun 17, 2022
Costs of Oversizing Compressed Air Systems
A review of thousands of compressed air systems has reveal that, on average, users operate below 50% of system capacity. And, in fact, oversized compressors are among the most common problems in air systems.
Here to talk amore about that on the podcast today are Kaeser Compressors’ Wayne Perry and Neil Mehltretter. They’ll address why oversizing occurs and how an oversized system reduces reliability and increases maintenance and lifecycle costs.
Read the transcript on the Food Processing website.
This episode is sponsored by Kaeser Compressors
playlist_add
Jun 10, 2022
Pest Prevention Strategies & The Future of Pest Management
Is your pest control program as effective as you’d like it to be? In this episode, we talked with Sharon Dobesh, Director Of Technical Services, and Pamela Peckman, staff entomologist, both of Industrial Fumigant Company, about pest prevention strategies you can enact at your facility as well as what the future holds in pest management.
We talk about the best way to design an integrated pest management program that focuses on prevention, how sanitation works into pest control and an IPM program, as well why and how data plays such an important role in developing an IPM program.
Read the full transcript on the Food Processing website
This episode is sponsored by IFC
playlist_add
Jun 3, 2022
Meeting Business Challenges with New Digital Technology
When it comes to digital transformation initiatives, have you ever wondered what the top food and beverage companies are doing? Here to help answer that question is Eric Campagna, Food & CPG Machine Health Lead for Augury. Join us as we talk about what’s working – and not working – for the top food and beverage processors as well as the importance of taking risks, particularly when it comes to digital transformation.
We talk about which digital transformation initiatives could provide the most impact as well as how manufacturers can address their current business challenges with new technologies.
We wrap things up talking about machine health and how it can increase food and beverage manufacturer’s competitive advantage.
Read the Transcript on the Food Processing website
Learn more about how Augury helps the food and beverage industry. Visit their website
This episode was sponsored by Augury
playlist_add
May 27, 2022
Is Lab-Grown Meat the Safer Option?
With us on the podcast today is Steven Burton, Founder and CEO of Icicle Technologies. Originally launched to help solve the problem of foodborne illness, Icicle now helps food companies execute their food safety plans.
In this episode, we get to the meat of the matter of lab-grown meat. We kick things off talking about why the notion of lab-grown meat and alternative proteins are growing in popularity as well as their impact on the meat industry.
We talk a bit about consumers’ perspectives of meat alternatives and the GMO-ification of it all before digging in to a discussion about both the advantages and drawbacks of lab-grown meat. We of course also talk about how safe lab-grown meat really is. We wrap things up talking about how Icicle Technologies is helping companies – including those in the lab-grown meat space – bring safer products to market.
Read the Full Transcript on the Food Processing website
***
2022 Digital Food & Beverage Conference: Special Discount for Foo…
playlist_add
May 20, 2022
ISO Class 0 Compressed Air: Is It Just Another Way of Saying “Oil-Free”?
On today’s special episode, we’re talking with Kaeser Compressors about ISO Class 0 Compressed Air. Join us as we talk with Neil Mehltretter, Technical Director, and Werner Rauer, Product Manager, about what Class 0 Compressed air really is.
We talk about what a Class 0 label really means as well as what guidelines and specifications there are for class zero air in food and beverage applications. We wrap things up talking about whether there are energy or other cost implications for higher levels of air quality. Enjoy the episode.
Read the transcript on the Food Processing website.
This episode is sponsored by Kaeser Compressors
playlist_add
May 13, 2022
Why Food & Beverage Manufacturers Need an Advanced MRP
Are you feeling OK about the MRP in your ERP? If you’re feeling unsure, then listen in to this informative conversation we had with Plex Systems’ Ara Surenian about material requirements planning, especially as it relates to enterprise resource planning.
We kick things off talking about how supply chain planning can help with inventory lots as well as with labor issues. We then segue over to a discussion about risk management and wrap things up talking about what’s going on with the current packaging and material shortages and how Plex can help food and beverage processors plan for all of it.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
Learn More About our Sponsor: Plex Systems at Plex.com
Enjoy the episode.
playlist_add
May 6, 2022
VicinityFood Has The Recipe for Inventory Success
In this special bonus episode, we recently talked with Randy Smith, CEO and Founder of Vicinity Software about the supply chain and analytics and how the VicinityFood ERP system can help processors with predictive ordering and availability of ingredients.
We talk about a lot of topics that are important to food and beverage processors right now, such as reviewing vendor performance, understanding how changes in inventory costs will affect production, as well as what tracking and traceability information processors will need to have in place in the event of a recall.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Vicinity Food
Read the transcript of this episode
playlist_add
Apr 29, 2022
Meet The Company Helping Processors Bring Fresher, Cleaner Food To Market
In this episode of the Food For Thought podcast, we’re talking with Bill Besenhofer, CEO and Co-founder of The Fresh Factory.
This vertically integrated company partners with food and beverage brands big and small to help them scale up production of ‘fresh’ and ‘clean’ food products. With a mission to accelerate the growth of plant-based foods, The Fresh Factory owns and partners with emerging brands in the plant-based space to develop, manufacture, and sell products made from fresh produce.
In this episode, we talk not only about what The Fresh Factory is doing, but also the trends it’s seeing in the plant-based category. We also talk about how the Fresh Factory uses High Pressure Processing on its manufacturing lines. We wrap things up talking about the company’s most recent endeavor: Its Fresh Start accelerator program.
***
2022 Digital Food & Beverage Conference: Special Discount for Food For Thought Listeners Be sure to register for the 2022 Digital Food & Bevera…
playlist_add
Apr 15, 2022
The Impact of Compressed Air System Location on Uptime, Productivity and Equipment Longevity
With us on podcast today are Wayne Perry, Senior Technical Director at Kaeser Compressors and Neil Mehltretter, Technical Director at Kaeser Compressors. On today’s episode, we’re talking all about Compressed Air, but more specifically, how the location of your compressed air system impacts uptime, productivity, and equipment longevity. We kick things off talking about all of things to consider when deciding where to install your compressor. Both Wayne and Neil talk about the importance of ventilation, in particular how it impacts compressor performance.
We also talk about the necessary clearance needed around compressed air equipment as well as hearing about less than ideal compressor installs and how you, too, can avoid the same blunders. We cap things off talking about why you may want to consider a standalone enclosure for your compressor.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Kaeser Compressors
Read the full transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
Enjo…
playlist_add
Apr 8, 2022
Getting Down to Business with FoodBusiness ERP
When it comes to your business, are you looking to streamline all of your management systems into one place? If so, you may want to consider an ERP system. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an integrated management system that takes everything you need to run a company – from purchasing and sales information to things like inventory, distribution, finance, and even quality management – and puts them all in one system.
Here to talk more about ERPs is Jennifer Spanos, Vice President of Product and Vertical Strategy at NexTec Group and FoodBusiness ERP. In this special episode, Jennifer walks us through the ins and outs of ERPs why they are ultimately a single source of truth that allow you to manage the entire business from one place. We talk through the benefits of an ERP system and how it differs from something like QuickBooks as well as talking specifically about the FoodBusiness ERP product and how it can help with supply chain issues and risk mitigation.
Enjoy the Episode…
playlist_add
Apr 1, 2022
The Pandemic’s Impact on Food & Beverage Manufacturing, with IFS’ Maggie Slowik
In today’s episode, we’re continuing the conversation we started last November how the pandemic has changed the game for food and beverage manufacturers.
We kick things off talking about the pandemic’s ripple effect and lessons learned so far. We peel back a few more layers about how supply chain issues are continuing to affect food and beverage processors, with Maggie explaining the ‘Supply Shock’ and ‘Demand Shock’ the industry has experienced the last couple of years.
We dig a little deeper into the new competitive landscape for food and beverage manufacturers and how information-hungry consumers are helping to shape new product innovation.
We cap things off talking about supply chain disruption, labor issues, and the role of technology is playing in food and beverage companies’ digitally transformation journey, making sure to highlight how IFS's digital solutions are helping manufacturers across the globe each and every day.
Learn more about IFS and their enterp…
playlist_add
Mar 25, 2022
Meet the Software that’s Combining AI and Product Development for CPG Companies
For anyone in Product Development and R&D at a food and beverage company, this episode is definitely for you. With us on the podcast today is Manmit Shrimali, co-founder and CEO of Turing Labs AI.
Founded in 2019, Turing Labs, which recently concluded $16.5 Million Dollars in Series A funding, has been helping Consumer Packaged Goods companies get new or improved products to market faster using their unique AI platform.
Listen in to hear how Turing is helping some of the biggest names in CPG create or reformulate faster and more efficiently. Perfect for the post-COVID hybrid R&D Department, Manmit walks us through how the platform uses artificial intelligence to simulate working through different ingredient combinations to determine what works…and what doesn’t. You’ll definitely want to tune in to hear how this revolutionary platform is helping manufacturers take thousands of data points and turn them into formulation gold.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Proce…
playlist_add
Mar 11, 2022
Getting the Food & Beverage Supply Chain Back on Track
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Williams, Practice Lead in operations and supply chain management at JPG Resources. Williams talks with us about the top supply chain issues impacting food and beverage processors in Spring 2022… and beyond.
From the impact of geopolitical issues, to ingredient and packaging material availability, we touch on all of the current links impacting today’s supply chain. You’ll definitely want to listen the entire way through this episode as Rick offers his perspective on how labor issues can be fixed or corrected as well as leaving us with two things manufacturers will need to master if we’re ever going crawl out from under the weight of our supply chain issues.
Enjoy the episode. Read the transcript of this episode
playlist_add
Feb 25, 2022
A Fresh Way To Get Kids To Eat Healthy
With us on today’s episode is Matt Cohen, co-founder of Kidfresh. Launched in 2007, Kidfresh takes children’s favorite foods -- like spaghetti and meatballs, mac’ and cheese, and chicken nuggets -- and adds a nutritious twist to them. But that’s not all. Not only are they more nutritious, they’re also more convenient, a huge plus for busy parents.
Join us as we talk about the reason Kidfresh was launched, why creating better-for-you foods for children has been a struggle, and how he managed to find the perfect formula for good-tasting and good-for-you frozen food products. And we cap things off talking about what trends Matt is seeing in both the children’s nutrition sector as well as in frozen foods.
Enjoy the Episode.
Read the full transcript on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Feb 18, 2022
Keeping the Food & Beverage Industry Moving with NORD Drivesystems
With us on the podcast today is Tony Pariseau, Key Market Specialist focusing on the food and beverage industry for NORD Drivesystems.
Tony recently sat down with us to walk us through the types of gearboxes, electric motors and variable frequency drives the family-owned and operated company produces.
We walk through a few of NORD’s innovative new products while also talking about what NORD offers to help processors with preventative maintenance. We cap things off with a discussion of Nord’s impeccable reputation for industry-leading deliveries as well as their great flexibility and their global presence.
***
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Nord Driveystems
***
Read the full transcript of this podcast episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Feb 11, 2022
Godiva Gives Back
In today’s episode we’re talking about The Lady Godiva Initiative, a program Godiva launched in 2020 to support charitable organizations that empower women around the world. One of the recipients of Godiva’s Initiative is Hot Bread Kitchen, a New York-based nonprofit that creates economic opportunity through careers in food.
Join us as we talk about the Initiative – how and why it got started and how Godiva is helping to empower women while also supporting both local and global communities. We talk much more in-depth about Hot Bread Kitchen and the work its doing to empower women with economic security, including job skills training and food entrepreneurship programs. Read the full text of the transcript on the Food Processing website
***
Enjoy this episode, but before you listen in, make sure you’ve visited our Influential Women in Food page on the Food Processing website. We’re honoring women making an impact in the food and beverage industry, but we need your help. Su…
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2022
Building A Better Workplace For Women In The Food And Beverage Industry
With us today is Angela Dodd, founder of Females in Food. Angela created the Females in Food Community to help women in the food and beverage industry advance their careers.
Consider this: 80% of food buying decisions globally are made by women, yet, across every segment of the food and beverage industry, fewer than 20% of senior leadership positions are held by women.
We talk about that statistic and much more in today’s episode. We address issues about why women are under-represented, what companies and male allies can do to help reach gender parity, and whether Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are actually working. Read the transcript of this episode
Influential Women in Food Be sure to visit the Food Processing website to learn more about the Influential Women in Food program. If you know a woman – or women – that are making an impact in the food and beverage industry, be sure to nominate them for this prestigious award. But act fast, we’ll be closing nominatio…
playlist_add
Jan 14, 2022
What Can We Expect From The Food & Beverage Industry In 2022?
Welcome to the third season of the Food For Thought Podcast.
We’re kicking things off by asking: What can we expect in the food and beverage industry this year? Food Processing Editor in Chief Dave Fusaro and Senior Editor Pan Demetrakakes offer their perspectives on the big issues facing the industry this year.
We talk about labor issues and the supply chain as well as the why and how inflation came into play. We also talk about what product development trends we can expect to see this year as well as where things stand with 2021’s star categories.
Note: This episode was recorded prior to December 21, the date Kellogg strike ended.
Enjoy the episode. Read the transcript of this episode
*****
Know an Influential Woman in Food & Beverage? Is there a woman on your team or in your organization that is effecting change and making a big impact for the rest of the company? Consider nominating her for Food Processing’s Influential Women in Food. In 2022, Food Processing will be ho…
playlist_add
Nov 19, 2021
Why Complete Traceability is Important in the Food & Beverage Industry
With us today is Maggie Slowic, Global Industry Director for Manufacturing at IFS.
During the episode, we talk about the biggest challenges facing the industry right now, including how food and beverage companies are operating in an environment that's influenced by a lot of change.
We hone in on why is traceability so important and its essential role in maintaining an efficient – and resilient – supply chain.
We cap things off talking about data, the Internet of Things, and how manufacturers can work with companies like IFS to better utilize their ERP systems.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website.
This episode was sponsored by IFS
playlist_add
Nov 12, 2021
From Fragile to Agile: How To Keep Food Safe Amid a Supply Chain Crisis
In today’s episode, we’re talking with Liz Sertl, Senior Director of Community Engagement at GS1 US. If you’re not familiar with GS1 US, you’re certainly familiar with their barcodes. With more than six billion scans a day, those barcodes are what helps keep product moving, and the supply chain efficient.
We talk a lot about efficiency versus resiliency in the supply chain and where food manufacturers got it right – and where they can still improve. We examine the growing importance of data and digital transformation while ending the episode talking about how GS1 US is helping food processors prepare for FMSA’s Proposed Rule 204, which comes out in November 2022.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
Learn more about Liz’s podcast, Next Level Supply Chain Let us know YOUR Predictions for 2022
Let us know YOUR predictions for manufacturing in 2022 by taking part in Food Processing’s annual Manufacturing Outlook Survey in November. Give us…
playlist_add
Nov 5, 2021
Predicting the Future of CPG Buyer Behavior Through Artificial Intelligence
In today’s episode, I’m talking with Ryan Powell about how Insite AI is working with food companies and retailers to better understand consumer behavior.
Over the course of 25 minutes, we talk a lot about data. We touch on clean data, predictive modeling, microsegments, ecosystems, and so much more. If you’re in charge purchasing, planning, or predicting, you won’t want to miss this episode. We also address issues relating to the supply chain, including how AI tools like this can help forecast disruptions and how food companies can be better positioned to stay ahead of the game.
Enjoy the episode and be sure you’re signed up for Food Processing’s Daily E-Newsletter, so you can stay in the know about the news impacting the food and beverage industry. Head to foodprocessing.com/newsletters to get on the list for our daily e-newsletter that comes straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Let us know YOUR Predictions for 2022
Let us know YOUR predictions for manufacturi…
playlist_add
Oct 22, 2021
How Bartek Ingredients is Adding Its Touch to the Formulator’s Toolbox
In this special bonus episode, Bartek Ingredients’ Jeff Billig and Matthew Patrick talk about the challenges that formulators and manufacturers encounter when working with pectins.
We kick things off talk talking about Bartek’s focus in the bakery, beverage and confectionery markets as well as how the company, which specializes in malic and fumaric acids helps companies optimize their applications.
We then shift into a conversation about pH and the challenges of producing pectin-based gummy products before rounding out the episode learning more about Bartek’s new buffer salt, Pecmate.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Bartek Ingredients on their website.
Read the full transcript of this podcast episode on the Food Processing website.
playlist_add
Oct 8, 2021
Is Upcycling the Answer to America’s Food Waste Problem?
Did you know that we waste about 40% of our food across the United States and most of that ends up in landfills. Did you also know there is a solution to reduce that much food waste while also making a new product category?
It’s true and it’s called Upcycling. Here to talk about upcycling and how it can benefit people and processors is Kaitlin Mogentale.
Mogentale is the creator and founder of Pulp Pantry, which takes the waste from juiceries and produce companies and turns it into upcycled gold, resulting in Pulp Pantry’s Pulp Chips.
Throughout this episode, we talk about the statistics behind food waste and its impact on people and our planet. We discuss upcycling and how companies and consumers are responding to it, while ending the episode talking about the potential for this newer product category.
Enjoy the episode.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here.
Kaitlin Mogentale was recently featured on our website as one of our Entrepreneurs to Watch, which…
playlist_add
Oct 1, 2021
Insights Reveal Ripe Opportunity Areas For Plant Proteins
What’s satiating, healthy, earth-friendly and becoming more popular with consumers with each passing day? If you guessed plant proteins, you’d be right.
In this special bonus episode, Ingredion’s Yadu Dar and Carolyn Phillips are talking about what’s new in plant-based proteins, why consumers are so interested in plant-based food and what Ingredion has found in its proprietary studies that food and beverage manufacturers can use to help differentiate their brands.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Ingredion.
Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
Sep 10, 2021
How Food Processors Can Plan and Prepare for Natural Disaster-Induced Business Interruptions
From atypical deep freezes to hurricanes, floods, and fires, natural disasters can have a significant impact on the food and beverage supply chain. Here to talk about that on this episode of the Food For Thought podcast is Michael Gehrt.
Michael is an insurance recovery attorney and he works with companies to litigate on their behalf against insurance companies. He also offers advice to companies on how to plan and prepare for any business interruptions brought about by natural disasters.
Join us as we talk about what the definition of a natural disaster is – and the answer may surprise you. We talk about different types of policies and coverage as they pertain to food and beverage businesses, as well as how to mitigate the risks associated with operating a business in the event of a disaster.
Enjoy the episode.
Read the full transcript of this episode on the Food Processing Website
playlist_add
Aug 27, 2021
How One Organization is Helping Entrepreneurs in the Wine & Spirits Category Soak Up Collective Wisdom
When we hear about entrepreneurs and startups in the food and beverage industry, the category that often gets lost in the shuffle is one that has the most ‘spirited’ approach to new product development. Here to talk about the untapped market for advising and mentoring the independent brand owners and entrepreneurs in the wine, beer, and spirits category is Taylor Foxman, creator of the Industry Collective.
Launched in 2020, the Industry Collective takes the wisdom of numerous experts around the world in the Beer, Wine, and Spirits category and uses it to advise entrepreneurs, start-ups, and others on how to make the biggest splash into the market.
Throughout the episode, Taylor walks us through why organizations like the Industry Collective are needed in the wine, beer, and spirits category as well as how she’s turning the collective into the ultimate resource for the entire beverage industry.
Learn more about The Industry Collective
Read the Full Transcript of this episode o…
playlist_add
Aug 13, 2021
How America's Biggest Food Companies Felt the Pinch of the Pandemic
Despite all of the pantry stocking and comfort food eating that took place in 2020, sales for the food and beverage industry’s top 100 manufacturers came in at only 1.7% over 2019’s sales figures.
In this episode, Food Processing's Dave Fusaro and Pan Demetrakakes talk with host Erin Hallstrom about the findings in Food Processing's 46th annual list of the top food and beverage processors.
Our Top 100© list for 2021 ranks food and beverage processors based on their sales of value-added, consumer-ready goods that were processed in U.S. and Canadian facilities. Throughout the episode, we talk about how the pandemic impacted many food and beverage processors' bottom lines. We cover issues like labor and lawsuits while wrapping up the episode with our predictions for the rest of 2021.
* Read the analysis of the Food Processing Top 100© for 2021
* Visit the interactive chart that ranks the Top Food Companies for 2021
The interactive chart also serves as a research tool for tho…
playlist_add
Aug 6, 2021
How Ingredion is Helping Processors Increase Options by Reducing Sugar
From reduced sugar intake to increased interest in comfort food, we kick things off talking about consumer trends as they relate to sugar reduction. We then shift into the sweetener options Ingredion has available that can help product developers create products that are indulgent, yet good-for-you. And we wrap things up talking about why is allulose a good tool for sugar reduction.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Ingredion Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
Jul 23, 2021
How Augmented Reality Is Changing The Future of Workforce Training
On today’s episode, we’re talking Taqtile’s Kelly Malone about the realities of mixed reality. Mixed reality is a term that applies to both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality; and while AR and VR are not necessarily new, how manufacturers are able to use these tools on their plant floor is.
During this episode, we’re talking about how manufacturers are able to use mixed reality to train their frontline workers, enhance productivity, improve inspections, onboard new employees, and much more.
And special thanks to the sponsor of this week’s podcast, Yamato.
Learn more about what Yamato can do you for you by visiting their website at Yamatoamericas.com
Read the full transcript of this week's podcast on the Food Processing website.
playlist_add
Jul 16, 2021
How ATS is Helping Food Processors Through a Technology-Driven Approach to Maintenance
As coronavirus kicked into high gear throughout 2020, so too, did the speed at which food and beverage processors had to keep up with demand. As any company knows, high volume production times are the worst time to experience equipment failure. We recently sat down with Jason Kreitz from Advanced Technology Services (ATS) to talk about how ATS is helping food and beverage processors integrate technology into their production.
We cover a wide range of topics including machine maintenance and other MRO challenges, tips for prioritizing upgrades for aging equipment and facilities, machine health monitoring for predictive maintenance, and very importantly, how technology is helping manufacturers push safety to the forefront.
To learn more about this episode's sponsor, Advanced Technology Services, visit www.advancedtech.com.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Jul 9, 2021
Effective Strategies For Stopping Outside Pests from Breaking In
No one likes a pest invasion, especially when you’re running a multimillion-dollar food and beverage operation.
Not only can birds, rodents, and insects be a nuisance, they’re also a food safety issue and a liability. How can you prevent pests from getting in to your facility?
With us on the Food For Thought podcast today are Jerry Heath and Sharon Dobesh of Industrial Fumigant Company (IFC). In this episode, we’re talking all about the strategies to keep outside pests from getting in your facility as well as what you can do if they do get in.
Enjoy the episode.
***
This episode is sponsored by IFC
***
Read the Transcript of this podcast on the Food Processing Website
playlist_add
Jun 25, 2021
How Hackers Are Using Your Control Systems to Launch Cyberattacks
With us on the podcast is Joe Weiss. Joe is an international authority on control systems cybersecurity as well as a Managing Partner at Applied Control Solutions.
In the next 30 minutes, Joe walks us through some of the biggest threats to the US Food Industry’s cybersecurity, including ransomware and other kinds of cyber attacks.
We talk about the methodology and intent behind most cyber-attacks while also digging into the smallest entry-point that can do the biggest damage.
Check out Joe's blog, Unfettered
Read the transcript on the Food Processing website.
playlist_add
Jun 18, 2021
How IFC is Helping Processors with Their Microbial Decontamination Needs
We have an information-packed episode on the books today. Join us as we talk to Leonard Mongiello, Business Development and Sales Manager for the Industrial Fumigant Company (IFC) about microbial decontamination, bioremediation, and a host of other safety and sanitation issues all food and beverage processors deal with.
We also talk about how IFC helps processors stay food and plant safe with its ProClean service line.
Visit the IFC website to learn more about all of their services
Learn more about the ProClean service line
Unsure about an Integrated Pest Management program? Get your questions answered during this upcoming webinar: Prevention, Control and Integrated Pest Management Strategies. Sign up now for IFC’s August Webinar
playlist_add
Jun 11, 2021
Ingredion’s Full System Approach to Formulation
As every food and beverage manufacturer knows, there are a lot of decisions that go into developing a new food or beverage product. Texture, mouthfeel, and taste, are only the beginning. From certifications to verifications, sometimes it helps to have a little guidance from ingredient experts.
In this special Bonus Episode, we’re talking with Corie Beyers and Kara Selgrade of Ingredion about new product innovation – including the influx of plant-based products – as well as how Ingredion is working with manufacturers to help them formulate better and faster.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Ingredion Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
Jun 4, 2021
How Van Drunen Farms is Truly Serving Its Customers
How closely do you follow the USDA's Dietary Guidelines in your own life? Are you consuming enough fruits and vegetables? In today's special bonus episode of the Food For Thought podcast, we're talking with Brendan Kesler, an innovation strategist with Van Drunen Farms about that very topic.
Listen in as we talk about the evolution of Americans' eating habits, especially as they relate to fruits and vegetables. We take a deeper dive into why consumers struggle to get their recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies as well as learning more about the TruServ program that Van Drunen Farms is introducing to help make sure we're all getting the nutrients we need.
Learn more about Van Drunen Farms
Read the transcript of this episode on Food Processing.
playlist_add
May 26, 2021
What Does the Second Half of 2021 Hold For Product Innovation?
Are comfort foods still trending? Why are so many brands doing product-mashups? And is plant-based here to stay? We answer those questions and more during this episode of the Food For Thought podcast.
In this episode, we’ve got Arwen Kimmell, Director of Innovation Marketing at JPG Resources helping us predict what product innovation will look like for the rest of 2021 and into 2022. You won’t want to miss this episode because we break down the what, the why, and even the when of food and beverage product innovation for the next year.
Learn more about JPG Resources
Read the full transcript on Food Processing
playlist_add
May 21, 2021
Ingredion’s Full Circle Approach To Holistic Value
With me on the podcast today are Ingredion’s Ramesh Thiyagarajan, Carolyn Phillips, and Kelly D'Amico.
In this episode, we're talking about a new program Ingredion is rolling out called 360 Value. In fact, this podcast might be the very first time you're hearing about it. Listen in over the next 15 minutes as we talk about what 360 Value is, why it's important, and how it benefits food manufacturers and the consumers they serve.
Within this episode, we take a deeper dive into consumer insights including topics such as health benefits, well-being, sustainability, and value. We also discuss how Ingredion helps its customers deliver environmentally-friendly products as well as what the company can do to help processors reduce costs or to be more profitable.
Learn more about this episode's sponsor, Ingredion
Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
How Your Super’s Approach to Product Development Helped it Grow a Healthy Following
In this episode of the Food For Thought podcast, we talk to Kristel de Groot about Your Super’s consumer-centric approach to product development. From the company’s very personal beginning to its current status as certified B-Corp wellness brand, Your Super’s Co-Founder Kristel walks us through how the company finds its inspiration for launching new products. We also talk about funding, COVID, and what advise Kristel has for up-and-coming brands wanting to make a name for themselves.
Learn more about Your Super at yoursuper.com
Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
May 7, 2021
Debugging Transportation & Food Safety Issues with IFC
We recently talked to Pamela Peckman and Sharon Dobesh of Industrial Fumigant Company (IFC) to gain a better understanding of the pest control issues that can arise during food and beverage transportation.
During the next 20 minutes we talk about common pests found in shipping as well as regulations surrounding sanitation and pest-free shipping. Stick around until the end, where we discuss preventative measures food facilities can take as well as specific ways IFC can help food and beverage processors with their pest management programs.
This episode is sponsored by IFC
Read the full text of the transcript on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Apr 23, 2021
How PepsiCo is Helping Female Founders Find Funding in Food & Beverage
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Devaunshi Mahadevia, Director of Global Marketing for SunChips and the Global Lead on WomanMade, about how PepsiCo’s WomanMade program is supporting the economic advancement of women in the food system.
We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, including why programs like WomanMade are needed, how it’s helping female food founders, as well as how PepsiCo’s Food For Good Program is helping to fight childhood hunger while also supporting women-led small businesses.
Learn more about the WomanMade Community on Hello Alice.
Learn more about the Food For Good program.
Read the full transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Apr 9, 2021
How Do We Solve the Food Industry's Supply Chain and Skills Gap Issues?
On the podcast this week is Robert Hersh, National Managing Principal in Manufacturing and Food and Beverage for Grant Thornton. Throughout the next half-hour, we talk about the results of the firm’s 2020 Digital Supply Chain Survey as well touching upon Food Processing’s own 2021 Capital Spending Outlook.
We cover a lot of ground in 30 minutes, including talking about how food and beverage processors can become better equipped at assessing supply chain risk as well as discussing how digitalization and other technologies are playing a significant role in the future of the food and beverage workforce.
Read the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website.
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2021
Operating Under Pressure With Kaeser Compressors
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Food For Thought Podcast. We recently sat down with Kaeser Compressors’ Bill Kemph, Neil Mehltretter, and Michael Camber to talk about the company’s custom enclosed compressed air systems.
A global leader of compressors, blowers, and vacuums, Kaeser Compressors designs and builds compressed air solutions that help facilities optimize and improve their operations. In addition to installing equipment, Kaeser also provides customized solutions—including prebuilt compressor rooms—that food and beverage processors can drop in right next to their facility or plant.
In this episode, we talk about service, reliability, benefits and costs of a Kaeser Compressed Air Solution as well as reasons why a processor might consider moving their air system outside of their plant.
This episode is sponsored by Kaeser Compressors
Read the full transcript on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Mar 26, 2021
The Family Legacy’s Leading Ladies
What does it take to keep a 141-year old meat processing company thriving in Rochester, New York? We’ve got that answer and more in this episode of the Food For Thought Podcast. Today’s guest is Julie Camardo. She’s the CEO and fifth-generation owner of Zweigle's, a meat processing company based out of Rochester.
In the next half-hour, we cover a lot of ground. We talk about what it was like growing up in the family business, and how she—and the company—give back to the Rochester community in ways you won’t believe. We also talk about what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated field and how the women who came before her helped pave the way to make Zweigle's the certified women-owned business it is today.
Read the transcript on Food Processing
playlist_add
Mar 12, 2021
The Fundamentals of Food & Beverage Funding
Have you ever wondered what venture capital firms look at when considering whether or not to fund a food and beverage start-up?
Sarah Foley, Partner at SWAT Equity Partners is giving us the low-down on food and beverage funding. In the next 30 minutes, we talk about trends, sustainability, why SPACs are seeing a resurgence, as well as providing actionable advice for anyone considering launching their own food and beverage brand.
Read the full transcript on Food Processing
Learn more about SWAT Equity Partners
playlist_add
Mar 5, 2021
On the Move with Cablevey Conveyors
In this Special Bonus Episode, Cablevey Conveyors’ Karl Seidel sits down with Food Processing’s Food For Thought Podcast to talk about the powerful, yet gentle, way to move materials around your facility.
Cablevey Conveyors is a tubular drag conveyor manufacturer that has design, engineer, and service enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for almost 50 years and in more than 65 countries. In this episode, we're talking about conveyor systems and how Cablevey Conveyors works with manufacturers to ensure materials are moved from Point A to Point B in a safe, efficient, and clean way.
Listen as we discuss the types of materials Cablevey Conveyors can handle, how the company helps manufacturers move materials in clean and sanitized ways, as well as how they work with processors to ensure everything fits within the building envelope.
This episode was sponsored by Cablevey Conveyors
Enjoy this special bonus episode.
playlist_add
Feb 26, 2021
The Risks & Rewards of Being A CPG Entrepreneur
We’re continuing our conversation about CPG entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk to Dr. James Richardson about the risks and rewards of growing a CPG brand, in particular the risks entrepreneurs should—and shouldn’t—take as well as what it means to be memorable versus unique.
Learn more
* Learn more about his book Ramping Your Brand
* Learn more about his company, Premium Growth Solutions
Read more
* Read ore listen to Part 1 of the CPG Entrepreneurship series: A CPG Entrepreneur's Guide to Growth
* Read the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing
playlist_add
Feb 12, 2021
A CPG Entrepreneur's Guide to Growth
In today's episode, we're talking to Dr. James Richardson.
Richardson is a Ph.D, a cultural anthropologist, and the author of Ramping Your Brand. Through his company, Premium Growth Solutions, he helps CPG entrepreneurs create strategic plans to achieve exponential growth.
In this episode, we talk about why entrepreneurs want to grow fast and set unrealistic forecasts as well as the mistakes that CPG entrepreneurs repeatedly make.
Learn more about his book Ramping Your Brand
Learn more about his company, Premium Growth Solutions
Read the full transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website
playlist_add
Jan 22, 2021
The Mother of All Food And Beverage Disruptors
What do you get when you pair up a food scientist with a passion for infant nutrition and a cellular biologist with a passion for novel applications of cell culture technology? You get Biomilq, one of the latest disruptors in the food and beverage space.
Launched in 2020, Biomilq is aiming to change the way we think about infant nutrition. The small company out of North Carolina is on a mission to produce cultured breastmilk that offers supplemental nutrition to mother’s milk with the convenience of formula.
For the next half hour, listen as CEO and Co-Founder Michelle Egger and our host talk about how the BIOMILQ team is changing the way we think about infant nutrition. We talk about the science, the safety, and the strategies behind this revolutionary approach to cultured food. We also tackle the topics of funding, naysayers, and how to know you're on the right track with your product.
Read the full transcript on FoodProcessing.com
Learn more about Biomilq
playlist_add
Jan 8, 2021
What Will 2021 Have in Store for The Food and Beverage Industry?
On our Season 2 opener, the Food Processing team has gone into forecast mode. Listen in as Editor in Chief Dave Fusaro and Senior Pan Demetrakakes talk about what we can expect in the food and beverage industry in 2021.
Throughout the next half-hour we talk about what trends we can expect to play out this year as well as how COVID-19 and a new Presidential administration will continue to impact the industry as a whole.
Read the full transcript on our website, and catch up with the latest news and trends in the food and beverage industry on FoodProcessing.com.
playlist_add
Nov 15, 2020
Manufacturing the Food & Beverage Workforce
According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 40% of employees leave their job within the first year unless they receive training and education from their employer. Meanwhile 74% of employees feel that they're not reaching their full potential unless they receive training from their employer. Where does that leave employees… and employers for the future of food and beverage?
In this episode, we talk Andy Drennan, senior vice president at the Food Processing Suppliers Association about its 180 Skills training program. We also talk about vocational skills, soft skills, and how the food and beverage industry can attract new talent.
Learn more about FPSA's 180 Skills Program
Read the full transcript of this recording on FoodProcessing.com
playlist_add
Nov 1, 2020
Formulating Flavor Trends for 2021
How do you predict what new flavors will be trending when your forecast calls for homebound with a chance of COVID?
In this podcast episode I talk to Dax Schaefer, Corporate Chef and Director of Culinary Innovation, for Asenzya. Join our fun and informative conversation about what 2021 has in store for formulation and flavor trends. Enjoy the episode and make sure you head to FoodProcessing.com to see what else is in store for the food and beverage industry in 2021. as we feature experts in Food Safety, Plant Safety, Product Development, and much more.
Learn more about Asenzya by visiting www.asenzya.com
playlist_add
Oct 16, 2020
How Ocean Spray is Rethinking Product Innovation
When you think about innovation and new product development, does Ocean Spray come to mind? You might be thinking “how can anyone innovate a cranberry?” In this episode of Food For Thought, we talk to Rizal Hamdallah, Chief Growth Officer for Ocean Spray Cranberries, about how this 90-year old cooperative is changing the way we think about health and wellness.
Learn more about Ocean Spray Cranberries
Read the transcript on FoodProcessing.com
playlist_add
Oct 1, 2020
How Mobile Technology is Taking the Sting Out of Corporate Communication
This week I sat down with Daniel Sztutwojner chief customer officer and co-founder of Beekeeper. During this episode, we talk about how food processing companies have used the tool to keep their employees updated on processes and procedures—including COVID-specific logistics. We also discuss how mobile technology is actually helping companies become safer and more efficient.
playlist_add
Sep 17, 2020
Mary’s Gone Crackers: Small, Nimble and Outside of the Box
2020 R&D Team of the Year Winner Mary’s Gone Crackers is a small, Nevada-based CPG company doing really big things. In this episode, we talk about how the Nevada-based company leverages its small size to do big things as well as what the company is doing to produce products that are not only good for the body, but good for the planet too.
Read more about Mary's Gone Crackers' R&D Award on Food Processing.
playlist_add
Sep 3, 2020
How Do We Build the Next Generation of Food Industry Leaders?
If you could train someone to be a better leader, would you do it? The University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food Systems Leadership Program is helping students evolve into the leaders the food and beverage industry needs. In this episode, learn what the IFSL program is and listen to one of its co-horts talk about what she’s learned and how her employer is reaping the benefits.
Learn more about the University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food Systems Leadership Program
Read the transcript of this podcast on FoodProcessing.com
playlist_add