Food Processing’s Food For Thought Podcast

1. 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 t

Sep 27,2023 27:12

2. 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

Aug 16,2023 16:28

3. 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.

Aug 09,2023 24:06

4. 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 pat

Aug 02,2023 12:14

5. 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.

Jul 19,2023 28:11

6. 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.

Jun 30,2023 05:31

7. The World’s First Flavor Enhancing Sweetener

Today’s episode is sponsored by Silky Smooth MicroCreamery, the creators of SilkySweetNecessity 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

Jun 14,2023 09:12

8. 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 SolutionsRead the transcript of this episode on the Food Processing website

Jun 07,2023 06:37

9. 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

May 17,2023 08:00

10. 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 descriptio

May 10,2023 21:39

11. 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 Hörman

May 03,2023 11:47

12. 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 you

Apr 26,2023 26:27

13. 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 So

Apr 19,2023 07:42

14. 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 beve

Apr 12,2023 13:53

15. 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 ap

Apr 05,2023 11:24

16. 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 cours

Mar 22,2023 09:50

17. 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

Mar 08,2023 30:01

18. 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 o

Feb 22,2023 21:29

19. 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 a

Feb 08,2023 15:05

20. 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 tha

Jan 25,2023 19:59

21. 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

Jan 11,2023 30:05

22. 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

Dec 02,2022 28:22

23. 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.

Nov 18,2022 20:30

24. 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 mon

Nov 11,2022 14:04

25. 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

Nov 04,2022 32:06

26. 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’

Oct 28,2022 23:43

27. 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

Oct 21,2022 22:01

28. 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 he

Oct 14,2022 17:59

29. 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 prog

Sep 23,2022 20:04

30. 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 mac

Sep 16,2022 18:06

31. 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 chal

Sep 09,2022 19:07

32. 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

Sep 02,2022 13:33

33. 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 fo

Aug 26,2022 27:36

34. 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 tra

Aug 19,2022 17:01

35. 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 competi

Aug 12,2022 08:25

36. 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

Aug 05,2022 31:05

37. 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 dow

Jul 13,2022 17:13

38. 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

Jul 08,2022 17:50

39. 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 t

Jun 24,2022 20:24

40. 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.T

Jun 17,2022 25:58

41. 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,

Jun 10,2022 28:25

42. 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 im

Jun 03,2022 09:38

43. 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 mea

May 27,2022 26:52

44. 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 leve

May 20,2022 16:17

45. 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 packa

May 13,2022 16:16

46. 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 info

May 06,2022 29:26

47. 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

Apr 29,2022 19:41

48. 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 venti

Apr 15,2022 18:45

49. 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

Apr 08,2022 21:58

50. 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 int

Apr 01,2022 25:41

51. 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 cre

Mar 25,2022 25:09

52. 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 p

Mar 11,2022 15:48

53. 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

Feb 25,2022 18:33

54. 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 im

Feb 18,2022 16:59

55. 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 ta

Feb 11,2022 18:24

56. 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 co

Jan 28,2022 30:14

57. 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 we

Jan 14,2022 21:14

58. 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 wo

Nov 19,2021 24:19

59. 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 d

Nov 12,2021 22:21

60. 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 di

Nov 05,2021 26:58

61. 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 produc

Oct 22,2021 15:50

62. 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,

Oct 08,2021 31:00

63. 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

Oct 01,2021 13:26

64. 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

Sep 10,2021 33:33

65. 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

Aug 27,2021 27:06

66. 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

Aug 13,2021 24:28

67. 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, IngredionRead the full transcript of this episode on Food Processing

Aug 06,2021 14:07

68. 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.

Jul 23,2021 21:05

69. 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 othe

Jul 16,2021 17:08

70. 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 facilit

Jul 09,2021 30:30

71. 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,

Jun 25,2021 37:56

72. 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 ab

Jun 18,2021 19:35

73. 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 work

Jun 11,2021 13:30

74. 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 amou

Jun 04,2021 35:02

75. 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 bever

May 26,2021 21:27

76. 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 i

May 21,2021 11:31

77. 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

May 14,2021 16:31

78. 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 proc

May 07,2021 19:43

79. 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 sm

Apr 23,2021 10:55

80. 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 digitalizati

Apr 09,2021 24:04

81. 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 pre

Apr 02,2021 27:07

82. 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 wa

Mar 26,2021 31:53

83. 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 ProcessingLearn more about SWAT Equ

Mar 12,2021 37:34

84. 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

Mar 05,2021 16:20

85. 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 moreLearn more about his book Ramping Your BrandLearn more about his company, Premium Growth SolutionsRead moreRead ore listen to Part 1 of the CPG Entrepreneurship series: A CPG Entrepreneur's Guide to GrowthRe

Feb 26,2021 28:41

86. 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 BrandLearn more about his

Feb 12,2021 23:40

87. 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

Jan 22,2021 31:19

88. 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 an

Jan 08,2021 35:09

89. 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 t

Nov 15,2020 33:48

90. 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 Fo

Nov 01,2020 32:21

91. 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

Oct 16,2020 30:06

92. 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.

Oct 01,2020 17:08

93. 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.

Sep 17,2020 14:21

94. 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 ProgramRead the transcript of this po

Sep 03,2020 13:39

95. Good Foods Remains Safe Under Pressure

Food For Thought Podcast host Erin Hallstrom talks to 2020 R&D Team of the Year Winner Good Foods' Katie Schmits and Danyel O'Connor about what makes their R&D Team successful, the technology behind their secret weapon- HPP-and how they’ve adapted during COVID-19. Read about Good Foods as one of Food Processing's R&D Teams of the Year on the website: https://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2020/rd-team-good-foodsCheck out Good Foods online: https://goodfoods.com

Aug 24,2020 12:53

Who came out on top in the 2020 Food Processing Top 100©? Erin Hallstrom, Dave Fusaro, and Pan Demetrakakes talk about that and more in this episode of the Food For Thought podcast. Join us as we talk about how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the food and beverage supply chain as well as the future of comfort food. View the Food Processing Top 100© list at https://www.foodprocessing.com/top100Be sure to visit our Green Plant of the Year voting page to cast your votes on the Greenest Plant

Aug 13,2020 23:50

97. How Del Monte Foods Transformed Tradition into Start-Up

Del Monte Foods, one of the winners of Food Processing’s 2020 R&D Teams of the Year, has a long history of producing vegetables for the masses. The company has undergone a change in the last few years that combines authenticity with agility. Learn how the original purveyors of the plant food movement have changed the way we know vegetables... and product development. Learn more about Del Monte Foods' R&D Team

Jul 23,2020 17:12

98. Introducing the Food For Thought Podcast

In our inaugural podcast episode, host Erin Hallstrom talks to Food Processing’s Dave Fusaro and Pan Demetrakakes about one of the most important topics impacting food and beverage manufacturers right now: coronavirus. We talk about the devastating impacts the virus is having on the industry. Dave walks us through how processors are adapting to serve the ‘at home’ consumer and we contemplate what the future of food processing looks like and how automation might play a role.

Jul 05,2020 15:20

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