FoodBev.com Podcast

Hello, and welcome to the ninth episode of our Crunchtime podcast series.  In this episode, we're diving into the digital transformation of the food and beverage industry – and what it really means for food safety. With automation and AI on the rise, the potential to reduce waste, boost efficiency and respond to food safety risks in real time is greater than ever. But what does it take to actually implement these tools on the ground – and where should manufacturers even begin? FoodBev Media's news reporter and digital news editor of Refreshment, Rafaela Sousa, is joined by Julie Vargas, vice president and general manager of identification solutions for Avery Dennison, to explore how digital technologies are creating smarter, safer supply chains and how businesses of all sizes can start unlocking their benefits.

Hello, and welcome to the eighth episode of our Crunchtime podcast series.  This time, we're exploring the impact of the C-Label, for cell-cultivated foods, and the F-Label, for foods made with precision fermentation and other advanced biotech fermentation methods, on the food and beverage industry. These new labels have been introduced by V-Label, the globally recognised certification for vegan and vegetarian products, in recognition of the rapidly advancing food-tech landscape.  FoodBev Media's deputy editor and editor of The Plant Base, Melissa Bradshaw, joins head of V-Label Switzerland, Lubo Yotov, to discuss the significance of the new labels and how they will serve to improve transparency and consumer trust across the F&B sector.    

Welcome to the seventh episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we dive into weight loss management, with the spotlight on a key topic: 'Weight loss drugs: A new solution to the obesity crisis or disaster waiting to happen?'.

Welcome to this FoodBev Media podcast. Today, we're joined by Fabrizio Tardioli, global marketing director of processed food at Diversey F&B, to discuss a critical issue facing the food processing industry: Listeria contamination.

Welcome to The Plant Base's Veganuary Sessions podcast series in celebration of the annual Veganuary movement. Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from across the plant-based food and beverage industry. We're rounding off the 2025 series with part two of our panel discussion on 'The state of the industry,' where we delve deeper into how consumer purchases are evolving, specific issues for the industry to address such as price parity, and how brands can stay resilient in the face of financial challenges. If you missed part one, be sure to give it a listen first here! Meet the experts... Jasmijn de Boo, global CEO, ProVeg International Thomas Swiers, director and head of food and drink, Interpath Advisory Joe Hill, co-founder, One Planet Pizza Alice Pilkington, global principal food and beverage analyst at Mintel    

Welcome to the sixth episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we explore gender equality, with the spotlight on a key topic: 'Creating an inclusive culture in food and beverage companies'.

Welcome to The Plant Base's Veganuary Sessions podcast series in celebration of the annual Veganuary movement. Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from across the plant-based food and beverage industry. This time, we're joined by a panel of expert guests to discuss the state of the plant-based industry and some of the challenges currently faced by businesses in the sector. In part one of this special two-part session, we discuss how the market is faring generally, what's behind some of the sweeping statements we're seeing in the headlines and on social media about the plant-based industry, and what brands should prioritise as the sector continues to evolve. Meet the experts... Jasmijn de Boo, global CEO, ProVeg International Thomas Swiers, director and head of food and drink, Interpath Advisory Joe Hill, co-founder, One Planet Pizza Alice Pilkington, global principal food and beverage analyst at Mintel  

Welcome to The Plant Base's Veganuary Sessions podcast series, returning for January 2025 in celebration of the annual Veganuary movement. Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from across the plant-based food and beverage industry. In our first episode of the year, Melissa speaks with Mark Cuddigan, CEO of British meat alternatives brand, This. They discuss what the plant-based food and beverage industry needs, where the opportunities are, and what's next for This as it starts the year with a brand refresh and exciting new project in the pipeline...

In this latest podcast with FoodBev's Jake Targett, Arik Kaufman, CEO & co-founder of Steakholder Foods, explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of food production. Steakholder Foods is making waves with their industrial-scale 3D-printing technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of food manufacturers and set a new standard in the industry.

Welcome to the fifth episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we explore cocoa, with the spotlight on a key topic: 'Sustainable sourcing within the cocoa supply chain'.

Consumer awareness of health and wellbeing has soared in recent years. In this podcast with FoodBev's Siân Yates – DSM-Firmenich's global head of health benefits and solutions – Martin Mei, explores why its no longer just about removing the ‘bad' but also about adding the ‘good' to what we eat and drink. Martin discusses DSM-Firmenich's role in addressing widespread vitamin and mineral deficiencies worldwide, highlighting nutrient blends that meet manufacturers' needs while satisfying consumer demands. The podcast features key solutions such as DSM-Firmenich's life's Omega range and its award-winning Vertis CanolaPRO. Covering essential health priorities – from tackling fatigue and enhancing performance to improving digestive health and boosting immunity – Martin shares insights on producing healthier products that maximise nutrition without compromising on taste, texture or overall enjoyment.

Welcome to the fourth episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we dive into food allergies, with the spotlight on a key topic: 'Building consumer trust through food allergen labelling and information'.

In this FoodBev Media podcast, Sian Yates sits down with Serena Aboutboul, head of nutrition at Nestlé, to explore an essential yet often overlooked topic – women's health and nutrition.

Welcome to the third episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we explore the broadening appeal of active/sports nutrition products. Join us for an insightful deep dive into the opportunities and challenges currently faced by this rapidly growing sector!

Welcome to the second episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In this episode, we dive into the crucial issue of F&B fraud, focusing on 'Digital technologies to prevent fraud and counterfeit activity in the F&B sector'. Expect a candid discussion filled with insights into food and beverage fraud and how it can be prevented in our second episode!

The 2024 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, held from July 14-17 at Chicago's McCormick Place, attracted over 17,000 food science professionals. With the theme 'Collaboration + Innovation: How Can Food Science and Technology Transform the Food System?', the event showcased groundbreaking advancements in the industry. Listen to our latest FoodBev.com podcast, where we talk to industry professionals on the latest trends at this year's IFT FIRST. Discover what the leading manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and foodtech startups were showcasing. A special thanks to Blommer Chocolate, Givaudan, The Every Company, ICL, TurtleTree, Caldic, Lallemand, Chinova Bioworks and Emsland for the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Crunchtime, an interactive podcast series where you choose the topics and we bring the experts. In our debut episode, we dive into the start-up ecosystem with the spotlight on a key topic: 'How to remain competitive in the start-up space'. Expect a candid discussion filled with insights and actionable, practical advice in our first episode! 

Welcome to The Plant Base's first-ever Veganuary Sessions podcast series, in celebration of the annual movement co-founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land over a decade ago, encouraging consumers to adopt a vegan lifestyle for January and beyond.  Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base magazine, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from within the plant-based food and beverage industry, as well as members of our editorial team here at FoodBev Media. In this final episode, the FoodBev Media editorial team rounds up their favourite of the Veganuary launches for 2024, including new foodservice dishes and retail products. Thank you for tuning into our Veganuary Sessions series! To stay up to date with The Plant Base's news and insights, follow us on our social media channels. https://twitter.com/ThePlantBaseMag https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-plant-base https://www.instagram.com/theplantbasemag/ https://www.theplantbasemag.com/ This podcast series is sponsored by Solina. Click here to download Solina's booklet and discover more insights into the plant-based market.

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Compass Group to acquire CH&CO in £475m deal; IFF partners with Bellona to restore Norway's seaweed forests; ADM names interim CFO amid ongoing investigation; and more.

Welcome to The Plant Base's first-ever Veganuary Sessions podcast series, in celebration of the annual movement co-founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land over a decade ago, encouraging consumers to adopt a vegan lifestyle for January and beyond.  Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base magazine, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from within the plant-based food and beverage industry, as well as members of our editorial team here at FoodBev Media. In this episode, Melissa speaks with Parm Bains, co-founder of the vegan ready meal brand Shicken, and Martin Holden-White, founder of plant-based recipe kit company Grubby. We explore convenience and making plant-based eating easier for consumers, delving into how ready meals and recipe kit innovations can offer consumers a helping hand with getting more plants onto their plates. This podcast series is sponsored by Solina. Click here to download Solina's booklet and discover more insights into the plant-based market.

FoodBev Media's David Echevarría rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including Diageo settles racism dispute with Diddy; Mars opens $42m snack-focused R&D facility in Chicago; Imagindairy acquires new facility, announces manufacturing milestone; and more.

Welcome to The Plant Base's first-ever Veganuary Sessions podcast series, in celebration of the annual movement co-founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land over a decade ago, encouraging consumers to adopt a vegan lifestyle for January and beyond.  Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base magazine, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from within the plant-based food and beverage industry, as well as members of our editorial team here at FoodBev Media. In this episode, Melissa speaks with FoodBev Media's editorial director and editor of FoodBev magazine, Siân Yates, for a brief overview of the current plant-based market. We explore some of the top trends, companies and opportunities for the industry in 2024. This podcast series is sponsored by Solina. Click here to download Solina's booklet and discover more insights into the plant-based market.

South Korean parliament passes bill to ban dog meat trade; Vegan Food Group emerges as powerhouse in plant-based food industry; Bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of invisible microplastic particles, study finds; and more.

Welcome to The Plant Base's first-ever Veganuary Sessions podcast series, in celebration of the annual movement co-founded by Matthew Glover and Jane Land over a decade ago, encouraging consumers to adopt a vegan lifestyle for January and beyond.  Melissa Bradshaw, editor of The Plant Base magazine, hosts this special themed series featuring conversations with special guests from within the plant-based food and beverage industry, as well as members of our editorial team here at FoodBev Media. In this first episode, Melissa speaks with Matthew Glover to discuss the beginnings of the Veganuary movement as well as the current state of the plant-based meat industry and how the Veganuary mission led to his involvement in founding VFC Foods – which has now transformed into a broader entity, Vegan Food Group (VFG). This podcast series is sponsored by Solina. Click here to download Solina's booklet and discover more insights into the plant-based market.

Platinum Equity to buy Horizon Organic and Wallaby from Danone; Nongfu Spring to invest $700m in new facility; Research highlights growing popularity of low- and no-alcohol alternatives; and more

FoodBev Media's Rafaela Sousa rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including Chr. Hansen, Novozymes merger approved, Kerry to acquire lactase enzyme business; UAE's first brewery to open in Abu Dhabi; and more.

FoodBev Media's David Echevarría rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including Global dairy companies join alliance to cut methane at COP28; Nestlé to invest $1.2bn in Brazil; EG Group to sell all of its KFC franchise restaurants; and more

Food Ingredients Europe 2023: In review. Whilst walking the FiE halls, FoodBev spoke with some of the biggest F&B companies to discuss the event and their trend predictions for 2024. Listen to some of the major players' voices here.

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: 7-Eleven International to acquire 7-Eleven Australia for AUD $1.71bn; Müller to sell Milk & More to Freshways Group; Research: Raising frozen food temperature by three degrees can slash carbon emissions; and more.

FoodBev Media's David Echevarría rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including CCEP and AEV sign agreement to buy Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines; Givaudan and Thimus use neuroscience to better understand consumer preference; Danone and Global Methane Hub partner to accelerate methane reduction and more.

FoodBev Media's Rafaela Sousa rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Unilever shares reformulation patents to combat freezer emissions in the ice cream sector; ‘World-first' alternative seafood association launched; Mars acquires British confectionery brand Hotel Chocolat for £534m; and more.  

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Ahold Delhaize USA to sell FreshDirect to Getir; Complaint filed against F&B giants for ‘misleading' recycling claims; Post Holdings' president and CEO to take medical leave of absence; and more.

FoodBev Media's Phoebe Fraser rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Asda completes £2bn EG Group acquisition; Treasury Wine Estates acquires Daou Vineyards for $900m; Keurig Dr Pepper to distribute Electrolit in the US; and more.

FoodBev Media's Siân Yates rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Ukraine says Black Sea corridor is working after suspension claims; Nestlé to close baby formula plant in Ireland, risks 540 jobs; Nichols announces changes to board; and more. 

FoodBev Media's David Echevarría rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: A2 Milk and Synlait Milk enter Arbitration; Newly Weds Foods to be bought by Redwood Holdings for $4bn – Reuters; EU set to ban products made with forced labour; and more.

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Nolet offers €269.5m for Lucas Bols; Hostess received $33 per share cash offer before JM Smucker Deal; Bunge shareholders approve Viterra acquisition; and more.

FoodBev Media's Rafaela Sousa rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Single-use plastic cutlery ban comes into force in England; Mondelēz finalises sale of gum business to Perfetti Van Melle; Infarm's Dutch branch declared bankrupt; and more.

FoodBev Media's Phoebe Fraser rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Vitafoods Europe to move to Barcelona from 2025; EU cracks down on carbon neutral claims; JBS begins work on Brazil's first cultivated protein R&D centre; and more. 

FoodBev Media's Sian Yates rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: A2 Milk moves to cancel exclusive agreement with Synlait; Heineken Mexico invests €430m in new brewery; KDP appoints Tim Cofer as COO; and more. 

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Smurfit Kappa and WestRock to merge; Mars announces $1bn roadmap to cut emissions by 50% by 2030; Sean ‘Diddy' Combs wins round in diversity dispute with Diageo; and more.

FoodBev Media's Rafaela Sousa rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Nestlé buys majority stake in Brazilian chocolate maker Grupo CRM; Koa inaugurates “Africa's largest” cocoa fruit factory; Arla Foods Ingredients takes control of MV Ingredients JV as Volac exits; and more.

FoodBev Media's Rafaela Sousa rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Minerva to become Brazil's second-largest beef processor with BRL 7.5bn deal; Labour shortages cost food and drink industry £1.4bn; Anheuser-Busch announces $22.5m investment in Houston brewery; and more.

FoodBev Weekly News Bulletin 25/08/23: Subway acquired by private equity firm Roark; Iceland chairman defies UK laws on infant formula sales; Heineken sells 100% shares in Russian business for €1; and more.

FoodBev Media's Sian Yates rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Aldi to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket; Bacardi labelled “international war sponsor” as Russian business operations continue; Tyson Foods to sell China poultry business; and more. 

FoodBev Media's Gwen Jones rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Campbell Soup announces plans to acquire Sovos Brands for $2.7bn; Tyson Foods to permanently close four more US chicken plants; Adani Enterprise considers exit from $6bn Wilmar venture; and more.

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: AB InBev to cut hundreds of corporate roles in the US; Wendel to sell Constantia Flexibles to One Rock Capital Partners' affiliate; AG Barr CEO Roger White to step down after over 20 years; and more.

FoodBev Weekly News Bulletin 28/07/23: Britvic announces acquisition of Jimmy's Iced Coffee; Kellogg files Form 10 ahead of business separation; Ferrara to acquire Brazilian sweets and snacks company Dori Alimentos; and more.

FoodBev Weekly News Bulletin 21/07/23: Döhler reinforces ingredient portfolio with acquisition of SVZ; Russia ends Black Sea Grain deal and destroys 60,000 tonnes of grain; AG Barr's Boost brand in trademark battle with Britvic's Robinsons; and more. 

FoodBev Media's Gwen Jones rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Monster Beverage wins approval for Bang Energy acquisition; WHO declares aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” but safe to consume in moderation; US Senate calls on FDA to investigate Prime Energy; and more.

FoodBev Media's Siân Yates rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Drinktec and BrauBeviale announce joint venture; Sean ‘Diddy' Combs and Diageo dispute deepens; Monster enters into agreement to acquire Bang Energy's assets; and more.  

FoodBev Media's Melissa Bradshaw rounds up this week's food and beverage news, including: Monster closes in on Bang Energy acquisition; Swire Pacific to sell Swire Coca-Cola USA for $3.88bn; Diageo ends business relationship with Sean 'Diddy' Combs; and more.