The Food Institute Podcast

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the fast-casual dining sector's surprisingly strong start to 2025.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine how major retailers like Walmart and Target are responding to the tariff situation.

Just how difficult is it to scale a better-for-you snack company? Rebecca Brady, founder and CEO of Top Seedz, shares how she turned a homegrown idea into a rapidly scaling snack brand and breaks down the strategy behind her growth, from bootstrapping production to landing national retail partnerships. More about Rebecca Brady: Rebecca grew up in New Zealand, where she spent her childhood playing sports and enjoying the outdoors. She studied Marketing and Management at Victoria University before spending ten years working across various companies in Singapore, including six years at Hewlett-Packard. She then moved to Japan, where she lived for another decade while raising her children. In 2015, Rebecca and her family relocated to Buffalo, NY. After facing challenges re-entering the workforce due to a career gap, she started her own business, Top Seedz, creating healthy, seed-based snacks. Rebecca serves on the board of the Darwin Martin House and enjoys playing squash, pickleball, and golf in her free time. More about Top Seedz: Based in Buffalo, NY, Top Seedz has been making hand-made seed crackers and roasted seeds since 2017. All products are organic, gluten free, vegan and Kosher. Top Seedz products are insanely delicious and are made from a range of seeds including pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, flax, chia and hemp seeds. Rebecca Brady, a New Zealander, had always baked them as snacks to have on-hand for her family to enjoy. Together with her family, she moved to the U.S. in 2015, unable to find a job, in 2017 she started selling her products at a farmers market. From there she grew the business and Top Seedz can now be found in over 3,000 stores across the U.S. The crackers can be served with your favorite cheese, hummus or spread and the roasted seeds are perfect atop yogurt, salad or by the handful. Their products are filled with wholesome ingredients and have a slew of good-for-you benefits, created on the belief that good food equals good performance. Learn more at: https://topseedz.com/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine beef's resurgence among male Gen Z consumers.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine rising egg prices and Cal-Maine's reaction to them.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine a parasite - the New World screwworm - that has the ag industry on edge.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examines what's behind record-high U.S. meat sales of late. 

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Gen Alpha's favorite current brands, according to a new survey.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the surprisingly strong U.S. spending that's occurring ahead of the Easter holiday.

This Episode is Sponsored by: RSM US LLP It's tariff time, and companies the world over are working to better understand how their operations will be impacted. Jodi Ader from RSM US LLP joined The Food Institute Podcast to discuss which products and inputs are currently subject to tariffs, and how to best mitigate supply chain risks. More about Jodi Ader: Jodi Ader is an international tax senior manager with over 25 years of experience in international trade. She is well-positioned to assist corporations in planning and creating world-class compliance operations and food safety programs. She has substantial experience in import, export control and sanction matters, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. E-mail Jodi: jodi.ader [at] rsmus.com Find Jodi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-ader-ba05b23/ More about RSM US LLP: RSM US LLP, has a robust practice supporting food and beverage brands across worldwide with a wide range of audit, tax and consulting services. The clients we serve are the engine of commerce and economic growth, and we are focused on developing leading professionals and services to meet their evolving needs in today's ever-changing business environment. RSM US LLP is part of RSM International, a global network of independent firms with 64,000 people across 120 countries. For more information, visit https://rsmus.com/, or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/rsmusllp) and/or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-us-llp/).

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine pay increase demands by restaurant workers ... and why they show no signs of slowing.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the outlook of vertical farming in the wake of a noteworthy bankruptcy filing.

This Episode is Sponsored by: CBIZ Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and inflation are all weighing on the food and beverage industry and consumers alike, but what can industry leaders do to persevere amid uncertainty? Lou Biscotti from CBIZ's Food and Beverages Services Group shares his insights on The Food Institute Podcast. More about Louis Biscotti: Louis Biscotti is the national leader of CBIZ's Food and Beverage Services group. He has been an entrepreneurial leader in accounting for over 40 years. Mr. Biscotti has focused his efforts on improving his clients' growth and profitability and has guided many companies in their development from small emerging entities into organizations worth hundreds of millions of dollars. While his clients represent a variety of industries, he is particularly well known for his work in manufacturing and distribution, especially with food and beverage companies. An active member of many local chambers of commerce, Mr. Biscotti served as a trustee for the Foundation for Accounting Education and was a board member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA). He is a former president of the Accounting Circle and an Executive Advisory Board member of St. John's, his alma mater, and Molloy College. He also serves on the advisory boards for many of his clients, where the cumulative experience of his 40 years in practice and work with nearly 1,000 companies gives those clients an invaluable edge. More about CBIZ: As of November 2024, Marcum LLP is now a part of CBIZ. Our Food & Beverage Services group has the perfect recipe of knowledge and service capabilities to help you stay flexible. Our professionals provide the accounting, tax, and consulting services so that you can concentrate on the growth of your business. Just as our service capabilities are diverse, so, too, are the types of food and beverage clients we serve, including distributors and manufacturers, importers, restaurant chains, processors and packaging, agribusinesses, and retailers. CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE:CBZ) is a leading professional services advisor to middle market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help you anticipate next steps and accelerate growth. Learn more: https://www.cbiz.com/accounting-tax/industries/retail/food-beverage

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the restaurant industry's increasing acceptance of AI to increase efficiency.

More about Dorothy Carlow: Dorothy Carlow is the Chief Executive Officer of Mother's Market and Kitchen, a leading Southern California-based grocery retail chain known for its commitment to elevating the health  and wellness of the communities it serves. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, strategic growth, and operational innovation, Dorothy has played a pivotal role in transforming Mother's Market into a dynamic, neighborhood-focused health destination. Under her leadership, the company has embraced cutting-edge technologies, forged strategic partnerships, and optimized its store formats to drive significant growth and enhance shareholder value.   Prior to her appointment as CEO, Dorothy served as Chief Merchandising Officer at OTG and Fairway Market, both New York City based, where she was instrumental in driving revenue, profit, and margin growth. Notably, she played a key role in turning around Fairway Market, reinforcing her reputation as a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.   Dorothy is also deeply committed to empowering women in the retail sector, leading mentorship programs that support the advancement of women into leadership roles across operations, merchandising, and marketing.   She holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from George Washington University. Outside of work, Dorothy is an avid endurance athlete, having completed 12 marathons, numerous half-marathons, and triathlons. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters and staying active, whether running or pursuing other outdoor activities. More about Mother's Market: Mother's Market was founded in 1978 by a passionate group of yogis who believed: health begins with what you eat. They believed that organic eating was not just better for your body, but also better for the planet. Their vision was to create a store that prioritized organic, plant-powered foods along with fresh juicing and delicious organic prepared meals.  The first Mother's Market, a 2,500-square-foot space in Costa Mesa, became a hub for like-minded individuals seeking better food choices and a healthier lifestyle. People traveled from all over Southern California to experience this health oasis where happiness, organic, delicious foods and sustainability were front and center.  Fast forward to today, and Mother's has grown into 11 locations across Southern California, but the heart of the brand remains the same: empowering people to live healthier lives through better food.  Learn more at: https://www.mothersmarket.com/   More about Justin D'Affronte: Justin D'Affronte is a managing director with City National Bank's Food & Beverage Group. Based in Irvine, CA he supports food and beverage industry executives with creative financing solutions and industry intelligence. Working with City National's team of experts, he provides the bank's full range of financial solutions to food and beverage businesses nationwide.  More about City National Bank: City National Bank, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), is the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles. Founded in 1954, City National is a regional bank specializing in Consumer Banking, Wealth Management and Private Banking, Commercial Banking, Entertainment and Sports Banking with branches in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Nashville, Atlanta, Delaware, Las Vegas, Washington D.C. and Miami.* For more information about City National, visit the company's website at cnb.com. *City National Bank does business in Miami and the state of Florida as CN Bank.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the latest debate over SNAP limits on soda.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we discuss the growing trade war between the U.S., China, Canada, and Mexico.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we discuss the latest executive shakeups at a few major F&B brands.

How does one ride the skate ramp in CPG? Dr. James Richardson, author of Ramping Your Brand and owner of Premium Growth Solutions, shares some of the pitfalls many early-stage CPG brands make, and highlights some of the pathways to success. More About Dr. James Richardson: Dr. Richardson is the founder of Premium Growth Solutions, a strategic planning consultancy for emerging consumer packaged goods brands. As a professionally trained cultural anthropologist turned business strategist, he has helped over 150 CPG brands with their strategic planning, including: Dude Wipes, Once Upon a Farm, Dr. Squatch Soap, Trü Frü, Earth Breeze, Dr. Bronner's, Happy Egg, Made Good and many others. James also hosts his own business podcast —Startup Confidential —on YouTube, Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms. And he writes a Substack publication on contemporary social issues — Homo Imaginari — every week. He lives in sunny Tucson, AZ with his family and dogs. His thoughts have appeared in Inc Magazine, Business Insider, Food Business News, and numerous business podcasts. Premium Growth Solutions Website: https://www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com/ Services: https://www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com/services/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/premiumgrowthsolutions/# Riding the Ramp The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Ramping-Your-Brand-Killer-Growth-ebook/dp/B0DT2M873N

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the current state of the U.S. consumer.

This Episode is Sponsored By: Tibersoft When it comes to data in the food-away-from home sector, what are the major challenges and opportunities companies are facing today? Tibersoft's Chris Hart joined The Food Institute Podcast to discuss how collaboration and data interoperability will be a key theme for the foodservice sector in the years to come. More About Chris Hart: Chris Hart is the President of Tibersoft, where he has been a key leader since 1998. With a deep passion for the foodservice industry that began with his first job, Chris has been instrumental in driving Tibersoft's growth from a startup to an industry leader. A visionary in product development and technology, he has played a central role in creating innovative solutions tailored to the foodservice supply chain. More About Tibersoft: Tibersoft's industry-leading foodservice optimization performance (FPO) software solutions deliver actionable insights for growth. Tibersoft provides transaction-verified, location-level visibility into foodservice data, allowing manufacturers to make strategic decisions that drive sales and improve profitability. To learn more about this Food Institute Member, please get in touch with Tibersoft at Contact Us - Tibersoft: https://www.tibersoft.com/contact-us/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine McDonald's eye-opening Q4 sales decline in the U.S.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the growing appeal of "Galentine's Day" and the lucrative opportunity it presents for restaurants.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Starbucks' latest plans under CEO Brian Niccol.

Amid inflation, restaurants need to get more creative to help bring customers through the door. What exactly can they do to improve traffic? André Moraes of PepsiCo Digital Lab shares how experiences, microinfluencers, and the Local Eats program can help propel restaurants in 2025. More About André Moraes: André leads Digital Marketing in PepsiCo's Global Away from Home division, across all beverage, snack, and food brands. Prior to joining PepsiCo, André worked at both the tech and agency sides of the marketing world - leading consumer strategy and marketing intelligence at Google within the CPG food and beverage sector, as well as heading up some of OMD's global Marketing Sciences efforts. André is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU where he teaches Marketing Analytics to students in the Integrated Marketing masters program. He holds a BS in Finance from Fairfield University, an MS in Digital Marketing from Full Sail University, and is a Fulbright Scholar.   More About PepsiCo: PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo. Visit the PepsiCo Foodservice (now known as Away from Home) LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pepsico-foodservice-/ More About PepsiCo Digital Lab: The PepsiCo AwayFromHome Digital Lab is a first-of-its-kind group built to connect foodservice operators with exclusive PepsiCo solutions and services as well as the companies, services, insights, and solutions best suited for their specific digital growth needs. Powered by extensive proprietary and partner solutions, the Digital Lab is the first offering of its kind from a foodservice manufacturer directly helping operators of all sizes drive traffic, build check size, and develop their digital business – serving everyone from local single location restaurants, to the largest global QSRs. Check out FI Videos Here: https://foodinstitute.com/category/video/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoodInstitute

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we take a closer look at the recent bird flu outbreak in Georgia that could impact international trade.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the possible sale of the popular Crumbl cookie chain.

How does a coffee brand pivot into honey? The answer might make more sense than you originally believed. Jessica Padula, Nespresso USA's vice president of marketing and head of sustainability, returns to discuss the company's sustainability efforts and how her dual roles in marketing and sustainability inform each other and improve the company. More About Jesssica Padula: Jessica Padula is the Vice President of Marketing and Head of Sustainability at Nespresso USA, leading the brand in its marketing, communications, advertising and sustainability efforts to further its mission of leveraging coffee as a force for good. As VP of Marketing, Jessica oversees Nespresso's product and portfolio, brand campaigns and activations, customer relationship management and B2B shopper marketing in the U.S. market. Jessica led the rollout of an expanded iced portfolio and the brand's smallest and most affordable Vertuo machine ever, the Vertuo Pop+, to reach a new generation of coffee drinkers. As the brand continues its regenerative agriculture efforts, Jessica recently spearheaded the pilot of the Nespresso Bloom range, including Nespresso Coffee Blossom Honey and Master Origins Colombia Ready to Drink Coffee. As sustainability lead in the U.S., she advances circularity, climate and community-centered efforts aligned with Nespresso's B Corp certification and brand values. Jessica has overseen the brand's expansion of curbside recycling across the five boroughs of New York City and into Jersey City. She also facilitates meaningful nonprofit partnerships with local organizations aligned with issues important to Nespresso employees and customers, including The Ali Forney Center, American Forests and Project Healthy Minds. Jessica joined Nespresso USA in 2016 as Social Media Manager. When she joined, she brought a unique combination of luxury, CPG and F&B experience, having worked on brands such as Swarovski, Horizon Organic, Pantene, COVERGIRL and Downy. She's a consistent champion of digital innovation, implementing tools such as the Opal CMS and Comms Hub, and bringing a branded Nespresso presence to platforms like Twitch and Reddit for the first time.  Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing & Business Law from Boston University. More About Nestle Nespresso SA: Nestlé Nespresso SA is a pioneer and is widely regarded as one of the top references in the field of high-quality portioned coffee. The company works with more than 157,000 farmers in 18 countries through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program to embed sustainability practices on farms and the surrounding landscapes. Launched in 2003 in collaboration with the NGO Rainforest Alliance, the program helps to improve the yield and quality of harvests, ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality coffee and improving livelihoods of farmers and their communities. In 2022, Nespresso achieved B Corp™ certification – joining an international movement of over 9,000 purpose-led businesses that meet B Corp's high standards of social and environmental responsibility and transparency. Headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in 93 markets and has 14,000 employees. In 2023, it operated a global retail network of 791 boutiques. For more information, visit the Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine surging cocoa prices ahead of Valentine's Day.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine a major acquisition in the UK involving chicken chain Wingstop.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine a couple noteworthy strikes among American companies.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine final projections for pre-Christmas spending.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the resurgence of quick-commerce companies promising 10-minute deliveries.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Whole Foods Market's smaller-format stores.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine what retailers can expect during the Black Friday rush this year.

Is it possible to balance a legacy brand and innovative ideas for a food company? Bibie Wu, chief communications and technical development officer with Del Monte, shares how her company respects its past while looking to the future, and how her dual roles in marketing and product development inform each other and improve the company. More About Bibie Wu: Bibie leads marketing, corporate communications, investor relations, environmental, social & governance, and product and packaging R&D for Del Monte Foods' powerful portfolio of brands. She has over 20 years of CPG marketing leadership experience with many well-known and respected brands at General Mills and Campbell's, and laundry and home care at Henkel. Prior to joining the company in 2018, Bibie served as VP of Marketing, Head of Laundry Conditioners and Home Care at Henkel. She was also responsible for Henkel's omni-channel and visual branding departments. She is a graduate of Amherst College and received an MBA from Dartmouth. More About Del Monte Foods: For more than 138 years, Del Monte Foods has been driven by our mission to nourish families with the earth's goodness. As the original plant-based food company, we're always innovating to make nutritious and delicious foods more accessible to consumers across our portfolio of beloved brands, including Del Monte®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Kitchen Basics®, JOYBA®, Take Root Organics™ and S&W®. We believe that everyone deserves great tasting food they can feel good about, which is why we grow and produce our products using sustainable and earth-friendly practices for a healthier tomorrow. Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited (Bloomberg: DELM SP, DELM PM) and is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Del Monte Canada, Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd., Conagra/Productos Del Monte, or Del Monte Panamerican. For more information about Del Monte Foods and our products, please visit www.delmontefoods.com or www.delmonte.com.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Nestle's plans under its new CEO.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the growing popularity of allergen-free candy.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine how the presidential election may impact imports, controversial dietary guidelines, and more.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the growing movement of consumers reducing their sugar intake.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the growing movement of consumers reducing their sugar intake.

FI Fast Break News - Oct. 23, 2024

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine what's next for Walgreens after it announced plans for 1,200 store closures in 2025.

The latest FI Fast Break podcast provides updated details on Hurricane Milton and discusses the latest in automation at U.S. ports.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we update the U.S. dockworker strike, the rash of recent layoffs, and more.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the continuing rice shortage in Asia.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we provide the latest update in the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the string of notable CEO departures of late.

Restaurant results for the second quarter weren't stellar, but people still need to eat. Are they turning to their refrigerators, or are restaurants still on the menu for consumers? Circana Senior Vice President David Portalatin joined The Food Institute Podcast to discuss the makeup of the current restaurant customer amid a rising trend of home-centricity. More about David Portalatin: David Portalatin is a trusted industry advisor who works closely with leading food manufacturers and retailers as well as foodservice distributors, manufacturers, and operators. He shares data and deep expertise on how U.S. consumers eat and drink, their attitudes and motivations, their personal characteristics, and their use of restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Portalatin is also the author of Circana's Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America, a compilation of food and foodservice research. Previously, Portalatin was Circana's analyst in the convenience retailing, automotive aftermarket, and motor fuels industries. Before joining the company in 1999, he held various positions in foodservice wholesale distribution and convenience retailing. Portalatin is a frequent speaker at food and foodservice industry events, corporate conferences, and executive meetings. A recognized industry thought leader, his comments have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other national media outlets. More about Circana: Circana is a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through superior technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data, and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world's leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition. Learn more at www.circana.com. Sign up for The Food Institute's free newsletters: www.foodinstitute.com/newsletters.

In this week's food industry news in 3 minutes, we examine the latest food trends among Gen Z consumers.

In this week's food industry news in 3 minutes, we examine Campbell's eye-opening divestiture.