Podcasts about food and beverage

Asma Khan is an Indian-born British chef and a social change advocate in the food industry. She joins Google to discuss her book, “Monsoon: Delicious Indian recipes for every day and season,” a masterclass in the flavors of Indian cookery. Originally born in Calcutta, Asma's journey into the culinary world was not straightforward. She initially pursued academia before moving to Cambridge in 1991 to join her husband. Her passion for cooking began mainly to combat homesickness. Asma's culinary career began in earnest in 2012 with a supper club in her home, evolving into a pop-up in a Soho pub and eventually leading to the opening of her restaurant, Darjeeling Express, in June 2017. Her restaurant is known for its unique blend of street food, comfort food from Calcutta, and royal dishes from her Mughlai heritage. The food is cooked by an all-women team who began, like Asma, as home cooks. In addition to her restaurant, Asma gained recognition as the first British chef featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table." Her episode was part of the series' sixth season and nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary section. Business Insider named her number 1 on their 2019 list of the "100 Coolest People in Food and Drink." Asma was also included in TIME 100 as one of the most influential people of 2024. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Points of discussion:1. 2025 Beer Branding Trends Review -Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

So even the people that follow the topic closely are stunned by the digital landscape that engulfs our children, how quickly it evolves, and the potential social cost. Two people in a unique position to explain all this are our guest today, Jeffrey Chester and Kathryn Montgomery, both from the Center for Digital Democracy. Jeff is executive director of the Center, and Kathryn is its research director and senior strategist, as well as professor emerita of communication at American University. Jeff and Kathryn have been pioneers in this work and have been uniquely strong voices for protecting children. Interview Summary Let me congratulate the two of you for being way ahead of your time. I mean the two of you through your research and your advocacy and your organizational work, you were onto these things way before most people were. I'm really happy that you're joining us today, and welcome to our podcast. Kathryn, let me begin with you. So why be concerned about this digital landscape? Kathryn - Well, certainly if we're talking about children and youth, we have to pay attention to the world they live in. And it's a digital world as I think any parent knows, and everybody knows. In fact, for all of us, we're living in a digital world. So young people are living their lives online. They're using mobile phones and mobile devices all the time. They're doing online video streaming. They form their communications with their peers online. Their entire lives are completely integrated into this digital media landscape, and we must understand it. Certainly, the food and beverage industry understand it very well. And they have figured out enormously powerful ways to reach and engage young people through these digital media. You know, the extent of the kids' connection to this is really remarkable. I just finished a few minutes ago recording a podcast with two people involved with the Children and Screens organization. And, Chris Perry, who's the executive director of that organization and Dmitri Christakis who was with us as well, were saying that kids sometimes check their digital media 300 times a day. I mean, just unbelievable how much of this there is. There's a lot of reasons to be concerned. Let's turn our attention to how bad it is, what companies are doing, and what might be done about it. So, Jeff, tell us if you would, about the work of the Center for Digital Democracy. Jeff - Well, for more than a quarter of a century, we have tracked the digital marketplace. As you said at the top, we understood in the early 1990s that the internet, broadband what's become today's digital environment, was going to be the dominant communications system. And it required public interest rules and policies and safeguards. So as a result, one of the things that our Center does is we look at the entire digital landscape as best as we can, especially what the ultra-processed food companies are doing, but including Google and Meta and Amazon and GenAI companies. We are tracking what they're doing, how they're creating the advertising, what their data strategies are, what their political activities are in the United States and in many other places in the world. Because the only way we're going to hold them accountable is if we know what they're doing and what they intend to do. And just to quickly follow up, Kelly, the marketers call today's global generation of young people Generation Alpha. Meaning that they are the first generation to be born into this complete digital landscape environment that we have created. And they have developed a host of strategies to target children at the earliest ages to take advantage of the fact that they're growing up digitally. Boy, pretty amazing - Generation Alpha. Kathryn, I have kind of a niche question I'd like to ask you because it pertains to my own career as well. So, you spent many years as an academic studying and writing about these issues, but also you were a strong advocacy voice. How did you go about balancing the research and the objectivity of an academic with advocacy you were doing? Kathryn - I think it really is rooted in my fundamental set of values about what it means to be an academic. And I feel very strongly and believe very strongly that all of us have a moral and ethical responsibility to the public. That the work we do should really, as I always have told my students, try to make the world a better place. It may seem idealistic, but I think it is what our responsibility is. And I've certainly been influenced in my own education by public scholars over the years who have played that very, very important role. It couldn't be more important today than it has been over the years. And I think particularly if you're talking about public health, I don't think you can be neutral. You can have systematic ways of assessing the impact of food marketing, in this case on young people. But I don't think you can be totally objective and neutral about the need to improve the public health of our citizens. And particularly the public health of our young people. I agree totally with that. Jeff let's talk about the concept of targeted marketing. We hear that term a lot. And in the context of food, people talk about marketing aimed at children as one form of targeting. Or, toward children of color or people of color in general. But that's in a way technological child's play. I understand from you that there's much more precise targeting than a big demographic group like that. Tell us more. Jeff - Well, I mean certainly the ultra-processed food companies are on the cutting edge of using all the latest tools to target individuals in highly personalized way. And I think if I have one message to share with your listeners and viewers is that if we don't act soon, we're going to make an already vulnerable group even more exposed to this kind of direct targeted and personalized marketing. Because what artificial intelligence allows the food and beverage companies and their advertising agencies and platform partners to do is to really understand who we are, what we do, where we are, how we react, behave, think, and then target us accordingly using all those elements in a system that can create this kind of advertising and marketing in minutes, if not eventually milliseconds. So, all of marketing, in essence, will be targeted because they know so much about us. You have an endless chain of relationships between companies like Meta, companies like Kellogg's, the advertising agencies, the data brokers, the marketing clouds, et cetera. Young people especially, and communities of color and other vulnerable groups, have never been more exposed to this kind of invasive, pervasive advertising. Tell us how targeted it can be. I mean, let's take a 11-year-old girl who lives in Wichita and a 13-year-old boy who lives in Denver. How much do the companies know about those two people as individuals? And how does a targeting get market to them? Not because they belong to a big demographic group, but because of them as individuals. Jeff - Well, they certainly are identified in various ways. The marketers know that there are young people in the household. They know that there are young people, parts of families who have various media behaviors. They're watching these kinds of television shows, especially through streaming or listening to music or on social media. Those profiles are put together. And even when the companies say they don't exactly know who the child is or not collecting information from someone under 13 because of the privacy law that we helped get enacted, they know where they are and how to reach them. So, what you've had is an unlimited amassing of data power developed by the food and beverage companies in the United States over the last 25 years. Because really very little has been put in their way to stop them from what they do and plan to do. So presumably you could get some act of Congress put in to forbid the companies from targeting African American children or something like that. But it doesn't sound like that would matter because they're so much more precise in the market. Yes. I mean, in the first place you couldn't get congress to pass that. And I think this is the other thing to think about when you think about the food and beverage companies deploying Generative AI and the latest tools. They've already established vast, what they call insights divisions, market research divisions, to understand our behavior. But now they're able to put all that on a fast, fast, forward basis because of data processing, because of data clouds, let's say, provided by Amazon, and other kinds of tools. They're able to really generate how to sell to us individually, what new products will appeal to us individually and even create the packaging and the promotion to be personalized. So, what you're talking about is the need for a whole set of policy safeguards. But I certainly think that people concerned about public health need to think about regulating the role of Generative AI, especially when it comes to young people to ensure that they're not marketed to in the ways that it fact is and will continue to do. Kathryn, what about the argument that it's a parent's responsibility to protect their children and that government doesn't need to be involved in this space? Kathryn - Well, as a parent, I have to say is extremely challenging. We all do our best to try to protect our children from unhealthy influences, whether it's food or something that affects their mental health. That's a parent's obligation. That's what a parent spends a lot of time thinking about and trying to do. But this is an environment that is overwhelming. It is intrusive. It reaches into young people's lives in ways that make it virtually impossible for parents to intervene. These are powerful companies, and I'm including the tech companies. I'm including the retailers. I'm including the ad agencies as well as these global food and beverage companies. They're extremely powerful. As Jeff has been saying, they have engaged and continue to engage in enormous amounts of technological innovation and research to figure out precisely how to reach and engage our children. And it's too much for parents. And I've been saying this for years. I've been telling legislators this. I've been telling the companies this. It's not fair. It's a very unfair situation for parents. That makes perfect sense. Well, Jeff, your Center produces some very helpful and impressive reports. And an example of that is work you've done on the vast surveillance of television viewers. Tell us more about that, if you would. Jeff - Well, you know, you have to keep up with this, Kelly. The advocates in the United States and the academics with some exceptions have largely failed to address the contemporary business practices of the food and beverage companies. This is not a secret what's going on now. I mean the Generative AI stuff and the advanced data use, you know, is recent. But it is a continuum. And the fact is that we've been one of the few groups following it because we care about our society, our democracy, our media system, et cetera. But so much more could be done here to track what the companies are doing to identify the problematic practices, to think about counter strategies to try to bring change. So yes, we did this report on video streaming because in fact, it's the way television has now changed. It's now part of the commercial surveillance advertising and marketing complex food and beverage companies are using the interactivity and the data collection of streaming television. And we're sounding the alarm as we've been sounding now for too long. But hopefully your listeners will, in fact, start looking more closely at this digital environment because if we don't intervene in the next few years, it'll be impossible to go back and protect young people. So, when people watch television, they don't generally realize or appreciate the fact that information is being collected on them. Jeff - The television watches you now. The television is watching you now. The streaming companies are watching you now. The device that brings you streaming television is watching you now is collecting all kinds of data. The streaming device can deliver personalized ads to you. They'll be soon selling you products in real time. And they're sharing that data with companies like Meta Facebook, your local retailers like Albertsons, Kroger, et cetera. It's one big, huge digital data marketing machine that has been created. And the industry has been successful in blocking legislation except for the one law we were able to get through in 1998. And now under the Trump administration, they have free reign to do whatever they want. It's going to be an uphill battle. But I do think the companies are in a precarious position politically if we could get more people focused on what they're doing. Alright, we'll come back to that. My guess is that very few people realize the kind of thing that you just talked about. That so much information is being collected on them while they're watching television. The fact that you and your center are out there making people more aware, I think, is likely to be very helpful. Jeff - Well, I appreciate that, Kelly, but I have to say, and I don't want to denigrate our work, but you know, I just follow the trades. There's so much evidence if you care about the media and if you care about advertising and marketing or if you care, just let's say about Coca-Cola or Pepsi or Mondalez. Pick one you can't miss all this stuff. It's all there every day. And the problem is that there has not been the focus, I blame the funders in part. There's not been the focus on this marketplace in its contemporary dimensions. I'd like to ask you both about the legislative landscape and whether there are laws protecting people, especially children from this marketing. And Kathy, both you and Jeff were heavily involved in advocacy for a landmark piece of legislation that Jeff referred to from 1998, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. What did this act involve? And now that we're some years in, how has it worked? Kathryn - Well, I always say I've been studying advertising in the digital media before people even knew there was going to be advertising in digital media. Because we're really talking about the earliest days of the internet when it was being commercialized. But there was a public perception promoted by the government and the industry and a lot of other institutions and individuals that this was going to be a whole new democratic system of technology. And that basically it would solve all of our problems in terms of access to information. In terms of education. It would open up worlds to young people. In many ways it has, but they didn't talk really that much about advertising. Jeff and I working together at the Center for Media Education, were already tracking what was going on in that marketplace in the mid-1990s when it was very, very new. At which point children were already a prime target. They were digital kids. They were considered highly lucrative. Cyber Tots was one of the words that was used by the industry. What we believed was that we needed to get some public debate and some legislation in place, some kinds of rules, to guide the development of this new commercialized media system. And so, we launched a campaign that ultimately resulted in the passage of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Now it only governs commercial media, online, digital media that targets children under the age of 13, which was the most vulnerable demographic group of young people. We believe protections are really, really very important for teenagers. There's a lot of evidence for that now, much more research actually, that's showing their vulnerable abilities. And it has required companies to take young people into account when developing their operations. It's had an impact internationally in a lot of other countries. It is just the barest minimum of what we need in terms of protections for young people. And we've worked with the Federal Trade Commission over the years to ensure that those rules were updated and strengthened so that they would apply to this evolving digital media system. But now, I believe, that what we need is a more global advocacy strategy. And we are already doing that with advocates in other countries to develop a strategy to address the practices of this global industry. And there are some areas where we see some promising movement. The UK, for example, passed a law that bans advertising on digital media online. It has not yet taken effect, but now it will after some delays. And there are also other things going on for ultra processed foods, for unhealthy foods and beverages. So, Kathryn has partly answered this already, Jeff, but let me ask you. That act that we've talked about goes back a number of years now, what's being done more recently on the legislative front? Perhaps more important than that, what needs to be done? Well, I have to say, Kelly, that when Joe Biden came in and we had a public interest chair at the Federal Trade Commission, Lena Khan, I urged advocates in the United States who are concerned about unhealthy eating to approach the Federal Trade Commission and begin a campaign to see what we could do. Because this was going to be the most progressive Federal Trade Commission we've had in decades. And groups failed to do so for a variety of reasons. So that window has ended where we might be able to get the Federal Trade Commission to do something. There are people in the United States Congress, most notably Ed Markey, who sponsored our Children's Privacy Law 25 years ago, to get legislation. But I think we have to look outside of the United States, as Kathryn said. Beyond the law in the United Kingdom. In the European Union there are rules governing digital platforms called the Digital Services Act. There's a new European Union-wide policy safeguards on Generative AI. Brazil has something similar. There are design codes like the UK design code for young people. What we need to do is to put together a package of strategies at the federal and perhaps even state level. And there's been some activity at the state level. You know, the industry has been opposed to that and gone to court to fight any rules protecting young people online. But create a kind of a cutting-edge set of practices that then could be implemented here in the United States as part of a campaign. But there are models. And how do the political parties break down on this, these issues? Kathryn - I was going to say they break down. Jeff - The industry is so powerful still. You have bipartisan support for regulating social media when it comes to young people because there have been so many incidences of suicide and stalking and other kinds of emotional and psychological harms to young people. You have a lot of Republicans who have joined with Democrats and Congress wanting to pass legislation. And there's some bipartisan support to expand the privacy rules and even to regulate online advertising for teens in our Congress. But it's been stymied in part because the industry has such an effective lobbying operation. And I have to say that in the United States, the community of advocates and their supporters who would want to see such legislation are marginalized. They're under underfunded. They're not organized. They don't have the research. It's a problem. Now all these things can be addressed, and we should try to address them. But right now it's unlikely anything will pass in the next few months certainly. Kathryn - Can I just add something? Because I think what's important now in this really difficult period is to begin building a broader set of stakeholders in a coalition. And as I said, I think it does need to be global. But I want to talk about also on the research front, there's been a lot of really important research on digital food marketing. On marketing among healthy foods and beverages to young people, in a number of different countries. In the UK, in Australia, and other places around the world. And these scholars have been working together and a lot of them are working with scholars here in the US where we've seen an increase in that kind of research. And then advocates need to work together as well to build a movement. It could be a resurgence that begins outside of our country but comes back in at the appropriate time when we're able to garner the kind of support from our policymakers that we need to make something happen. That makes good sense, especially a global approach when it's hard to get things done here. Jeff, you alluded to the fact that you've done work specifically on ultra processed foods. Tell us what you're up to on that front. Jeff - As part of our industry analysis we have been tracking what all the leading food and beverage companies are doing in terms of what they would call their digital transformation. I mean, Coca-Cola and Pepsi on Mondelez and Hershey and all the leading transnational processed food companies are really now at the end of an intense period of restructuring to take advantage of the capabilities provided by digital data and analytics for the further data collection, machine learning, and Generative AI. And they are much more powerful, much more effective, much more adept. In addition, the industry structure has changed in the last few years also because of digital data that new collaborations have been created between the platforms, let's say like Facebook and YouTube, the food advertisers, their marketing agencies, which are now also data companies, but most notably the retailers and the grocery stores and the supermarkets. They're all working together to share data to collaborate on marketing and advertising strategies. So as part of our work we've kept abreast of all these things and we're tracking them. And now we are sharing them with a group of advocates outside of the United States supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies to support their efforts. And they've already made tremendous progress in a lot of areas around healthy eating in countries like Mexico and Argentina and Brazil, et cetera. And I'm assuming all these technological advances and the marketing muscle, the companies have is not being used to market broccoli and carrots and Brussels sprouts. Is that right? Jeff - The large companies are aware of changing attitudes and the need for healthy foods. One quick takeaway I have is this. That because the large ultra processed food companies understand that there are political pressures promoting healthier eating in North America and in Europe. They are focused on expanding their unhealthy eating portfolio, in new regions specifically Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. And China is a big market for all this. This is why it has to be a global approach here, Kelly. First place, these are transnational corporations. They are creating the, our marketing strategies at the global level and then transmitting them down to be tailored at the national or regional level. They're coming up with a single set of strategies that will affect every country and every child in those countries. We need to keep track of that and figure out ways to go after that. And there are global tools we might be able to use to try to protect young people. Because if you could protect young, a young person in China, you might also be able to protect them here in North Carolina. This all sounds potentially pretty scary, but is there reason to be optimistic? Let's see if we can end on a positive note. What do you think. Do you have reason to be optimistic? Kathryn - I've always been an optimist. I've always tried to be an optimist, and again, what I would say is if we look at this globally and if we identify partners and allies all around the world who are doing good work, and there are many, many, many of them. And if we work together and continue to develop strategies for holding this powerful industry and these powerful industries accountable. I think we will have success. And I think we should also shine the spotlight on areas where important work has already taken place. Where laws have been enacted. Where companies have been made to change their practices and highlight those and build on those successes from around the world. Thanks. Jeff, what about you? Is there reason to be optimistic? Well, I don't think we can stop trying, although we're at a particularly difficult moment here in our country and worldwide. Because unless we try to intervene the largest corporations, who are working and will work closely with our government and other government, will be able to impact our lives in so many ways through their ability to collect data. And to use that data to target us and to change our behaviors. You can change our health behaviors. You can try to change our political behaviors. What the ultra-processed food companies are now able to do every company is able to do and governments are able to do. We have to expose what they're doing, and we have to challenge what they're doing so we can try to leave our kids a better world. It makes sense. Do you see that the general public is more aware of these issues and is there reason to be optimistic on that front? That awareness might lead to pressure on politicians to change things? Jeff - You know, under the Biden administration, the Federal Trade Commission identified how digital advertising and marketing works and it made it popular among many, many more people than previously. And that's called commercial surveillance advertising. The idea that data is collected about you is used to advertise and market to you. And today there are thousands of people and certainly many more advocacy groups concerned about commercial surveillance advertising than there were prior to 2020. And all over the world, as Kathryn said, in countries like in Brazil and South Africa and Mexico, advocates are calling attention to all these techniques and practices. More and more people are being aware and then, you know, we need obviously leaders like you, Kelly, who can reach out to other scholars and get us together working together in some kind of larger collaborative to ensure that these techniques and capabilities are exposed to the public and we hold them accountable. Bios Kathryn Montgomery, PhD. is Research Director and Senior Strategist for the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD). In the early 90s, she and Jeff Chester co-founded the Center for Media Education (CME), where she served as President until 2003, and which was the predecessor organization to CDD. CME spearheaded the national campaign that led to passage of the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) the first federal legislation to protect children's privacy on the Internet. From 2003 until 2018, Dr. Montgomery was Professor of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C., where she founded and directed the 3-year interdisciplinary PhD program in Communication. She has served as a consultant to CDD for a number of years and joined the full-time staff in July 2018. Throughout her career, Dr. Montgomery has written and published extensively about the role of media in society, addressing a variety of topics, including: the politics of entertainment television; youth engagement with digital media; and contemporary advertising and marketing practices. Montgomery's research, writing, and testimony have helped frame the national public policy debate on a range of critical media issues. In addition to numerous journal articles, chapters, and reports, she is author of two books: Target: Prime Time – Advocacy Groups and the Struggle over Entertainment Television (Oxford University Press, 1989); and Generation Digital: Politics, Commerce, and Childhood in the Age of the Internet (MIT Press, 2007). Montgomery's current research focuses on the major technology, economic, and policy trends shaping the future of digital media in the Big Data era. She earned her doctorate in Film and Television from the University of California, Los Angeles. Jeff Chester is Executive Director of the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD), a Washington, DC non-profit organization. CDD is one of the leading U.S. NGOs advocating for citizens, consumers and other stakeholders on digital privacy and consumer protections online. Founded in 1991, CDD (then known as the Center for Media Education) led the campaign for the enactment of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA, 1998). During the 1990s it also played a prominent role in such issues as open access/network neutrality, diversity of media ownership, public interest policies for children and television, as well the development of the FCC's “E-Rate” funding to ensure that schools and libraries had the resources to offer Internet services. Since 2003, CDD has been spearheading initiatives designed to ensure that digital media in the broadband era fulfill their democratic potential. A former investigative reporter, filmmaker and Jungian-oriented psychotherapist, Jeff Chester received his M.S.W. in Community Mental Health from U.C. Berkeley. He is the author of Digital Destiny: New Media and the Future of Democracy (The New Press, 2007), as well as articles in both the scholarly and popular press. During the 1980s, Jeff co-directed the campaign that led to the Congressional creation of the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for public TV. He also co-founded the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression, the artist advocacy group that supported federal funding for artists. In 1996, Newsweek magazine named Jeff Chester one of the Internet's fifty most influential people. He was named a Stern Foundation “Public Interest Pioneer” in 2001, and a “Domestic Privacy Champion” by the Electronic Privacy Information Center in 2011. CDD is a member of the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD). Until January 2019, Jeff was the U.S. co-chair of TACD's Information Society (Infosoc) group, helping direct the organization's Transatlantic work on data protection, privacy and digital rights.

This week the fellas discuss various cocktails and spirits they enjoy, or don't.  Fatty shares his very loose recipie for a what's basically a hillbilly beverage.  Then the group comes up with a plan to make a terrible business plan to introduce a new alcoholic beverage in the market.    Intro and Outro music written and performed by Andrés Rodríguez (Androzguitar). 

Will Murray and Jack Croft are like NO ONE ELSE.Yes, incredible chefs - serving 10/10 BANGING food,But, also GENIUS marketeers,They RIPPED UP the rule book,Zigged when everyone Zagged.Built Fallow, Fowl, Roe to enormously successful restaurants,The World has changed.The way to build a successful restaurant has changed, too.Our conversation shows you how.ON THE MENU:Why Canary Wharf is the Craziest place to open a Restaurant: “lean into site surprises + “adapt to your customers + environment”Why You Must Deliberately put yourself in the shit… “remember at your worst you can still do your best”Cook to Chef to Restauranteur Evolution: “Everything is a positive learning experience” + harness the power of fight or flightWhy Your Job as The Restauranteur is the Orchestrator of Energy “Pick high energy> everything”Customers Sixth Sense Rule: “…customers can just tell when the team is unhappy”900 Cover Sunday‘s Rule = Personal pride + show your team you can get hands dirtyHow to Use Media to get Bums on Seats: the food must meet the expectation and ACTUALLY taste goodWhy negativity is SO EASY, yet, positivity is SO HARD… positivity is the right choiceHow DINNER & Ashley Palmer Watts taught Will & Jack Systems. Systems = Volume + ConsistencyWhy Your Inner Critic is Your Secret Weapon: You're thick skinned because no one is a greater critic than youClucking Off Hour Chicken Wings: Always find creative way to pack out your restuarant.Blue Roll On Brand Rule: constantly look for ways to cut money that's also on brand “conscious creativity”Why Fallow Won't Put Up Their Prices in 2025: just sell more roastsRemember Everyone you admire is doing way more work behind the scenes than you thinkThe Genius Reason Fallow Give Out Free Tequilla Shots to Customers.. Control the Energy”Ruthless Transparency = Radical Trust: Why Fallow tell customers gross margin %'sKeep it Moving. Always Keep It Moving

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

In this conversation, Jen Brush, VP of Innovation and Product at Guayaki, discusses the origins and benefits of Yerba Mate, the evolution of Guayaki's product offerings, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and community. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the beverage market, building brand loyalty, and the exciting transition to the new brand name, Yerba Madre, which reflects the company's mission and heritage. We touch on the brand's commitment to shade-grown Yerba Mate, which takes more time and money but yields a better product and is better for the environment than sun-grown Yerba Mate. Jen also shares her personal journey with Lupus and how it influences her perspective on innovation and the food industry. We then wrap up by talking about the growing tea movement and the importance of a people-centric business model in creating a better world. Takeaways:Yerba Mate is a unique, naturally caffeinated leaf with health benefits.Guayaki, now Yerba Madre, prioritizes sustainability and community relationships.The brand aims to make Yerba Mate accessible to all consumers.Product innovation is guided by consumer preferences and market trends.Building brand loyalty is essential for success in a competitive market.The convenience store channel presents new opportunities for growth.Guayaki's, now Yerba Madre's, bright yellow branding helps it stand out on shelves.The company has a strong community of brand ambassadors.The transition to Yerba Madre reflects the brand's evolution and heritage, and aims to enhance brand recognition.Focus on product quality is key to retaining customers.Shade-grown Yerba Mate is better for the environment and flavor.A people-first approach leads to positive business outcomes.The tea industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation.Personal health experiences can shape professional perspectives.Collaboration and partnerships are key to impact initiatives.Continuous improvement is essential in business practices.Community engagement is vital for a better world.Kindness and empathy can create a positive impact. Sound Bites:"Yerba Mate is a naturally caffeinated leaf.""It has both caffeine and theobromine (found in chocolate), and offers a more smooth form of energy with less jitters and less crash. So it's a magical leaf and tree."“My goal is to create products that have a little bit for everyone. If we're going to drive awareness about our brand, our mission – the devotion we have to our people and our Yerba Mate – we want to meet people where they are, right?”“Our Ambassadors are brand loyalties. They'll tell you that Guayaki has changed their life. Not just the products, but the brand and what we've done and where've we've been.”"Yerba Madre means mother herb in Spanish.""The more the merrier in the Yerba Mate category. We want to build a category and we want more people to know about the magic of Yerba Mate.”"She told me to always lead with yes. And she would say, yes is the answer.”"I think a better world really puts people at the center of what you do and how you think. Be kind and empathetic. I think that that trickles down organically.” Links:Jennifer Brush on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-brush-05a8444/Guayaki, now Yerba Madre - https://yerbamadre.com/Yerba Madre on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yerbamadre/Yerba Madre on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@officialyerbamadreYerba Madre on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinkyerbamadreYerba Madre on Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/OfficialYerbaMadre/Yerba Madre on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yerba-madre/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio Chapters:03:00 - Introduction to Yerba Mate and Guayaki, now Yerba Madre06:05 - The Unique Flavor and Health Benefits of Yerba Mate08:55 - Guayaki's, now Yerba Madre's, Product Evolution and Innovation Strategy12:05 - Navigating the Beverage Market and Retail Challenges15:12 - Building Brand Loyalty and Community Engagement18:02 - The Future of Guayaki: New Branding (Yerba Madre) and Product Launches35:05 - Rebranding and Heritage in Yerba Mate38:31 - Sustainability and Impact Initiatives42:07 - Regenerative Practices and Biodiversity45:09 - People-Centric Business Models52:25 - Personal Insights and Industry Trends60:23 - Advice and Personal Favorites

Founders, please don't swap your PURPOSE for PROZAC.“when you exit…you're drowning in the 3 D's”.“Divorced, Depressed, Dyslexic” - Guy Singh-Watson.Guy breaks ALL the brand building rules Riverford Organic.Famously, told the supermarkets to F*CK OFF. Unapologetically, gave away over 26% of his exit dough BACK to the team. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this poddy!! ON THE MENU:Nature & Brand Building Lessons: Humility + Strength of Diversity + CollectivismWhy Richard Dawkins “Selfish-Gene” is WRONG… “collectivism and collaboration happens in nature….we're not competing all the time”Charles Darwin's “Natural Selection” + Survival of The Fittest Brand “Diversity builds the fittest brand”Founders ACCEPT you have NO CONTROL “…we are just a cork being kicked down the stream” but also ACCEPT you control everythingHow Founders can use their Demons wisely “mental breakdowns are doors to epiphany”Why Creativity is overthinking used positively and Anxiety is overthinking used negativelyWhy Rich People are Tw*ts and Boring CompanyWhy Neo-Liberalism Religion has ruined the world “…money became a proxy for love”Why Self-Love = Accepting you don't HAVE to be perfectWhy Riverford IGNORE all traditional marketing… “the best marketing is DIFFERENT story telling” + NEVER let sales dictate creativeThe Human Condition isn't the Neo-Liberal Meta-Narrative: Macro Neo-Liberal, Micro CollectivistJonathan Hiadts: “90% chimp, 10% Bee” brand building theory

In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Month, we're sitting down with Tara Gilad, a mover and shaker in our food allergy community. Tara is a co-owner and co-founder of the Vitality Bowl Franchise, and we learn more about what inspires her and how she engages with the food allergy community.Resources to keep you in the know:Vitality BowlsAbout Vitality Bowls (Co-founders)Vitality Bowls on Instagram Order the Super Berry Bowl near you throughout May in honor BJ Hom for Food Allergy Awareness Month, and Vitality Bowls will donate to FAACT!You can find FAACT's Roundtable Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Podbay, iHeart Radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube.Sponsored by: GenentechThanks for listening! FAACT invites you to discover more exciting food allergy resources at FoodAllergyAwareness.org!

Points of discussion:1. 2025 Beer Branding Trends Review -Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

Loved this one with Aussie Donnie Troy from Coqfighter.The early stage of the brand building journey is fun.you're so naive,everything is neweverything is freshIt's better than your “…old boring corporate job”But, at some point, it becomes hard.Unimaginably hard.Doubt soars in.Confidence wanesThe joy fades a little.Paul Graham calls it The Trough of SorrowThis episode will help you through Your Trough of SorrowWith a healthy seasoning of marketing, fried chicken and Lynard Skynard “free bird”Huge thanks to my boy for setting this one up.ON THE MENU:Why going ALL IN on your life's work will feel like “Work feels like play but also pain”Nassim Taleb's Barbell strategy for successful fried chicken shop: Micro/Macro, Systems/customer flairZen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: why you need peace from mind vs. peace of mindWhy you must treat every part of your business as a “community”Too Many Stickers Rule: Why Bottom Up Leadership ALWAYS beats Top DownSeth Godin Competitors vs Colleagues Rule: Don't hate your competitorsWhy London is The Best City to Launch a Food & Drink BrandA La Carte Fried Chicken Menu + Alex Smith's Unique Points of Disagreement RuleBrand Building Lessons from Harley Davidson “offer people Status and Affiliation”

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Renee Rubens is the founder of Symphony of Leaves, a luxury tea company rooted in ethical sourcing and sensory sophistication. After decades in global media sales, she followed her passion for tea into a new venture that blends her business savvy with botanical elegance. In this episode, she dishes on premium pu-erh, purposeful partnerships, and proper preparation. What you'll learn about: ✨ Why tea bags are basically dust in a disguise (and what to sip instead)

In this episode we're talking about the food & beverages that surround your dinner service: bar, appetizers, dessert, & maybe late-night bites!Episode Summary:Bar options and pro tips (1:20) Cocktail Hour appetizers & canapés (9:31)Dessert (12:00)Late night bites (13:10)Final thoughts on wedding food and beverage (15:49)Tyler Speier Events WebsiteInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTokFacebook

How Do We Fix Poor Mental Health in Hospitality for Women and the LGTBQ+ community? Zan Kaufman of Bleecker Burger has some thoughts.Intense. Hilarious. Raw.Soul-irking. Thought-twisting conversation with ZahnBleecker Burger.ON THE MENU:Accept your why and purpose will FLUCTUATE as you build your brandYour Circle of Us vs Circle of NowDiverse should make truthWhy Racism and Sexism is rife in every organisation + how to solve itHow Bleecker solve sexual harassment “no one's immune to it”How Bleecker build a company culture that actually LISTENS to its employeesIt's an extension of you, how you see if your suppliers are an issue?Who are your suppliers? If you're suppliers aren't inclusive BIN THEM IMMEDIATElYThe Bleecker handbook & Nudging theory: nothing happens over nightHow to Lead with Humanity at the core of everything to help othersunconscious bias in these companies & Bleecker has unconscious biasHow to actually hire a diverse workforceSimple is NOT easy. Consistency.onion wonderland - Alice and Wonderlandjourney into the beef underworldConsistency gets you out of bed. Consistency should be hard.Change happens from consistently having hard conversations. Create a history of open hard uncomfortable conversations as you get bigger ==============================================

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Points of discussion:1. 2025 Beer Branding Trends Review -Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

The biggest HURDLE every challenger brand faces? The moment a founder hires a Senior executive.Founder Operator tension is always bull-ragingly bombasticOperators joining challenger brands is like a well-polished CowBoy mounting a Raged Spanish BullOperators must control founders rage, steer vision, channel energy, calm zeala Supple Art, Elusive Science so many get wrongHonour to sit down for an Operator Masterclass with Graham xxx from Ole & SteenHUGE!!! thanks to legends at UberEats and Sam Nicanui for setting up this conversation.

Canada's manufacturing sector faced challenges even before President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on goods made here. The overall sector has shrunk, both in its contribution to our economy, and the number of workers it employs. So, how should Canada support existing companies and their workers as tariffs take hold? And what's the way forward to building up a homegrown manufacturing sector that provides higher-skilled jobs and in-demand goods? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Join Farm+Food+Facts host Joanna Guza and Ian Welsh, publishing director and podcast host for Innovation Forum and conference chair for The Future of Food and Beverage USA, as they discuss pressing topics behind the sessions at the two-day business conference on May 28-29 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They cover local, state and national level benefits for farmers, renovation to innovation, insetting, real solutions with real returns, the next generation of farmers and bankrolling nature's future. USFRA is a Community Partner for the event. The Future of Food and Beverage USA is May 28-29 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This two-day business conference will bring together leading brands, farmers, investors and key stakeholders to identify the main areas of opportunity and innovation within the food and beverage industry. We'll assess how we can collectively drive resilience in next generation farming. Learn more about the conference. Register here.   To stay connected with USFRA, join our newsletter and become involved in our efforts, here. Check out USFRA's report on the “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to be Greenhouse Gas Negative.” 

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Points of discussion:1. 2025 Beer Branding Trend Review-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

The CRAZIEST Rory Sutherland Conversation EVER + 20 New Marketing Rules You've Never Heard.  Buckle up, strap up for an ADHD Orgy with the G.O.A.T.   

Espresso's are powered by our brand new sponsor, Unleashed!1. What on earth is Unleashed, I hear you asking?Unleashed is Inventory management software that talks to your financial and eComm software. We use it daily at Islands. It's BANGING!!2.  Why Unleashed will change your life as a foodie founder?Cut admin time in half. Save money. Lots of money. Get lucid clarity on margins. Be all over cash flow, after all cash is king. Manage stock and cash flow.3. The biggest brands in FMCG love love UnleashedYour fave brands like Candy Kittens, Tiny Rebel, TRIP use religiously. Tarquins Gin, Three Spirit, Minor Figures, The Turmeric Co., Volcano Coffee4. Do yourself a favourGET YOURSELF 2 MONTHS FREE USING THIS magical link ♨️Still bloody HUNGRY? Course ya are. Each week I spend 15 hours writing my newsletter. It'll take you 5 mins to read. Full of wisdom from the biggest names in food and drink. Subscribe here

Did you attend IPPE this year? IPPE – the International Production & Processing Expo – is the world's largest display of technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry and those involved in feed manufacturing. Join Mike Murphy, Randall Sorrels, and Brandon Canclini as they discuss sanitation standards, energy efficiency and the latest advancements in motor technology for the food and beverage industry including the all-new Food Safe SP5+ motor.Food safety and technological advances in electric motorsMeat, Poultry, & SeafoodPoultry FarmingAgricultureUnderstanding the Future of Food & Beverage

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 episode of Champagne Problems, Robbie Shaw sits down with WiBi Ashley, a plant-based chef and wellness advocate, to explore the power of food as medicine. Weebie shares her transformative healing journey after a life-altering car accident, her experiences working as Woody Harrelson's personal chef, and her mission to reconnect people with the healing properties of whole, natural foods. From overcoming trauma to building community through nutrition, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone on a path to holistic health. Check out her website: https://www.artandremedies.com/meet-wibi.html

What is your favorite food and beverage combo?

Points of discussion:1. Rebranding Wachusett Brewing [Case study]-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

Send us a textAre your food and beverage costs higher than expected? Learn the key formulas and strategies to take control of your margins.Many restaurants and bars struggle with tracking costs accurately, leading to unexpected losses. Understanding the difference between actual and theoretical costs can help you maximize profitability.In today's episode:Learn the simple yet powerful formula for calculating food and beverage costs.Discover how to track waste, spillage, and variance to keep your costs in check.Understand why weekly inventory and standardized recipes are essential for accurate cost control.Tune in now to master cost control and ensure every dollar counts toward your bottom line!Learn More:The Bar Business Podcast WebsiteSchedule a Strategy SessionChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large. **We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase bar profits and overall success in the hospitality industry.

In this episode of Champagne Problems, host Robbie Shaw sits down with Ben Ellsworth at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston to discuss his journey from the depths of addiction in the hospitality industry to a life of sobriety and founder of tech startup Gigpro. Ben shares raw insights about the culture of excess in restaurants, the wake-up call that changed his path, the positive shifting trends in the food and beverage world, and the technology he created to help fill shifts across the hospitality spectrum.  Thank you for all you do, Ben!

This week: Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne and Ian Welsh highlight latest trends in the food and beverage industry. They discuss the implications of the EU's omnibus regulation and share key examples of innovations and collaborations from organisations such as Unilever and TechnoServe. Plus: Agreena's CEO and co-founder Simon Haldrup talks with Ellen Atiyah about how technology is revolutionising approaches to climate-smart agriculture and the importance of verified data. And, a preview of the recording of Innovation Forum's recent next-gen packaging materials webinar. Hear from ex-Just Eat Takeaway.com Robin Clark, talking about how their partnership with Notpla has developed. Host: Ian Welsh To join the conversation on the latest food innovations and partnership, secure your place at the future of food and beverage forum in Amsterdam on 13-14 May. Click here for full registration details. Click here to join a complimentary webinar with Agreena, discussing how technology can power data-driven sustainability in food systems. Register here.

In this episode of Customer Service Academy, we take a deep dive into the evolving world of theme parks, desitnations, and attractions—and how you can ensure you are delivering loyalty-building experiences for yoru guests. As customer expectations continue to change and evolve, theme parks, resorts, and destinations must innovate to remain competitive.   Whether you are running a mega theme park, local attraction, or even a community fair, you will find tips in here to help you build your sales, customer loyalty, and overall experience. We will discuss: ✔️ The five tiers of theme park experiences—Value, Everyday, Elevated, Premium, and Luxury. ✔️ The core experience principles every park must master: Safety, Hospitality, Quality, Simplicity, and Community. ✔️ Top 10 guest expectations in theme parks and how to exceed them. ✔️ How parks are using gamification, interactivity, and immersive experiences to create emotional connections. ✔️ The best special events and seasonal experiences that drive attendance and loyalty. ✔️ How different generations engage with theme parks—from Silent Generation nostalgia to Gen Alpha's digital-first approach. ✔️ Cutting-edge strategies to reduce wait times and enhance the in-queue experience.  

Points of discussion:1. How to get your packaging hierarchy dialed in [ BBT Newsletter ]2. Why are you refreshing your packaging?3. Frame your brewery's Brand Strategy, portfolio and Brand Architecture  4. Different info types you have to include + some nice-to-haves 5. Are you seeing "Stand-up Skinny" merchandising in your market?6. We're designing packaging to sell beer, not win awards. 7. Differences between primary and secondary packaging 8. On the merits of "duping" cans when not using a carton9. Your carton's bottom panel is not a junk drawer-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

In this episode of Don't Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are joined by David Lennarz, the President of Registrar Corp, a company that helps their clients to become and continue to be compliant with U.S. FDA Regulations. According to Matt, David is one of the most important, least-known people in the American food and beverage, cosmetic, medical device, and drug industries, and today, he is sharing his expertise from 22 working in the field with us.You'll learn about FDA Compliance nationally and internationally, what to watch out for, David's take on the significant changes happening within the FDA and with the new administration, and more.In this episode:

Robbie Shaw sits down with Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine, to explore the publication's growing commitment to the alcohol-free beverage movement. Lewis shares how Food & Wine is evolving to better represent the full spectrum of hospitality experiences, including thoughtful coverage of non-alcoholic options that don't compromise on flavor or sophistication.    The conversation delves into the magazine's initiatives to support hospitality professionals battling addiction and other mental health challenges—a particularly pressing issue in an industry historically known for its demanding environment.    Lewis discusses how Food & Wine is using its platform to reduce stigma, highlight resources, and champion a more balanced approach to wellbeing within restaurant culture. 

In this episode of Don't Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are joined by Nevin Barich, the food and beverage guru of Industry Intelligence Inc.With 15+ years working as a curator and editor of all information and content out there about the food and beverage industry that his company can gather, Nevin shares a little bit of how this type of market intelligence works, how companies benefit from it, and the trends that have been emerging during his time in the role.Prepare to see a side of the industry we don't often see or talk about: the data that's behind it all.In this episode:

When JD Vance used “drinking Diet Mountain Dew” to joke about how liberals are too easily offended and quick to point out what they perceive to be racist behavior, the large campaign event crowd barely applauded. But it wasn't because JD Vance is weird (and clearly not a comedian), the joke went straight over the head of mostly everyone because it was packed with multilayered symbolism. Regardless, it got me thinking about how politics and consumer packaged goods oftentimes get mixed together knowingly (and unknowingly). As an example, did you know conservatives prefer drinking A&W Root Beer compared to liberals with LaCroix? Or that liberals are more likely to eat plant-based meat and conservatives prefer sausage and hot dogs? What do both political parties agree on…that advertisements are a waste of their time!

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Lee Robinson, the current owner of the iconic Irregardless in Raleigh. Lee took over the cafe in 2020, just 10 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They discuss the history of Irregardless, including its origins as a vegetarian sandwich shop in the 1970s, its evolution over the years, and the community's love for the establishment. Lee shares his journey in the restaurant industry, having worked in various notable Raleigh establishments like Frazier's and The Pit. The conversation also touches on the cafe's recent innovations, including introducing THC-infused beverages, aiming to maintain its roots while appealing to newer generations. The episode highlights the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration of Irregardless and Lee's ongoing efforts to ensure its legacy continues in the ever-evolving Raleigh food scene. The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com

Points of discussion:1. How CODO Refreshed Malibu Brewing's package design - [Case Study]2. Malibu Brewing-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

Send us a textAre you losing money on every plate and drink you serve without even knowing it?Many bar owners struggle with calculating their true costs, leading to menu items that actually lose money despite appearing profitable.In today's episode:Learn the simple formulas for accurate cost calculation Discover how to track and reduce wasteMaster the basics of profitable pricing.Press play now to learn the essential math that will protect your profits.Learn More:The Bar Business Podcast WebsiteSchedule a Strategy SessionChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large. **We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase bar profits and overall success in the hospitality industry.

Award-winning wine expert Karen MacNeil discusses her book, “The Wine Bible: 3rd Edition,” which offers the ultimate education in wine with expanded content. Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English language. TIME magazine has called her, “America's Missionary of the Vine.” She is the author of the award-winning book, The Wine Bible, the only best selling wine book in the United States, and is the creator and editor of Wine Speed, the top digital newsletter on wine in the United States. She was the former wine correspondent for the Today Show on NBC, and was also the host of the PBS series Wine, Food & Friends with Karen MacNeil, for which she won an Emmy. Karen is also the creator and Chairman Emeritus of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America, which has been called the “Harvard of wine education.” Originally published in November 2022. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.  

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cliff Crider, CEO of Stinger Compliance and co-founder of Truck and Tap. They discuss Cliff's journey from working in fast food at Roy Rogers to becoming a real estate appraiser and eventually transitioning into the restaurant industry. Cliff shares insights on the challenges of running a restaurant, the importance of community engagement, and the creation of Stinger Compliance to help businesses stay legal with age-restricted products. The conversation highlights the resilience and dedication required in the hospitality industry. Crider also discusses the critical importance of compliance in the hospitality industry, particularly regarding alcohol sales. He emphasizes the need for effective policies and procedures to prevent underage sales and the innovative approach his company is taking to streamline the stinging process. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling a business in this sector and the balance between serving large clients and supporting local establishments. The two share insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and the importance of community engagement in the hospitality industry.Takeaways Schedulefly simplifies restaurant employee scheduling. Cliff started in hospitality at Roy Rogers. Real estate knowledge helped Cliff in restaurant ownership. Truck and Tap combines food trucks and beer gardens. Community engagement is vital for restaurant success. The Giving Kitchen supports hospitality workers in crisis. Stinger Compliance focuses on legal compliance for age-restricted products. Bartenders must be vigilant about carding customers. The hospitality industry faces numerous challenges daily. Slow and deliberate growth is key to sustainable business. Compliance is crucial for the hospitality industry. Innovative solutions can streamline the stinging process. Establishing clear alcohol policies is essential for staff training. Scaling a business requires careful planning and execution. Community engagement is vital for local businesses. Understanding the nuances of fake IDs can prevent costly mistakes. Regular compliance checks can help maintain standards. Slow and deliberate growth is a sustainable strategy. Technology can enhance compliance efforts in the hospitality sector. Building strong relationships with clients fosters loyalty and trust.

Points of discussion:1. How we refreshed the Alewerks Brewing brand-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

The remarkable Ashley Rogers, an accomplished entrepreneur, brand builder, and mentor in the food and beverage world is on Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond. With over 15 years of experience and the successful creation and sale of four companies generating nearly $40 million in sales, Ashley's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Currently the CEO of Sprinkles CPG, a subsidiary of the iconic Sprinkles Cupcakes brand, Ashley spearheads innovative ventures like cupcake-flavored chocolate and the cupcake cup, which have skyrocketed into over 4,000 Walmart and 2,000 Target stores within just one year. In this episode, Ashley shares insights into her entrepreneurial drive, deeply influenced by her entrepreneur father and a strong desire to carve her own path. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of food and beverage startups, emphasizing the importance of resilience, creativity, and knowing when to let go and sell a business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or just someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivating stories that will encourage you to dream big and thrive. Don't miss out on this deliciously insightful episode of Thrive LouD! Follow Us: