Podcasts about Supply management

Everything you thought you knew about ghee is wrong. In this episode of The Food Professor podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Vreshin "Vresh" Nagarajan, Founder and Chief Ghee Officer of Vresh Foods, makers of OG GHEE, recorded live on the show floor at the SIAL Food Innovation Show in Montreal.Vresh makes a compelling and slightly incendiary case: roughly 90% of the $100 million of ghee sold in Canada every year isn't actually ghee. It's anhydrous milk fat, or butter oil, an industrially processed dairy ingredient usually made offshore, shipped in shelf-stable, repackaged here and sold as "pure desi ghee." Real ghee is cultured butter cooked until the water evaporates and the lactose and casein caramelize, a distinction the Codex recognizes and one you can smell the moment the jar opens.In four years Vresh has gone from a South Asian meal-kit side hustle in Calgary to a national Loblaw listing and a Costco Ontario rotation, built on an unlikely premise: that ghee is Canada's last viable domestic cooking fat. With a 485F smoke point, a five-year shelf life, no refrigeration required, and 30 litres of Canadian milk in every kilogram, he argues ghee is the best milk-utilization story in the country. He also has pointed words about who has been underselling South Asian consumers, and why "desi" should mean Canadian. The full video interview is on The Food Professor YouTube channel.But first, we start with the food and agriculture news of the week.Michael and Sylvain open on the Prime Minister's address to the nation, and the name he never said, before turning to the latest U.S. tariff recalibration, the new ban on Canadian spirits and wine, and what the September 15 and 29 deadlines mean for agri-food. Sylvain argues the real damage isn't the tariff math, it's the total absence of predictability, with dairy leaders now openly weighing whether to shift production south. Sylvain points to Mark Warner's CBC interview, Ian Lee's parallel argument, and calls for Parliament to be recalled, citing the 1988 free trade debate as precedent.Then: reindeer. Ottawa is putting $800,000 behind a northern herd grown from a few hundred animals to 7,000, and Sylvain explains why no Canadian parent is selling Rudolph at the meat counter. Plus Sapporo's non-alcoholic production possibly heading stateside, Africa's redrawn map and its enormous agri-food potential, McDonald's dropping pumpkin spice after 34 years of PSL dominance, fresh Satov Consulting research on whether Dunkin' can win over Canadian coffee drinkers, why Sylvain would rather support than boycott, Walmart's delivery ambitions, and a farewell to New Coke architect Brian Dyson. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Season Seven, Episode 2 of The Food Professor podcast lands its first guest interview, and it's a Canadian food business story three decades in the making. Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois are joined by Dave Jones, President and CEO of Bento Sushi, the company that turned a small 1996 takeout counter in downtown Toronto into the largest sushi business in Canada. Dave joined Bento in 2009 in an entry-level management role, moved through operations, procurement and supply chain, and took over as CEO in 2022. He unpacks a business most Canadians walk past every day without realizing its scale: more than 700 locations inside grocery stores, universities, hospitals and other retail environments, ten commissaries, roughly 2,500 distribution points, about 800 employees and close to 30 million packs a year. He explains the difference between made-in-store kiosks and the delivered commissary model, why automation now shapes production of items like onigiri, how global sourcing and procurement hold up under pressure, and what price sensitivity looks like in a category built on fresh, daily-made food. Bento's 30th anniversary in 2026 gives the conversation a natural lens on how retail foodservice, grocery prepared food and Canadian consumer expectations have all changed. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain work through a busy news week. Ottawa applied counter-tariffs to seafood and fish and reversed course within 48 hours, a reminder of how tangled Canada-US supply chains really are. Honey and molasses stayed on the list, with Manitoba, Canada's largest honey exporter, taking the hit. Sylvain pushes back on Chapman's plan to replace 70 percent of its American ingredients, questioning the timing and the nationalistic framing. On beef, the hosts dig into the Trump administration's push on prices, the 300,000 tonne Brazilian import move, the JBS White House visit, the Department of Justice probe into beef pricing, and why cattle futures fell and ranchers are unhappy. Sylvain's view: ranchers are price takers in a North American market, retail prices won't move much, and Canadians could end up paying more. Also on the docket: dairy dominating CUSMA consultation submissions, Daniel Gobé's election in Quebec and his supply management odds, and Q2 trade numbers showing exports up 3 billion dollars net year over year with 2.6 billion of that heading to the United States, despite all the diversification talk. In the retail block, Michael breaks down the Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons loyalty partnership and why coalition programs need high-frequency categories, plus Loblaw's expanded capital spending on T&T, discount and specialty formats, its real estate DNA and its exit from banking. The episode closes on retail crime, and the arson at a Pattison Foods Nesters store in Vancouver. The full video interview is live on The Food Professor YouTube channel. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Susan Spence of the Institute for Supply Management® joins Manufacturing Talk Radio to review the August 2026 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. Discover what the latest Manufacturing PMI® results reveal about demand, production, new orders, employment, inventories, supplier activity, pricing, and the overall health of U.S. manufacturing. This monthly conversation goes beyond the headline PMI number to explain the economic trends affecting manufacturers, supply chains, business leaders, and the broader economy. Follow Manufacturing Talk Radio for expert analysis of the ISM Manufacturing Report every month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Food Professor podcast returns for Season Seven with a no-guest, all-catch-up season premiere. Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois are back on the mic after a summer of live interviews from SIAL, and there is a serious backlog of Canadian and international food industry news to work through. Sylvain opens with the summer he actually had: 25 to 30 media interviews a week, including live hits on CNN and Fox News about explosive poo and the U.S. lettuce recalls. That leads into a real conversation about food safety and Cyclospora, a parasite you cannot simply wash off produce. With Taylor Farms, a $7 billion operator, at the centre of the recall, Michael asks the obvious question: if the most sophisticated player in the category cannot stop it, who can? Sylvain compares oversight on both sides of the border, noting roughly 8,000 federal inspectors in the U.S. versus nearly 4,000 in Canada for a tenth of the population, and explains why our cold chain and an actual winter lower the risk here. Then the tariff file. Sylvain names Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, Smoot-Hawley's descendant, as the summer's number-one story, with agriculture squarely targeted: dairy, alcohol, and honey. On the Canadian side, they dig into a counter-tariff list heavy on seafood and ag, whether it can really move U.S. midterms, and why potash retaliation could backfire on Canadian producers. Story number two: the Competition Bureau sending Nortera's acquisition of B&G Foods Canada's Green Giant and Le Sieur brands to the Competition Tribunal, a striking break from twenty years of waved-through Canadian grocery and food consolidation. Also on the docket: beef volumes down almost 5% and the risk of losing Canadian shoppers to a premium-price perception; Tyson idling a plant for lack of supply; chicken production up 5.6% as dark meat demand climbs; stubborn diesel prices and the Strait of Hormuz; Gay Lea Foods' $200 million Toronto investment against a backdrop of 1,400 new U.S. food plants versus fewer than 50 in Canada; El Nino's likely push on 2027 food inflation; and why GLP-1 drugs may reshape the Halloween candy aisle, plus the CNE's wildest new midway foods. Sylvain also previews his tenth book, Feed the Power, on food geopolitics, out from University of Toronto Press in January 2027. The episode closes with a tribute to Senator Todd Lewis, a rare and genuine agriculture advocate in Ottawa, and a candid exchange about Prime Minister Carney's trade posture and where Canada goes next. Next week: Dave Jones of Bento Sushi. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

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Canada and the United States are now in a trade war — and dairy supply management was one of the major sticking points at the negotiating table. University of Saskatchewan agricultural economist Stuart Smyth joins Evan to talk about the role dairy played in the breakdown, what this trade fight could mean for Canadian farmers and consumers, and why he argues Canada should be rethinking supply management altogether.

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin begin this episode by analyzing the powerful role earnings are playing in driving the U.S. stock market higher and what that means for investors. Liz Ann highlights that S&P 500 earnings growth is tracking around 51% for the second quarter, an unusually strong pace outside of a post-recession recovery. Collin explains why Schwab expects a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, with short- and longer-term Treasury yields likely remaining elevated as the economy stays resilient and inflation remains above the Fed's target. Then Collin sits down with former Federal Reserve Vice Chair Dr. Richard Clarida. They discuss how the Fed thinks about inflation, labor markets, supply shocks, productivity, and AI. Clarida argues that policymakers are trying to determine whether today's inflation pressures are temporary or indicative of a higher underlying trend. He also discusses the transition to new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, potential changes to Fed communications, and why AI could be inflationary in the near term but ultimately disinflationary through improved productivity over the next several years. On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting.  If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab. This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.  Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy. Currencies are speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.  Diversification, rebalancing, and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions  ISM refers to the Institute for Supply Management. (0826-VELR) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: Hurricane season began on June 1, how is this season is shaping up compared to previous seasons; oil prices react to progress in a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war and potential increased traffic through the Strait of Hormuz; President Trump calls on oil companies to reduce gas prices in line with oil prices; S&P Global released their U.S Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their Manufacturing Business Survey; Wabash reacts to requests from fleets for 2027 building slots; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: Hurricane season began on June 1, how is this season is shaping up compared to previous seasons; oil prices react to progress in a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war and potential increased traffic through the Strait of Hormuz; President Trump calls on oil companies to reduce gas prices in line with oil prices; S&P Global released their U.S Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their Manufacturing Business Survey; Wabash reacts to requests from fleets for 2027 building slots; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: Hurricane season began on June 1, how is this season is shaping up compared to previous seasons; oil prices react to progress in a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war and potential increased traffic through the Strait of Hormuz; President Trump calls on oil companies to reduce gas prices in line with oil prices; S&P Global released their U.S Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their Manufacturing Business Survey; Wabash reacts to requests from fleets for 2027 building slots; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadians overwhelmingly believe the country should maintain control over its food supply, and want Ottawa to stand firm in defending farmers, dairy farmers, and supply management as trade negotiations continue with the United States, according to new polling by Nanos Research. The survey, commissioned by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, found 91 per cent of Canadians say maintaining Canadian control over the food supply is important, while 68 per cent believe the federal government should strongly defend the interests of dairy farmers during CUSMA negotiations.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: payroll processing firm ADP reported June Private Sector Employment numbers; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported May Construction Spending; Associated Builders and Contractors reported National Nonresidential Construction Spending data; the Institute for Supply Management released their Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI); the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI was released; Ford Motor Company reached a new record; AAA released their projections for Independence Day week travel; California has a new gift for gas and diesel consumers; oil reacts to U.S. - Iran peace talks progressing, U.S. crude inventory data and OPEC+ output announcements; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: payroll processing firm ADP reported June Private Sector Employment numbers; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported May Construction Spending; Associated Builders and Contractors reported National Nonresidential Construction Spending data; the Institute for Supply Management released their Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI); the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI was released; Ford Motor Company reached a new record; AAA released their projections for Independence Day week travel; California has a new gift for gas and diesel consumers; oil reacts to U.S. - Iran peace talks progressing, U.S. crude inventory data and OPEC+ output announcements; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical, offers his insights and opinions. 

In the Season 6 regular season finale of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome Pete Hoekstra, United States Ambassador to Canada, for an exclusive and wide-ranging conversation about the future of Canada-U.S. food trade, agriculture, supply chains and North American economic cooperation. While The Food Professor Podcast isn't a political show, few relationships matter more to Canada's food economy than its partnership with the United States. Ambassador Hoekstra offers a candid look at his role representing the Trump administration in Ottawa, explains the work of a modern ambassador, and shares his perspective on the ongoing CUSMA (USMCA) review, agricultural trade priorities, supply management, cross-border investment, and strengthening North American food supply chains. The discussion explores why resilient supply chains have become a strategic priority, the importance of Canadian agricultural exports to American consumers, opportunities for future collaboration in critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and food production, and how both countries can continue building one of the world's largest and most integrated trading relationships. The conversation also tackles the Gordie Howe International Bridge, provincial restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales, touches on Canada's supply management system, and the broader outlook for Canada-U.S. relations as negotiations continue. Whether you agree or disagree with the Ambassador's positions, this thoughtful interview provides listeners with valuable insight into how the United States views its relationship with Canada and why food, agriculture and trade remain central to that partnership. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain break down another busy week in food and agriculture news. They examine how El Niño-driven heat and drought could affect crop production and food prices, discuss the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's latest report on their crackdown on food fraud and product authenticity, review the Grocery Code of Conduct's first public report, and explore the growing global demand for dairy protein as processors struggle with whey shortages amid Canada's supply management system. The episode also covers Rhode Island's new self-checkout legislation, the ongoing Metro labour dispute in Quebec, innovative flavour marketing from Miss Vickie's, and reflects on another remarkable season of conversations with leaders from across Canada's food, retail and agriculture sectors. Thank you for joining us throughout Season 6. While our regular season concludes here, we'll continue bringing you fresh episodes recorded live from SIAL Canada in Montreal throughout the summer before returning this fall for another exciting season of The Food Professor Podcast. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Don Hill, Chairman of Sucro, for a rare inside look at one of the most significant investments in Canada's food manufacturing sector in decades. Sucro has quickly become one of North America's fastest-growing sugar companies, and its newly built Ontario refinery marks the first major new sugar-refining investment in Canada in generations. Don explains why Canada became Sucro's first major international investment market, how the company is challenging conventional thinking in a traditionally conservative industry, and why innovation, reinvestment, and operational efficiency are becoming critical competitive advantages in food manufacturing. The conversation explores the strategic role sugar plays in food production beyond sweetness, including shelf life, texture, functionality, product formulation, and cost management. Don also discusses how Sucro is navigating labour shortages, global trade disruptions, tariffs, supply chain volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty while building what he believes is the most modern and competitive sugar refinery in North America. Michael and Sylvain also dive into the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on food consumption with Don, the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, and why Canada remains an attractive destination for food production despite growing trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Don shares his perspective on the future of food manufacturing investment, North American competitiveness, and Sucro's plans for growth over the next decade. Before the interview, the hosts tackle another packed week of food and agriculture news. They discuss Canada's economic outlook and the debate over recession terminology, new research comparing household food spending across G20 countries, and the ongoing rise in food insecurity and food bank usage across Canada. The discussion also covers soaring tomato prices linked to North American trade disruptions, new revelations surrounding the Canada Royal Milk infant formula facility in Kingston, and concerns about transparency within Canada's supply-managed dairy sector. The episode also reflects on Metro CEO Eric La Flèche's retirement announcement, examining his lasting impact on Canadian grocery retailing and congratulating the highly skilled and experienced Marc Giroux on becoming the new CEO. Finally, Michael and Sylvain explore how some farmers are finding new revenue streams through YouTube and digital content creation, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of modern agriculture. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a great weekend finishing up the front walk way, front porch and deck with flowers and plants; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported April Construction spending; May's S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data was released; the Institute for Supply Management released their PMI index; a new report on the number of large tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz; Kroger launches plan to lure customers back and better compete with their rivals; oil and gas prices react to Iran halting talks with the U.S., threats to further blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's further advances into Lebanon; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a great weekend finishing up the front walk way, front porch and deck with flowers and plants; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported April Construction spending; May's S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data was released; the Institute for Supply Management released their PMI index; a new report on the number of large tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz; Kroger launches plan to lure customers back and better compete with their rivals; oil and gas prices react to Iran halting talks with the U.S., threats to further blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's further advances into Lebanon; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026 in Montreal, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome back Karen Proud, President & Adjudicator of the Canada Grocery Code, for an important conversation about one of the most closely watched structural reforms in the Canadian grocery industry. Only months after the official launch of the Canada Grocery Code, Proud provides an inside look at how the new voluntary, industry-led framework is functioning in its early stages. She explains the mission of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, the rationale behind creating a voluntary code instead of government regulation, and why more than 200 companies have already joined the initiative. Proud discusses how the code is designed to improve business relationships between retailers and suppliers, strengthen transparency, create more predictable contracting practices, and encourage long-term investment and innovation throughout Canada's food supply chain. The conversation explores the challenges of building trust across a fragmented grocery ecosystem while balancing supplier concerns, retailer expectations, and government scrutiny. Proud outlines how her office is approaching compliance, dispute resolution, reporting transparency, and stakeholder engagement while emphasizing that the code is not intended to directly control grocery prices or solve food inflation. Instead, the long-term objective is to create a healthier and more competitive grocery marketplace that ultimately benefits Canadian consumers through increased investment, innovation, and product diversity. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain dive deep into the rapidly rising price of chicken in Canada, examining how supply management, quota allocation challenges, and surging consumer demand are contributing to record levels of poultry imports from the United States and beyond. They debate whether the current system is adequately responding to shifting protein demand as consumers move away from expensive beef toward chicken. The episode also explores Quebec's decision to permanently remove sales tax from certain grocery categories, growing concerns among Canadian beef producers over potential trade negotiations involving South American imports, and how global instability, drought conditions, and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to impact grain and wheat prices worldwide. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a recap of he and his wife's annual trip to the local casino to watch and place a wager on the 152nd Kentucky Derby; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported March U.S. Factory Orders; on Friday, the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for April was reported; also, on Friday the Institute for Supply Management released their April Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI); oil and gas prices reacted to Iran's stepped-up attacks on the United Arab Emirates and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the most serious escalation since the early April ceasefire; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and offers a few opinions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a recap of he and his wife's annual trip to the local casino to watch and place a wager on the 152nd Kentucky Derby; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported March U.S. Factory Orders; on Friday, the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for April was reported; also, on Friday the Institute for Supply Management released their April Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI); oil and gas prices reacted to Iran's stepped-up attacks on the United Arab Emirates and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the most serious escalation since the early April ceasefire; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and offers a few opinions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a recap of he and his wife's annual trip to the local casino to watch and place a wager on the 152nd Kentucky Derby; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported March U.S. Factory Orders; on Friday, the S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for April was reported; also, on Friday the Institute for Supply Management released their April Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI); oil and gas prices reacted to Iran's stepped-up attacks on the United Arab Emirates and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the most serious escalation since the early April ceasefire; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and offers a few opinions along the way.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: are they talking or not? Are they in or are they out? Is the Strait of Hormuz open or closed? Oil prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Americas Commercial Transportation Research Co. (ACT) and Freight Transportation Research Transportation Intelligence Associates (FTR), each, reported March Class 8 orders; Ports from California, the Northwest, the East Coast and Houston reported February volumes; the Institute for Supply Management reported March U.S. service economy and prices; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information in historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: are they talking or not? Are they in or are they out? Is the Strait of Hormuz open or closed? Oil prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Americas Commercial Transportation Research Co. (ACT) and Freight Transportation Research Transportation Intelligence Associates (FTR), each, reported March Class 8 orders; Ports from California, the Northwest, the East Coast and Houston reported February volumes; the Institute for Supply Management reported March U.S. service economy and prices; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information in historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: are they talking or not? Are they in or are they out? Is the Strait of Hormuz open or closed? Oil prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Americas Commercial Transportation Research Co. (ACT) and Freight Transportation Research Transportation Intelligence Associates (FTR), each, reported March Class 8 orders; Ports from California, the Northwest, the East Coast and Houston reported February volumes; the Institute for Supply Management reported March U.S. service economy and prices; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information in historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and talks about the following stories: payroll processing company ADP reported Private Sector Employment Growth; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week Julie Wright, North American Marketing Manager, Shell Rotella stopped by to talk about Shell Rotella SuperRigs June 25 - 27 in Bristol TN., also the Your Truck Your Call Initiative; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported Retail Sales and Core Retail Sales; the Institute for Supply Management released their Survey of Manufacturing Purchasing Managers; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and talks about the following stories: payroll processing company ADP reported Private Sector Employment Growth; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week Julie Wright, North American Marketing Manager, Shell Rotella stopped by to talk about Shell Rotella SuperRigs June 25 - 27 in Bristol TN., also the Your Truck Your Call Initiative; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported Retail Sales and Core Retail Sales; the Institute for Supply Management released their Survey of Manufacturing Purchasing Managers; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinion.

Kevin covers and talks about the following stories: payroll processing company ADP reported Private Sector Employment Growth; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week Julie Wright, North American Marketing Manager, Shell Rotella stopped by to talk about Shell Rotella SuperRigs June 25 - 27 in Bristol TN., also the Your Truck Your Call Initiative; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported Retail Sales and Core Retail Sales; the Institute for Supply Management released their Survey of Manufacturing Purchasing Managers; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A just released study looks at supply management and the renegotiation of the Canada United States Mexico Agreement. Milk, eggs, chicken, turkey and, in most provinces, hatching eggs, are produced and marketed in Canada through supply management.The Agri-Food Economic Systems Independent Agri-Food Policy Note examines the expected discussions on supply management as we approach the CUSMA renegotiation. Research Lead Dr. Al Mussell says in terms of Canada U.S. trade, dairy has been one of the longest standing irritants between the two countries.ANDThe Wheat Growers Association is welcoming China’s final ruling to sharply lower the antidumping tariff on Canadian canola seed to 5.9 per cent, plus the standard 9 per cent import duty, alongside the suspension of 100 percent tariffs on canola meal effective March 1.Wheat Growers Chair Daryl Fransoo says the decision marks a positive step forward for prairie canola farmers who have faced prolonged uncertainty in one of Canada’s key export markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advisors on This Week's Show Kyle Tetting Tom Pappenfus (with Joel Dresang, engineered by Jason Scuglik) Week in Review (March 2-6, 2026) Significant Economic Indicators & Reports Monday A two-month expansion of the manufacturing sector slowed in February, just as it did the year before. The Institute for Supply Management said its survey-based manufacturing index signaled the second consecutive month of growth after 10 months of contraction. Prior to 2025, the index shrank 26 months in a row. The trade group said 21% of the manufacturing industry's gross domestic product contracted in February, following 20% in January. The index suggested the overall U.S. economy was growing at an annual rate of 1.7%. Tuesday No significant reports Wednesday The service sector of the U.S. economy expanded in February for the 20th month in a row and at the highest level since mid-2022. The Institute for Supply Management said the four most impactful index components rose together for the third month in a row, repeating a streak from a year ago. The ISM's survey of supply managers reported more uncertainty about trade policies following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found some tariffs illegal. But managers also suggested companies were learning to accommodate volatility in tariff rules. Thursday The Bureau of Labor Statistics said worker productivity rose at an annual pace of 2.8%  in the fourth quarter of 2025. The rate resulted from the annual pace of output rising 2.6% while hours worked decreased at a 0.2% pace. Productivity advanced 2.2% over the last four quarters, equal to the average since the end of 2019. That compared to 1.5% annual growth in the previous 12-year business cycle and an average of 2.2% since 1947. Labor costs rose 1.3% in the last year, and the share of output accrued to workers through compensation reached a record low in data going back to 1947. The Labor Department reported the four-week moving average for initial unemployment claims fell for the second time in three weeks. It remained 40% below its average since 1967. Total claims for the latest week declined 2.9% from the week before to just under 2.2 million. That was 1% lower than the year before. Friday Employers cut 92,000 jobs on net in February, the second decline in three months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly jobs report, combining payroll data and household surveys, offered mixed signals on a generally weaker labor market. On the plus side, the average hourly wage continued to outpace broad inflation, and the share of prime-age workers either employed or looking for jobs stayed near the highest level since 2001. On the other hand, a measure of underemployment remained above the pre-pandemic mark for the 26th month in a row, and — outside the pandemic — the employment of temporary-help workers dropped to the lowest count since 2012. Retail sales declined in January as seven of 13 categories reported lower revenue, the Commerce Department reported. Gas stations were among the decliners, reflecting lower gas prices in January. But sales at bars and restaurants, an indicator of consumer confidence, fell for the third time in four months. Consumer spending drives about 70% of the U.S. economy, as measured by gross domestic product. Adjusted for inflation, total retail sales dropped for at least the second month in a row. Inflation data for October and November are missing because of a federal government shutdown. Market Closings for the Week Nasdaq – 22388, down 281 points or 1.2% S&P 500 – 6740, down 109 points or 1.6% Dow Jones Industrial Average – 47502, down 1476 points or 3.0% 10-year U.S. Treasury Note – 4.13%, up 0.17 point

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: update on the war in Iran from Israel's Defense and Security Forum daily Zoom call, are oil prices already signaling a quick victory in Iran?, ADP reports the January Private Sector Jobs numbers; in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision, the European Union is discussing whether to proceed with tariff levels agreed to last summer; the stock market reacts to the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) service sector survey; ISM released  the Prices Paid Index, Employment Index and the New Orders Index; in the manufacturing sector, S&P Global released the Purchasing Manager's Business Activity Index and New Order Growth, Walmart and Target release their outlook for 2026; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: update on the war in Iran from Israel's Defense and Security Forum daily Zoom call, are oil prices already signaling a quick victory in Iran?, ADP reports the January Private Sector Jobs numbers; in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision, the European Union is discussing whether to proceed with tariff levels agreed to last summer; the stock market reacts to the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) service sector survey; ISM released  the Prices Paid Index, Employment Index and the New Orders Index; in the manufacturing sector, S&P Global released the Purchasing Manager's Business Activity Index and New Order Growth, Walmart and Target release their outlook for 2026; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers the following stories: the Blood Moon that wasn't; Labor Department to rescind Biden-era Independent Contractor rule; the Institute for Supply Management released their survey of manufacturers and prices-paid gauge; geopolitical events are affecting oil, gas, and energy transportation prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers the following stories: the Blood Moon that wasn't; Labor Department to rescind Biden-era Independent Contractor rule; the Institute for Supply Management released their survey of manufacturers and prices-paid gauge; geopolitical events are affecting oil, gas, and energy transportation prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois deliver a wide-ranging discussion that connects Canadian food policy, trade risk, pricing power, and the accelerating role of AI in restaurants. The episode is anchored by a forward-looking interview with Deborah Matteliano Simeoni, Global Head of Restaurants at Amazon Web Services (AWS), recorded live at the NRF Big Show in New York.The first half of the episode focuses on the state of Canadian agriculture and food affordability. Sylvain shares firsthand insights from meetings with farmers across the Prairies, highlighting cautious optimism around renewed beef access to China alongside deep concern about U.S. trade policy and the durability of CUSMA. The hosts debate the federal government's grocery rebate program, questioning its long-term fiscal impact and contrasting it with a structural alternative: removing GST on food and foodservice to address affordability more directly.A key political and policy thread centers on Mark Wiseman, Canada's incoming Ambassador to the United States. Michael and Sylvain discuss Wiseman's previously published criticism of supply management, exploring whether his appointment signals potential pressure on the system during future Canada–U.S. trade negotiations—and whether Ottawa may ultimately position reforms as externally forced rather than domestically driven. The conversation situates supply management within broader competitiveness, trade credibility, and agri-food resilience debates.The hosts also examine PepsiCo's high-profile U.S. snack price reductions, questioning whether the move reflects margin recalibration, competitive signaling, or Super Bowl-era marketing—and why those cuts do not apply to Canada. Additional topics include the quiet disappearance of frozen orange juice concentrate, the continued normalization of food delivery, and why physical restaurants still matter as legitimizing anchors for digital-first and delivery-led food brands.The second half features an in-depth conversation with Deborah Matteliano Simeoni, who reframes AI not as an end goal, but as a tool for solving real restaurant challenges. Drawing on her experience launching Uber Eats and now advising global QSR brands at AWS, she explains how AI is improving drive-through accuracy, enhancing employee satisfaction, and enabling sophisticated personalization within loyalty ecosystems. Deborah emphasizes experimentation, data-driven learning, and customer-centric design as essential to scaling technology responsibly.Lastly we celebrate the Lobster Lady, still fishing at 101, leaving the earth at 103: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/business/virginia-oliver-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.J1A.q_7X.15lWPrsTltE7&smid=url-share About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Na entrevista de hoje, Holger Schiele, professor e referência internacional em Compras e Supply Management, compartilha uma visão prática e atual sobre como a Inteligência Artificial está transformando a área de Compras, não como uma ameaça, mas como uma poderosa aliada estratégica.A conversa, conduzida por Ruy, do Café com Comprador, aborda um ponto central:a IA não veio para substituir profissionais, e sim para liberar tempo, aumentar produtividade e permitir que Compras atue onde realmente gera valor.Ao longo do vídeo, são discutidos temas como:• O impacto real da IA no dia a dia de Compras• A diferença entre automação tradicional (RPA) e Inteligência Artificial• Como a IA torna análises estratégicas, antes complexas e demoradas — mais acessíveis• As novas competências que os profissionais de Compras precisam desenvolver• Por que o futuro da área depende da combinação entre tecnologia e capacidade humanaA principal mensagem é clara:o futuro de Compras não é sobre humanos competindo com máquinas, mas sobre humanos potencializados por máquinas, usando dados, análises e tecnologia para tomar decisões melhores, mais rápidas e mais estratégicas.Este conteúdo é indicado para profissionais de Compras, Supply Chain, líderes e todos que desejam entender como a Inteligência Artificial está redefinindo o papel da área nas organizações.

Supply management has long provided price stability and income predictability for Canadian dairy and poultry producers, but its sustainability is under growing pressure. That’s the message from Greg Meredith, a retired senior civil servant who served in both federal and provincial agriculture ministries, in a new episode of the Ag Policy Connection podcast. In this... Read More

Kevin covered the following stories: falling gasoline prices; the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index was reported; Tariffs lead to layoffs...but not in the U.S.; FedEx to cut jobs because of an unusual circumstance; Kevin has the details digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin covered the following stories: falling gasoline prices; the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index was reported; Tariffs lead to layoffs...but not in the U.S.; FedEx to cut jobs because of an unusual circumstance; Kevin has the details digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: falling gasoline prices; the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index was reported; Tariffs lead to layoffs...but not in the U.S.; FedEx to cut jobs because of an unusual circumstance; Kevin has the details digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin covered the following stories: falling gasoline prices; the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index was reported; Tariffs lead to layoffs...but not in the U.S.; FedEx to cut jobs because of an unusual circumstance; Kevin has the details digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Caton of Prologis (PLD) discusses the company's business, financials, and supply chain management into 2026. He predicts that next year, U.S. gateway markets will rebound sharply, global logistics markets will outperform the U.S., freight costs will rise sharply, and power-ready facilities will become essential, among other factors. E-commerce is driving “20% of new leasing,” he adds.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Kevin covered the following stories: a correction and update regarding the Louisville UPS cargo plane crash; S&P Global released their October U.S. Services Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their October Purchasing Managers Index for Services Providers; after U.S. President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping met in South Korea last week, trade tensions are thawing; factors affecting oil and gas prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Kevin covered the following stories: a correction and update regarding the Louisville UPS cargo plane crash; S&P Global released their October U.S. Services Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their October Purchasing Managers Index for Services Providers; after U.S. President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping met in South Korea last week, trade tensions are thawing; factors affecting oil and gas prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: a correction and update regarding the Louisville UPS cargo plane crash; S&P Global released their October U.S. Services Purchasing Managers' Index and the Institute for Supply Management released their October Purchasing Managers Index for Services Providers; after U.S. President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping met in South Korea last week, trade tensions are thawing; factors affecting oil and gas prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Liquid Lunch with The RWA: Water Supply Management by WNHH Community Radio

Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you!It's no secret that the cattle market is looking great with few – if any – signs of changing directions soon. But with prices as high as they are, where can producers capture additional value? And what role does working with your feeder or packer play in product making it to the meat case? On this episode of Angus at Work we welcome you to listen in as we visit with Paul Dykstra, director of Supply Management and Analysis at Certified Angus Beef, about:His role at Certified Angus Beef,Premiums associated with Certified Angus Beef programs,How cattle qualify for Certified Angus Beef and what might keep them out of the program. In addition,His presentation from Feeding Quality Forum held Aug. 14-15 in Rochester, Minn., How relationships are critical to the continued overall success of the beef industry,And more! A huge thank you to Vermeer for their sponsorship of this episode. Additional Resources:CAB FAQs including brand specificationsTargeting the Brand™Get the CAB InsiderSubscribe to the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRAFind more information to make Angus work for you in the Angus Beef Bulletin and ABB EXTRA. Make sure you're subscribed! Sign up here to the print Angus Beef Bulletin and the digital Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact our team at abbeditorial@angus.org.

The episode elucidates the current dynamics within the furniture industry, highlighting a juxtaposition of challenges and opportunities amidst a climate of economic uncertainty. Most prominently, we discern that the manufacturing sector is grappling with a significant contraction, as evidenced by the recent report from the Institute for Supply Management, which indicates a manufacturing PMI of 48.7%. This contraction is particularly concerning for our industry, with furniture and related products cited among the sectors experiencing decline. However, amidst this backdrop, we observe a resurgence in new furniture orders, which have risen to 51.4%, suggesting that consumer demand remains robust, albeit tempered by production constraints. Furthermore, we examine the broader employment landscape, noting a slowdown in job growth, yet we remain optimistic in recognizing the commendable performance of major retailers such as Macy's, which has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a challenging market. Thus, while the manufacturing sector confronts formidable obstacles, the overall landscape reveals a nuanced interplay of resilience and opportunity for those within the furniture industry.Takeaways: The manufacturing sector in the United States has experienced a contraction for six consecutive months, indicating significant challenges ahead. Despite the contraction in manufacturing output, new orders for furniture have shown a positive growth trend, suggesting sustained consumer demand. The employment landscape within the furniture manufacturing sector remains bleak, with a notable decrease in job numbers reflecting broader economic uncertainties. Major retailers like Macy's have reported stronger than anticipated sales growth, indicating potential opportunities for furniture manufacturers amidst market challenges. The gap between increasing furniture orders and declining shipments highlights ongoing production and supply chain difficulties that require strategic management. Overall, the furniture industry is navigating a complex environment characterized by both challenges and resilient growth opportunities, necessitating adaptive strategies.

So far, markets have shown resilience, despite the volatility. However, our Head of Corporate Credit Research Andrew Sheets points out that economic data might tell a different story over the next few months, with a likely impact on yields.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript ----- Andrew Sheets: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Andrew Sheets, Head of Corporate Credit Research at Morgan Stanley.Today – how a tricky two months could feel a lot like stagflation, and a lot different from what we've had so far this year.It's Thursday, August 7th, at 2pm in London. For all the sound and fury around tariffs in 2025, financial markets have been resilient. Stocks are higher, bond yields are lower, credit spreads are near 20-year tights, and market volatility last month plummeted.Indeed, we sense increasing comfort with the idea that markets were tested by tariffs – after all we've been talking about them since February – and weathered the storm. So far this year, growth has generally held up, inflation has generally come down, and corporate earnings have generally been fine.Yet we think this might be a bit like a wide receiver celebrating on the 5-yard line. The tricky impact of tariffs? Well, it might be starting to show up in the data right now, with more to come over the next several months.When thinking about the supposed risk from tariffs, it's always been two fold: higher prices and then also less activity, given more uncertainty for businesses, and thus weaker growth.And what did we see last week? Well, so-called core-PCE inflation, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, showed that prices were once again rising and at a faster rate. A key report on the health of the U.S. jobs market showed weak jobs growth. And key surveys from the Institute of Supply Management, which are followed because the respondents are real people in the middle of real supply chains, cited lower levels of new orders, and higher prices being paid.In short, higher prices and slower growth. An unpleasant combo often summarized as stagflation.Now, maybe this was just one bad week. But it matters because it is coming right about the time that Morgan Stanley economists think we'll see more data like it. On their forecasts, U.S. growth will look a lot slower in the second half of the year than the first. And specifically, it is in the next three months, which should show higher rates of month-over-month inflation, while also seeing slower activity.This would be a different pattern of data that we've seen so far this year. And so if these forecasts are correct, it's not that markets have already passed the test. It's that the teacher is only now handing it out. For credit, we think this could make the next several months uncomfortable and drive some modest spread widening. Credit still has many things going for it, including attractive yields and generally good corporate performance. But this mix of slower growth and higher inflation, well, it's new. It's coming during an August/September period, which is often somewhat more challenging for credit. And all this leads us to think that a strong market will take a breather.Thank you, as always, for your time. If you find Thoughts on the Market useful, let us know by leaving a review wherever you listen. And also tell a friend or colleague about us today.

Rudyard and Andrew start the show assessing Trump's new trade deal with the EU: no relief on tariffs, carve outs that favour the US, and uncertainty for Europe down the road. Why did European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agree to this deal? Why aren't all countries currently negotiating with the US working together to create a united front? And does the EU's deal provide a window into what Canada can expect from its own trade negotiations with the US? Trump is committed to tariffs and we need to accept this will be part of any future deal. And while we might not have yet seen the effects of tariffs on the price of consumer goods, we will soon as companies accept that this is a long term economic reality. Rudyard and Andrew then turn to supply management, a flawed policy issue that the Canadian government refuses to address. Why are we upholding a redistribution of wealth which benefits an affluent business community at the expense of the country's poor? Click here to purchase Andrew's new bestselling book, The Crisis of Canadian Democracy.

Supply management may not line up with free market principles, but the fruits of it to this point have been positive for Sean Smith and his family. These strategies have helped the to remain profitable at a scale a family can manage. They have also freed them up to experiment with some more regenerative practices....