Food For Thought

Food Processing
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Food Processing's Food For Thought podcast takes you beyond the headlines of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

  1. 17/12/2025

    Developing Nutritious Foods That Kids Will Actually Eat

    As any parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent knows, feeding kids nutritious, healthful foods that taste good and are beloved by those children can be a real challenge at times. Michael Allen, CEO of Kidfresh, joins the podcast this time around to discuss the mission and strategies of Kidfresh and how they approach meeting the demands of our society’s smallest picky eaters. Allen also discusses where frozen foods stand in the typical family grocery spend, how those products have innovated in recent times, and also how the flavor palates and preferences of the younger generation make a huge difference toward product development. So, grab a bowl of mac and cheese or some chicken nuggets and enjoy this episode!

    25 min

  2. 10/12/2025

    2026 Food & Beverage Economic Outlook: Affordability, Tariffs, GLP-1 Drugs and More

    As we wrap up 2025 and turn the calendar page to 2026, Billy Roberts, senior analyst, Food & Beverage, for CoBank, joins the Food For Thought podcast to offer an economic outlook for the food and beverage industry in the new year. Roberts discusses everything from the impact of GLP-1 drugs on food and beverage companies to consumer perception of affordability, and how private-label products can continue to grow in this atmosphere. Furthermore, he shares what processors can learn from the last year’s roller coaster ride with tariffs, and the possibility of additional consolidation of brands and production capabilities and facilities in the new year.

    21 min

  3. 03/12/2025

    Charcuterie Can Capitalize on Demands for Affordable Indulgence, Unique Experiences

    Jeff Tripician joins the podcast this time around to discuss his move from leading international cultivated meat company Meatable to now becoming the CEO of Charcuterie Artisans, owners of Daniele and Creminelli Meats. First, Trip details his goals and the work to do to grow the Charcuterie Artisans business, then he digs into the trends driving charcuterie product innovation today. Whether focusing on regionalized offerings or innovating new flavors and types of charcuterie meats, Trip says the time is right for charcuterie to grow.

    31 min

  4. 19/11/2025

    Mintel Makes Three Predictions for Food and Beverage Products in 2026

    Jenny Zegler, director of Food and Drink for Mintel, joins the podcast this time around to dig into the details of three predictions that Mintel has made for 2026 for the food and beverage industry. Will consumers be more interested in longer shelf-life for products as part of their value proposition? What role does sensory play in new product development for food and beverage products in the New Year? Zegler talks about these expected demands from consumers and how processors can take advantage of these opportunities starting now.

    28 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    Jackson’s Expands Muskego Plant to Meet Demand for Healthier Snacks

    Jackson’s, a snack company that focuses on better-for-you snacks cooked in avocado oil, recently celebrated the grand opening of its Muskego, Wis., facility expansion, and CEO James Marino joined the Food For Thought podcast to detail the capital investment. Marino also talked about the snacking landscape and how Jackson’s is working to develop better-for-you products aiming to disrupt the category and meet consumer demand for healthier options.

    16 min

  6. 05/11/2025

    Wayne-Sanderson Discusses Innovation, Flavors Driving Chicken Demand

    In conjunction with our November cover story, in which we honor and feature Wayne-Sanderson Farms as our 2025 Processor of the Year, I had the opportunity to visit the company’s Decatur, Ala., prepared foods processing complex and its Customer Innovation Center there. While visiting, I sat down with Matt Masters, director of R&D, and Beau Batchelor, corporate research chef – product development, to talk about the formulation and consumer trends driving the chicken industry today. The two shared their insights on flavors, dayparts and cuts of chicken that consumers continue to seek, as well as some of the larger macro factors driving demand.

    12 min

  7. 24/10/2025 · BONUS

    Advancing Food Safety, Traceability Through Digital Tech Innovation

    This episode is brought to you by Aptean. As food and beverage processors seek ways to operate efficiently while monitoring and maintaining food safety and a traceable supply chain, they’re looking for advanced technology to help them achieve their goals. Jack Payne, solution consulting director, Food & Beverage and Process Manufacturing, for Aptean, and a longtime industry expert in the field, shares his insights on the innovations that have driven the industry forward, and how a shared passion for serving the best quality, safest food and beverage products has shined through in nearly every partnership he’s developed with processors. This episode is sponsored by Aptean. Learn more about Aptean.

    23 min

  8. 17/10/2025 · BONUS

    Finding Hidden Value in Food & Beverage Waste Streams

    This episode is brought to you by Envita Solutions. As food and beverage processors look for ways to enhance their sustainability efforts, more of them are turning toward their production waste streams to find hidden value. Scott Cole, senior director, Strategic Growth for Food & Beverage, for Envita Solutions, discusses some of the initiatives and innovations processors can look into that can help them both save on costs and also protect the environment around them. Learn more about Envita Solutions.

    21 min
See All (181)

About

Food Processing's Food For Thought podcast takes you beyond the headlines of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Food Processing
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Food For Thought

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