The 6 Seeds Sustenance Podcast

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We propel food brands to success through data-driven innovation, marketing, and AI-powered strategy. 6seeds.substack.com

  1. 6 Seeds Insights Podcast - The Regenerative Revolution is Here

    SEP 23

    6 Seeds Insights Podcast - The Regenerative Revolution is Here

    Episode Notes Duration: 6 minutes 32 seconds Episode Overview Welcome to 6 Seeds Insights, where we dig into the trends shaping the future of food and agriculture! In this episode, hosts Alex and Jordan explore the explosive growth of the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC™) movement—a shift that’s moving far beyond the farmer’s market and into mainstream business strategy. Key Numbers That Matter * 45% growth in ROC™ products this year * $20 million jump in retail sales * 320+ brands now supporting ROC™ * 67,000 smallholder farms across 46 countries * Nearly 20 million acres under regenerative management * 40% faster growth for sustainability-focused products vs. conventional ones Main Topics Covered 1. The Scale Reality (0:30 - 2:45) * ROC™ has moved from fringe experiment to global movement * Geographic reach spanning 46 countries * Area comparison: larger than the entire country of Ireland 2. Consumer Behavior Shift (2:45 - 4:15) * 70% of consumers value environmental responsibility more than two years ago * 90% let eco-friendliness shape purchase decisions * Gen Z perspective: 78% believe current food system drives climate crisis 3. Business Case Deep Dive (4:15 - 5:30) * From values-driven to performance-driven strategy * Sustainable products outperforming categories by 10 percentage points * Real examples: Lundberg Family Farms and Dr. Bronner’s success stories 4. Strategic Takeaways (5:30 - 6:32) * Category positioning opportunities * Operational resilience benefits * Consumer alignment across income levels Key Insights Lundberg Family Farms Case Study: * Converted ALL California-grown organic rice to ROC™ * 65% of customers actively seek the certification * Eliminates 3.2 million pounds of chemicals annually * Cuts global warming potential by nearly 50% Dr. Bronner’s Impact: * 7-year investment in ROC™ practices * Partnership with 18,000+ farmers * 52,000 acres converted to regenerative practices Three Strategic Takeaways for Brands * Category Positioning: Where can ROC™ create visible differentiation in your space? * Operational Resilience: * 45% less energy use * 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions * Up to 10x better soil water infiltration * Consumer Alignment: * 64% willing to pay more for sustainable products * Demand spans across income levels * Opportunity for SNAP/WIC program expansion This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    7 min
  2. 6 Seeds Wayfinder: The Economic Tightrope Walk

    SEP 8

    6 Seeds Wayfinder: The Economic Tightrope Walk

    Episode Summary Join Amelia and Ben as they dissect the complex Canadian consumer landscape of August 2025, exploring how consumers are navigating what researchers call an "economic tightrope walk." This data-driven episode reveals surprising resilience amid economic uncertainty and uncovers five key traits defining the modern Canadian shopper. Key Topics & Timestamps Economic Context (0:30 - 2:15) * Consumer Confidence at 59.9 - modest but stable * GDP contraction of 0.3% in Q2 2025 * Employment decline pushing unemployment toward 7% * Surprising resilience in services spending and retail sales The Tariff Shadow (2:15 - 3:30) * Trade tensions with the US creating consumer anxiety * 35% tariffs on metals and auto parts * Tariffs now #1 cited risk to household finances (Bank of Canada surveys) * Direct impact on purchasing decisions and financial planning New Consumer Profile (3:30 - 4:00) Five Key Traits: * Cautious - Careful financial planning * Value-seeking - Smart money optimization * Innovation-curious - Open to new solutions * Locally loyal - Supporting Canadian businesses * Remarkably resilient - Adapting rather than panicking Behavioral Shifts (4:00 - 5:15) * "Frugality with Selective Splurges" - Cutting big-ticket items while maintaining small "feel-good" purchases * Entertainment, health products, and hobby gear still seeing steady demand * Strategic spending vs. simple belt-tightening Digital Shopping Revolution (5:15 - 6:00) * 73% of consumers using multiple channels before purchasing * Omnichannel experience now "non-negotiable" * AR try-on features and AI chat becoming deal-sealers * Seamless integration from research to purchase expected Sustainability Pragmatism (6:00 - 6:45) * Environmental consciousness remains strong but practical * Cost-effective "green enough" solutions outperforming premium eco-labels * Focus on dual environmental AND economic value * Shift from abstract benefits to tangible cost savings AI Adoption Paradox (6:45 - 7:30) * 67% of Canadians have tried generative AI tools * Only 30% use them weekly * 73% of firms haven't begun formal AI adoption * Major trust gap: 50%+ have limited understanding of data usage Strategic Brand Implications (7:30 - 8:17) * Value positioning beyond simple price reduction * "Smart money move" messaging with lock-in pricing * Inflation-indexed loyalty rewards * Wellness micro-indulgences for mental health * Transparency as competitive advantage * Local loyalty and community investment campaigns Strategic Takeaways for CPG & Agriculture Value Positioning * Position products as "smart money moves" * Emphasize durability and long-term value * Create essential product bundles * Offer inflation-indexed loyalty rewards Transparency Wins * Clearly explain AI and data usage practices * Communicate tariff mitigation efforts * Obtain explicit consumer opt-ins * Build trust through plain-language explanations Local Loyalty Strategies * Co-brand with Canadian suppliers * Highlight "home-grown" innovation in packaging * Run community investment campaigns * Support SME tariff impact mitigation Sustainability Messaging * Focus on cost-saving eco-benefits (lower utility bills) * Promote refill models with economic advantages * Emphasize energy efficiency over abstract metrics * Align with practical climate actions Canadians favor Episode Discussion Question "In an era where trust is paramount but data-driven personalization is expected, how can a brand strike the perfect balance between using AI to enhance the customer experience and being transparent enough to earn genuine consumer trust?" Episode produced with insights from Canadian consumer research, Bank of Canada surveys, and industry trend analysis as of August 2025. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min
  3. 6 Seeds Wayfinder: American Consumer Sentiment August 2025

    SEP 8

    6 Seeds Wayfinder: American Consumer Sentiment August 2025

    Episode Description Welcome to 6 Seeds Wayfinder, the podcast for the agricultural and CPG industries. In this episode, hosts Amelia and Ben dive deep into the complex landscape of American consumer sentiment in August 2025, unpacking the fascinating contradictions shaping today's marketplace. What We Cover: The Consumer Confidence Crisis * University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index drops 6% to 58.2 * Why economic resilience isn't translating to consumer confidence * The disconnect between 3.0% GDP growth and widespread anxiety Political and Economic Volatility * How new tariffs and political turbulence are reshaping consumer psychology * Inflation expectations surge to 4.8% after months of decline * The "soft but persistent" labor market decline affecting 25% of consumers The Great Trade-Down Transformation * 75% of consumers adjust purchasing patterns downward * Generational spending strategies: Millennials vs. Baby Boomers vs. Gen Z * How travel intentions decline while holiday shopping accelerates The Corporate AI Revolution * 78% of companies now use AI daily, up from 69% in 2021 * Average productivity gains of 2.5 hours per employee per day * The double-edged impact on college graduate employment Climate Consensus Emerges * Rare alignment: 70% of voters and 91% of executives support climate action * How environmental consciousness persists despite economic pressures 📈 Strategic Brand Imperatives * Evolution beyond traditional discounting strategies * The rise of "recession-ready" product lines and inflation-proof pricing * Transparency as competitive necessity in uncertain times * Generational targeting strategies for different consumer segments Key Insight: American consumers in late 2025 embody a new "pragmatic realist" mindset—economically anxious yet technologically optimistic, fundamentally recalibrating priorities rather than simply cutting back. Perfect for: Agricultural industry leaders, CPG executives, brand strategists, marketing professionals, and anyone navigating the complex consumer landscape of 2025. Duration: 8 minutes, 12 seconds This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min
  4. AI Visibility Revolution - The New Rules for Food Industry Discovery

    SEP 5

    AI Visibility Revolution - The New Rules for Food Industry Discovery

    📋 Episode Overview Hosts: Sabrina & Johnathan (AI Analysts at 6 Seeds)Duration: 5 minutes 28 secondsFormat: Professional industry analysis discussion 🔍 Key Topic How artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are fundamentally transforming business discovery and visibility for food and agriculture companies in 2025. 💡 Main Insights Discussed The Paradigm Shift * Then: Media coverage was about brand building for human readers * Now: Every article becomes "active training data" programming AI systems that determine company visibility * Traditional PR wins (like Food Business Magazine features) now serve a dual purpose: human awareness + AI algorithm input The "Double Bind of AI Invisibility" A brutal catch-22 where companies must exist in two places simultaneously: * Historical training data (the AI's foundational knowledge) * Fresh, real-time content (current web scraping and updates) Miss either → You become invisible to AI-powered business research Real-World Consequences * Companies that went quiet during the pandemic lost their "digital shelf space" * Competitors with consistent thought leadership now dominate AI-generated market overviews * Investment teams use AI platforms to build shortlists in minutes instead of weeks * Being invisible to AI = being invisible during crucial due diligence phases 🔄 How AI Research Actually Works AI systems act like tireless research assistants that: * Never sleep or take breaks * Read everything across the web * Cross-reference trade publications, SEC filings, and industry chatter * Evaluate content quality and credibility, not just mention frequency * Ask: "Who's solving real problems? Who has third-party validation?" 📊 The Perplexity Effect Traditional Search: Returns 10 blue links to click throughAI Search: Provides coherent summaries with citations New Goal: Be cited in AI-generated answers, not just clickedRequirement: "Distributed authority" across multiple trusted sources 🎯 New Success Playbook Content Strategy: * Treat every piece as potential AI training data * Publish with purpose and depth over generic marketing * Include real numbers, case studies, supply chain transparency * AI rewards substance over fluff Media Strategy: * Secure strategic placements in respected trade journals * Get experts quoted in analyst reports * Maintain consistent momentum vs. sporadic coverage * Coordinate owned and earned media across channels Key Principle: Consistent activity beats sporadic brilliance in AI visibility This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  5. Why Your AI Project Is Stalling

    JUL 17

    Why Your AI Project Is Stalling

    The most important lesson I've learned in 20+ years working with AI and food: If you want your AI initiatives to succeed, don’t start with the AI. Start with your humans. It sounds counterintuitive in an age of prompt engineering, model selection, and LangChain workflows. But the truth is: Without strong human capabilities, even the smartest AI is just running in circles—fast. Here’s what I mean. The Data That Stopped Me When we look at AI implementations that fail, it's rarely because the model wasn't powerful enough or the prompts not working. It's because the humans using it weren’t ready to guide it. The core capabilities we see missing most often: Strategic Thinking * What actually matters? * What’s the real context? * What are we trying to achieve? Value Judgment * What’s worth pursuing? * What trade-offs are acceptable? * What standards matter? Without this foundation, AI becomes a highly capable intern with no direction—fast, cheap, but fundamentally misaligned. What we’re witnessing is a shift from tool thinking to team thinking. The AI doesn’t replace your team—it extends it. But only if the team is ready. Why This Matters Now This looks like more than just a tech adoption curve. It’s a leadership challenge. In our work across food and agriculture, we’ve seen two very different trajectories: * Some teams leapfrog the competition by using AI as a strategic partner. * Others burn time and budget producing faster mediocrity. The difference? Not the model.Not the data.The people. Teams that know how to frame a problem, assess competing priorities, and apply judgment are getting extraordinary results with the same tech others fumble with. What This Means for You The implications for our industry are significant. You don’t need more tools.You need more alignment. Because when your team knows how to ask better questions, AI gives you better answers. This isn't about being a prompt ninja. It's about becoming a meaningmaker—someone who can create context and purpose from raw data. The brands that will thrive are the ones who understand that AI isn’t replacing strategy. It’s sharpening it. How to Build These Muscles If you’re not getting what you hoped from AI yet, try this reset: * Run an internal audit: Can your team clearly define success for each initiative? If not, fix that first. * Introduce “Strategic Framing” prompts before you even open ChatGPT. Example: “What tension are we trying to resolve?” * Treat AI as a sparring partner—ask it to argue both sides of a tough trade-off, not just summarize content. * Slow down to go faster: A 10-minute team huddle to agree on context saves hours of back-and-forth prompt iteration. This is the kind of work we do with clients every day—embedding AI into their culture, not just their stack. Where 6 Seeds Comes In We’re not an AI consultancy. We’re a clarity consultancy. At 6 Seeds, we help food and ag companies reveal the real problem, reimagine the direction, and realize smarter outcomes—with AI as an embedded partner throughout. * We start with behavioral insight and data * We reframe using strategic storytelling * We build systems that actually get used Want to run a "Human Readiness for AI" session with your team? We're happy to facilitate. Let’s Talk What’s the biggest friction you’ve encountered when trying to bring AI into your work? Where has it surprised you? And what would help your team become better meaningmakers in this new landscape? Reply and let me know. I’d love to hear what’s working—and what’s still unclear. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  6. Why Pamela Anderson Is Your Next Food Business Inspiration"

    2024-11-11

    Why Pamela Anderson Is Your Next Food Business Inspiration"

    There’s no slowing down on AI tools reshaping the food industry and we're seeing brand new opportunities for businesses to leverage data for better results. This week, we're taking this message on the road. * Halton Region Keynote (Ontario): I am giving a keynote to food businesses about practical AI implementation strategies * USAEDC Annual Conference (Baltimore): I am speaking to an audience of US Commodities on how AI and data are transforming food export development * Stay tuned for event highlights and key takeaways in our next newsletter From Tech to Table: A Hollywood Icon's Culinary Renaissance Until recently, I would never have the words “Pamela Anderson” and “a love of cooking” into the same sentencer. But it’s 2024, and the "Baywatch" star is living her best life by following her true passion in the kitchen and honestly, we love to see that level of happiness! When people find the one thing that makes them happy, magic tends to happen. The Dish on Pam's Culinary Ventures Cooking Up a Storm: * "Pamela's Cooking with Love" set to premiere on Food Network Canada in 2024 * Anderson takes on the role of host and sous chef, collaborating with influential culinary experts * Focus on plant-based meals, aligning with her long-standing commitment to veganism A Recipe for Success: * Her cookbook "I Love You: Recipes from the Heart" was released in October, 2024 and is already a best seller * Born from a personal project: recipe cards for her sons created as a housewarming present * Showcases family-inspired vegan recipes and entertaining tips Why This Matters More Than Just a Pretty Plate: * Anderson's culinary journey reflects a broader trend of celebrities reinventing themselves * Emphasizes authenticity and personal passions over maintaining a previous public image that was mostly created to serve the interest of others * Taps into growing interest in plant-based diets and sustainable living Family-Driven Success: * Son Brandon played a pivotal role in bringing Anderson's culinary dreams to life * Demonstrates the power of family support * Highlights the appeal of genuine, family-oriented content in the food space The Bigger Picture Anderson's move into the culinary world is part of a larger career renaissance: * "Pamela's Garden of Eden" lifestyle series renewed for a second season * Release of Netflix documentary "Pamela, A Love Story" and memoir "Love, Pamela" * Showcases her versatility and desire to redefine her public image on her own terms What This Means for You: * Look Beyond the Surface: Anderson's transition shows that there's more to people than meets the eye. In your business, consider partnering with influencers or personalities who may have hidden depths or unexpected passions that align with your brand. * Embrace Authenticity: Anderson's success in rebranding herself stems from embracing her true passions. Consider how you can incorporate more authentic, personal elements into your brand story or product offerings. * Tap into Family Values: The family-oriented nature of Anderson's projects resonates with audiences. Explore ways to highlight family connections or create products that bring families together. * Sustainability Sells: Anderson's focus on plant-based cooking aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainability. Evaluate how you can incorporate eco-friendly practices or products into your business model. * Second Acts Matter: Anderson's career relaunch demonstrates the power of reinvention. Don't be afraid to pivot or expand your brand into new territories that align with your values and passions. As Pamela’s personal culinary journey shows, there's often untapped potential in unexpected places. By looking beyond the obvious and embracing authenticity, you might just cook up your next big success (sorry, the dad jokes are strong today). Want to find the hidden gems in your industry? 6 Seeds is here to help you uncover new opportunities and create strategies that resonate with today's consumers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  7. AI in Food Business: From Friction to Fortune

    2024-11-06

    AI in Food Business: From Friction to Fortune

    As we prepare for the "Selling Food to Ontario" event on November 12, I wanted to share a quick preview of my presentation - How AI is transforming the food industry landscape and how you can profit from these changes. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so here: https://ow.ly/mZqB50TYlVM The Current Reality: The food industry faces significant challenges - with most new products (825) failing to succeed in market and marketing efforts often not delivering expected returns. Here's where AI can come in as a game-changer, when used properly. Key Insights I’ll be exploring: * The democratization of expertise through AI is revolutionizing how food businesses operate * AI serves as a powerful pattern recognition tool, making data more accessible and useful than ever before * Modern success requires attention to Product-Medium-Market Fit, not just Product-Market Fit * Working WITH AI rather than having AI work FOR you leads to substantially better outcomes How AI Removes Business Friction: Big brands are already showing us the way: * Unilever: Accelerating ingredient innovation by screening thousands of combinations instantly * PepsiCo: Analyzing millions of social posts and recipes to spot emerging consumer trends * Kraft Heinz: Partnering with NotCo to use AI for plant-based product development What This Means For Your Business: * Speed to Market: Businesses using AI effectively are getting products to market in about one-third of the traditional timeline * Better Success Rates: AI-powered approaches are showing significantly stronger performance compared to industry averages * Competitive Edge: As AI becomes more accessible, businesses that adapt early gain substantial advantages Looking Forward: The future belongs to businesses that can combine: * Strategic thinking * Creativity * Emotional intelligence * AI-powered insights Want to Learn More? Join me at "Selling Food to Ontario" on November 12, where I'll dive deeper into these topics and share practical strategies for implementing AI in your food business. You'll also hear from major grocery chains, distributors, independent retailers, industry experts, and government staff about getting your products onto store shelves. Register here: https://ow.ly/mZqB50TYlVM The Takeaway: In today's food industry, it's not about being the strongest or most intelligent - it's about being the most responsive to change. AI tools are becoming the key differentiator between success and failure in bringing products to market. Want to dig deeper into how AI can transform your food business? Let's connect at the event or reach out to me directly at andreas@6seeds.co. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  8. Canada Launches $2.4B AI Investment Package: What You Need to Know

    2024-10-23

    Canada Launches $2.4B AI Investment Package: What You Need to Know

    We see this daily in action: the question isn't if AI will transform business; it's how fast. Today, Canada decided to accelerate that transformation, announcing major funding to help businesses adopt and develop AI solutions. Let's break down what this means for Canadian innovation and your business. The Big Picture: Canada already stands as an AI powerhouse with: * More than 1,500 innovative companies in the field * A thriving ecosystem spanning health, financial services, and agriculture * Deep roots in research and academic excellence What's New: Two Game-Changing Programs * Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) * $200 million investment * Focus: Bringing new AI technologies to market * Target: SMEs across all regions * Goal: Accelerate AI adoption nationwide * AI Assist Program * $100 million investment * Focus: Supporting generative AI and deep learning solutions * Target: Innovative Canadian SMEs * Goal: Help businesses integrate AI into core products and services Why This Matters: * SMEs form the backbone of Canada's economy * AI adoption is crucial for maintaining competitive edge * Regional focus ensures benefits spread across the country * Support covers both development and implementation Strategic Advantages: * Comprehensive regional coverage through development agencies * Focus on practical business applications * Integration of both development and adoption strategies * Strong emphasis on responsible AI development Challenges to Watch: * Global competition for AI talent and resources * Need for rapid adoption across traditional industries * Complex requirements for compute infrastructure * Balancing innovation with safety and regulation So What? Key Implications for Business: * Immediate Opportunities: Prepare to leverage both programs for technology development and adoption. * Regional Support: Tap into region-specific support through local development agencies. * Strategic Timing: Plan AI initiatives to align with new infrastructure improvements. * Collaboration Potential: Connect with partners across sectors and regions. * Market Position: Position your company for both domestic and international markets. Next Steps for Your Business: * Assessment: Evaluate your AI readiness and potential use cases. * Program Alignment: Review specific funding programs that match your needs. * Regional Connection: Connect with your regional development agency. * Strategic Planning: Develop an AI adoption or development roadmap. * Partnership Exploration: Identify potential collaborators within Canada's AI ecosystem. Looking Forward: The future of AI in Canada looks promising, supported by substantial government investment and a strong existing foundation. While challenges exist, the comprehensive approach to funding, development, and adoption creates a robust framework for continued leadership. Companies that act quickly to leverage these new programs will be best positioned to benefit from Canada's AI momentum. The key will be balancing innovation with responsible development while maintaining the speed necessary to compete globally. Want to learn more about leveraging Canada's AI advantages for your business? Connect with your regional development agency or explore the AI Assist Program through the National Research Council of Canada. Note: The audio version of this content has been created using Google Notebook LM This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 6seeds.substack.com/subscribe

    10 min
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We propel food brands to success through data-driven innovation, marketing, and AI-powered strategy. 6seeds.substack.com

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