The Commodity Kitchen with David Maloni & Jerry Dalton

David

Twice a month, David and Jerry serve up a fast, focused look at the world of commodities—covering everything from major food ingredients to energy and beyond. With over 50 years of combined experience advising some of the world’s largest commodity buyers, they bring unmatched insight and practical perspective to the table. Each episode delivers a market update, the key news and trends they’re watching, and occasional guest perspectives—all in under 15 minutes.

  1. 15 MAY

    Feeding Millions on the Move: Arah Tan Talks Supply Chain, Inflation, and Innovation

    Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. Today’s guest is Arah Tan, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at OTG Management—a leading foodservice company operating in high-traffic venues like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Airports. In this episode, we dig into the unique challenges of airport food operations. Arah shares how OTG navigates complex logistics, vendor contracts, and the unpredictable nature of disruptions—from hurricanes to global pandemics. She brings a unique lens as someone who started in restaurant operations and climbed into supply chain leadership, making this conversation especially insightful for those curious about the intersection of hospitality, logistics, and innovation in constrained environments. Host and Guest Social Media Links: David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Arah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arahtan/ Timestamps 00:00:00  00:01:17 – David introduces the podcast and Arah’s role at OTG 00:02:09 – Overview of OTG’s operations and Arah’s responsibilities 00:04:13 – How OTG operates both national and proprietary food brands in airports 00:07:14 – Security and logistical barriers to airport food supply 00:09:09 – Arah’s career journey and how she got into supply chain 00:13:05 – The COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in supply chain strategy 00:16:20 – Complexity of managing supplier relationships across locations 00:20:07 – Leveraging vendor flexibility while meeting brand requirements 00:22:07 – Impact of airport type and seasonality on supply chain demands 00:25:21 – Economic conditions and their effect on travel and food sales 00:27:08 – Preparing for disruptions and maintaining resiliency 00:30:13 – Operations experience informs better supply chain decisions 00:33:01 – Importance of food safety and proper packaging in airport delivery 00:34:09 – Arah’s vision for technology and transparency in the next decade 00:36:05 – Sourcing locally and partnering with community vendors 00:37:00 – Arah’s pick for best airport food: Bobby’s at LaGuardia 00:39:23 – Reflections on motherhood’s role in shaping leadership I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more:  👉 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors #SupplyChain #FoodService #AirportLogistics #HospitalityIndustry #SupplyChainInnovation #OTGManagement #DavidMaloni #FarmToFork #FoodSupplyChain #ArahTan #AirportOperations #TravelIndustry #RestaurantLogistics #FoodTech

    41 min
  2. 21 ABR

    Inside the Cattle Business with Aaron Cooper of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi

    On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S. We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next. Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following: David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/  Timestamps:00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet 01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi 03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different? 06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business 10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life 13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf 15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef 17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today 22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry 25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion 29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets 32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production 36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition 45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste 49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef 50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef 52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms 53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper Akaushi I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors #BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

    56 min
  3. 7 ABR

    Trump Tariffs with Tom Healey, CPG and Foodservice International Supply Chain Executive and Datum Advisor

    Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions. In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ https://datumfs.com/ Connect with Tom Healy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 | Preview 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs? 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle) 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.Click here to find out more:  https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

    31 min
  4. 24 MAR

    Innovating Food Supply Chains with Wiggs Civitillo Founder of Starfish Networks

    Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential. During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with Wiggs: https://www.starfish-network.com/ info@starfish-network.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/ Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission? 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.Click here to find out more:  https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

    45 min
  5. 10 MAR

    Future of Foodservice & Franchising with Jim Balis from Capital Spring Partners

    Welcome to Farm to Fork!  In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology. Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve. Connect with David:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect With Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/ https://www.capitalspring.com/ Timestamps 00:00 – Preview 01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader 02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time 03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities 06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators 10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies 14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations 19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal 24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits 27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences 30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges 34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising 37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next 39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.  Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

    41 min
  6. 24 FEB

    Tech & Innovation in Food Supply Chains with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt from Open Food Chain

    Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. In today’s episode, I sit down with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt, the founder of Open Food Chain, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing global food traceability. In this conversation, we dive into the current state of data and technology in the global food supply chain, how Asia is catching up to the U.S. in supply chain innovation, and why manufacturers play a critical role in driving change. Marieke also explains how blockchain can solve major inefficiencies, ensuring food safety, improving data transparency, and reducing supply chain costs. We also tackle misconceptions about traceability, including why it’s often overlooked, and how it could benefit both farmers and consumers. If you want to understand the future of food traceability and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode! Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ https://datumfs.com/ Connect with Marieke: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt-9501086 https://www.openfoodchain.com/ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Farm to Fork: The Innovators and today’s guest 00:37 – Meet Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt: Her background and passion for food supply chains 02:22 – What is Open Food Chain, and how does it use blockchain for traceability? 05:45 – The surprising inefficiencies in food supply chain data 08:30 – Why is Asia catching up to the U.S. in food supply chain technology? 10:12 – The challenges of old data systems and why new solutions struggle to be adopted 14:40 – How blockchain ensures trust, accuracy, and food safety 18:25 – Why major food companies resist traceability and how regulation is (or isn’t) working 22:57 – How Open Food Chain is structured and who benefits the most 28:08 – The cost savings and efficiency gains from better supply chain data 31:12 – The role of Gen Z and consumer demand in driving transparency 34:45 – How Open Food Chain works with industry leaders and future plans 40:50 – How to get in touch with Open Food Chain and next steps I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

    43 min

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Twice a month, David and Jerry serve up a fast, focused look at the world of commodities—covering everything from major food ingredients to energy and beyond. With over 50 years of combined experience advising some of the world’s largest commodity buyers, they bring unmatched insight and practical perspective to the table. Each episode delivers a market update, the key news and trends they’re watching, and occasional guest perspectives—all in under 15 minutes.

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