Fresh Take with IDDBA

IDDBA

Each month, IDDBA brings you an inside look into the world of dairy, deli, bakery and beyond! Our podcast has expanded! Every month you can catch the What's in Store segment, taking a look at what's in store for the future of our industry. In addition, be sure to join us for our other segments: Executive Aisle, where IDDBA President and CEO has a conversation with another industry leader; Inside IDDBA, bringing you insider information about our annual show; and Test Kitchen, our professional development segment. Join us twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of the month for Fresh Take with IDDBA! If you want to know what's in store for the future of our industry, you'll want to listen to the What's in Store Podcast!

  1. MAR 17

    #44 (S5E6) What to Expect at #IDDBA2026

    Inside IDDBA - What to Expect at #IDDBA2026 with Jeremy Johnson (Vice President of Events, IDDBA), Brandie Schuchardt (Director of Meetings & Events, IDDBA), and Kat Shanahan (Vice President of Marketing and Membership, IDDBA) In this first edition of the Inside IDDBA segment for Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan, VP of Marketing & Membership at IDDBA, is joined by Jeremy Johnson, VP of Events, and Brandie Schuchardt, Director of Meetings & Events, for an energetic preview of IDDBA 2026 in Orlando, June 7-9. Together, they share what attendees can expect from this year's event, from the scale of the show floor and the continued growth of the show to the planning, teamwork, and member focus that shape the overall experience.   Jeremy and Brandie discuss why IDDBA's annual show has become such a milestone for exhibitors and attendees alike, where many companies often announce major events like product launches or plan their year around the show. Long-time veterans of the show, they provide a great description ("an event filled with discovery" and "sensory overload") for Kat who will be attending her first show this year. The conversation also highlights the experiences that make the show more than just time on the floor, including the Monday Night Party and What's in Store Live. Brandie shares why the event feels so welcoming and community-driven, while Jeremy explains how What's in Store Live helps bring IDDBA's trends to life in practical, cross-departmental ways that attendees can take back to their teams. Along the way, they offer useful advice for getting the most out of the show, and provide a sneak peak into the return of one of IDDBA's favorite personalities returning to our General Session stage.   Orlando is going to be an incredible experience, filled with energy, opportunity, and a community that values doing business and making real connections. This episode is a must-listen for those who want to come prepared.  Registration is open now, and we'll see you in Orlando, June 7–9. To learn more about the show, book your hotel, sign up for updates, and register, visit IDDBA's website: https://iddba.org/register Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership

    24 min
  2. MAR 3

    #43 (S5E5) Mindful Indulgences: Live at BakeryTECH with Josh Bickford

    What's in Store - Mindful Indulgence: Live from BakingTECH with Josh Bickford (President, Clyde's Donuts) and Kat Shanahan (Vice President of Marketing and Membership, IDDBA) Fresh Take with IDDBA hits the road in this What's in Store segment, bringing you an interview recorded live at BakingTECH 2026 in Chicago. Together, guest Josh Bickford, President of Clyde's Donuts, and host Kat Shanahan, VP of Marketing and Membership at IDDBA, explore how breakfast bakery is changing, from evolving morning habits to the rise of affordable indulgence. Josh shares some memorable stories from Clyde's history as a family business going back over a century, as well as insights into how shoppers are balancing budget, wellness, and joy. Together, Kat and Josh discuss bakery's continuing evolution from utilitarian to functional, the questions shoppers ask themselves before selecting a treat, and emerging portioning and packaging trends. Learn about the impact of technology, tips on harnessing an emotional connection to customers, and what is capturing shoppers' attention right now in a world where social media is making a big impact on what you see in the bakery case. Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.  To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership Register for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando, June 7-9: https://www.iddba.org/register

    20 min
  3. FEB 17

    #42 (S5E4) Thinking Outside the Aisle with David Haaf

    Executive Aisle - Thinking Outside the Aisle with David Haaf (IDDBA President and CEO) and Kat Shanahan (IDDBA VP of Marketing and Membership) In this Executive Aisle episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan turns the table and asks David Haaf the questions. The president and CEO of IDDBA shares highlights from IDDBA's brand refresh and what discusses what it signals for the organization's next chapter. David explains the industry shifts driving the need for clarity and support, including consolidation, evolving expectations around on-demand information, and the importance of welcoming the next generation of leaders (sometimes even people new to the dairy, deli, and bakery world). He walks through how IDDBA's mission and vision remain steady, while the refreshed brand helps communicate who IDDBA is, how it serves members, and where IDDBA is headed. You'll hear the strategy behind the work, including IDDBA's three strategic imperatives ("evolve the show," "extend the impact," and "expand the audience") along with the story behind the tagline "Thinking Outside the Aisle" and the updated visual identity inspired by the in-store experience across IDDBA's core categories. David also previews what's ahead for IDDBA, including show experience updates and initiatives tied to #IDDBA2026, like retail store tours, the launching of the Innovation Showcase Awards, and updates to Monday programming, including an expanded Monday night party that includes the Champions of Change awards. Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.  To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here:  https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership  Register for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando TODAY:  https://www.iddba.org/register

    23 min
  4. FEB 3

    #41 (S5E3) Igniting What's in Store Live

    What's in Store - Igniting What's in Store Live with Heather Prach (fmr. IDDBA VP of Education and Industry Relations) and Kat Shanahan (IDDBA VP of Marketing and Membership) In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, host Kat Shanahan welcomes back Heather Prach, former VP of Education and Industry Relations at IDDBA, for a conversation that is equal parts reflective, fun, and forward-looking. Heather shares behind-the-scenes stories from What's in Store Live, including the now-legendary scorpion tasting that had the trade show floor buzzing, and explains why curiosity, surprise, and word-of-mouth moments matter so much when designing live experiences. From igniting conversation across a show floor to thinking differently about protein trends and consumer engagement, this episode offers insight into how memorable experiences are built on purpose. As Heather prepares for her next chapter, she also reflects on what made her time at IDDBA meaningful, the power of a team that knows how to "play," and why the stories people carry home matter just as much as what's on display. We think you'll enjoy this thoughtful and entertaining send-off, full of lessons on leadership, creativity, and connection. Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership To see What's in Store Live at #IDDBA2026, head here: https://www.iddba.org/register

    25 min
  5. JAN 20

    #40 (S5E2) How Leadership Development Pays Off

    Test Kitchen - How Leadership Development Pays Off with Steve Asp (Meat & Seafood Category Manager, Lunds & Byerlys) and Ellen Coatney (Education Coordinator, IDDBA) In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA (Test Kitchen), host Kat Shanahan (VP, Marketing & Membership, IDDBA) sits down with Steve Asp (Meat & Seafood Category Manager, Lunds & Byerly's) and Ellen Coatney (Education Coordinator, IDDBA) to unpack how leadership development translates into better communication, stronger teams, and real results on the job. Steve and Ellen share what they experienced in the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program, including hands-on exercises that sharpen negotiation skills and build confidence in everyday leadership moments. From the "gas station game" to practical lessons about defining "fair," they explain why it's okay to ask for more, and how preparation and mindset shape outcomes. They also dig into two big leadership essentials: how to foster innovation through collaborative idea-building, and how to influence without direct authority by tailoring your message to what motivates the person across the table. Along the way, they connect these skills to a broader workforce challenge in fresh: developing people in a way that supports growth, engagement, and retention. The conversation wraps with a look ahead at upcoming leadership development opportunities through IDDBA and why investing in your people can pay off for both the individual and the organization. Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership Want to learn more about the IDDBA Leadership Certificate program and other educational and professional development resources? Head here: https://www.iddba.org/education Register for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando, June 7-9! https://www.iddba.org/register

    35 min
  6. 12/02/2025

    #38 (S4E13) What's in Store for 2026: Heather Prach and Kat Shanahan on the 2026 Trends & a New Era for What's in Store

    What's in Store for 2026: Heather Prach and Kat Shanahan on the 2026 Trends & a New Era for What's in Store For December, Heather Prach, VP of Education and Industry Relations at IDDBA, sits down with IDDBA's new VP of Membership and Marketing, Kat Shanahan, to debut the 2026 What's in Store trends—earlier than ever before and now available free to all IDDBA members. Together they walk through five big themes that cut across dairy, deli, and bakery. Heather and Kat dig into why convenience now has an emotional core, explore how "clean" has elevated from a trend to a baseline expectation, and why the fresh perimeter is so well-positioned to win on simple ingredient decks and transparent labels. In addition, Kat shares big news about what's ahead for the show and what you can look forward to in 2026. Get ready for more segments like The Executive Aisle, with IDDBA President and CEO David Haaf, as well as new segments for a new year! Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. Check out the What's in Store 2026 Trends Report today! https://www.iddba.org/education/trainings/whats-in-store To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership #Trends2026 #ConsumerTrends #FreshPerimeter #Dairy #Deli #Bakery #MealSolutions #CleanLabel #UltraProcessedFoods #HealthyIndulgence #Protein #GutHealth #GlobalFlavors #Sampling #RetailTrends #FoodRetail #Supermarket #Grocery #FoodService #Leadership #Innovation #IDDBA

    24 min
  7. 11/04/2025

    #37 (S4E12) Cheese: From Treasure Hunt to Category Growth with Brian Freeman

    Cheese: From Treasure Hunt to Category Growth with Brian Freeman (Specialty Cheese Category Business Manager, Tops Markets) For November, Heather Prach, VP of Education and Industry Relations at IDDBA, speaks with Brian Freeman, Specialty Cheese Category Business Manager at Tops Markets, in a free-rolling but practical conversation that moves from social-media spikes and global flavor discovery to the merchandising habits and programs that turn a cheese case into a true destination. Brian shares how his category at Tops has outpaced national growth by pairing innovation and authenticity with close collaboration across makers, brokers, and buyers—grounded in travel, plant visits, and shows like IDDBA. He explains why a great cheese set should feel like a "treasure hunt," how simple, shopper-friendly charcuterie signage and real sampling still drive results, and how to ride TikTok-fueled surges without losing focus. Along the way, he digs into building eye-opening cheese "flights" plus answers a rapid-fire round of questions from Heather that reveals his go-to picks. Looking ahead, Brian discusses where global flavors are heading, how to design programs that deliver wins for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, and practical steps teams can take this month—refreshing displays with peaks and valleys, clarifying signs, and putting product in shoppers' hands. We think you'll come away with actionable ways to energize your cheese category, engage teams on the floor, and build a destination set that keeps customers coming back. Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at [education@iddba.org](mailto:education@iddba.org). To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: [https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership](https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership) #Cheese #SpecialtyCheese #Charcuterie #Merchandising #Sampling #ShopperMarketing #RetailTrends #Dairy #Deli #Grocery #Supermarket #FoodService #FreshFoods #Leadership #Innovation #Trends2025 #FoodRetail #Convenience #CStore

    22 min

About

Each month, IDDBA brings you an inside look into the world of dairy, deli, bakery and beyond! Our podcast has expanded! Every month you can catch the What's in Store segment, taking a look at what's in store for the future of our industry. In addition, be sure to join us for our other segments: Executive Aisle, where IDDBA President and CEO has a conversation with another industry leader; Inside IDDBA, bringing you insider information about our annual show; and Test Kitchen, our professional development segment. Join us twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of the month for Fresh Take with IDDBA! If you want to know what's in store for the future of our industry, you'll want to listen to the What's in Store Podcast!