Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues

Ian Navarro
Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues

Dive into the Heart of the Foodservice Industry with Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues! Hosted by Ian Navarro, a seasoned Foodservice Distribution Veteran, this podcast unveils the intricate journey of bringing food to the table of your favorite restaurants across the United States. Unlock exclusive insights, captivating stories, and cutting-edge sales and marketing strategies that both brands and distributors are leveraging in today's rapidly evolving realm of food consumption and digital content. Stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations as we connect with artisans, disruptors, innovators and leaders in Foodservice Distribution. Tune in for a front-row seat to the pulse of culinary commerce—where every episode explores the ever-changing business of food.

  1. 07/24/2024

    Season 1 Recap and Life Update

    In the final Season 1 episode, Ian reflects on the first season of his podcast and the various topics discussed, including produce, seafood, branding and marketing, technology, social media, and building brand in food service. He talks about the evolution of his own business and the challenges faced by small and mid-size brands in connecting with the right distributors and end users. The host emphasizes the importance of creating value for chefs, brands, and distributors, and discusses the changing landscape of food service distribution, including the use of digital assets and the impact of social media. Ian also highlights the need for constant evaluation and adaptation in the industry.

    23 min

  2. 07/09/2024

    Mashup "Highlights" Episode - Marketing, Branding & Social Media

    A special episode dedicated to marketing, branding, and social media, featuring Ian talking with leaders and innovators in foodservice distribution. 0:00 Introduction 0:53 Jessie Koing, Swizzler + Jesse & Ben's 3:21 Ben Walker, Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc. 6:23 Ezio Bondi, Bondi Produce & Specialty Foods 11:55 Eric Martino, Hard Rock Cafe and Retail 16:56 Brent Erenwert, Brothers Produce 19:46 Melissa Simmerman, Kaleidoscope

    24 min

  3. 07/02/2024

    Branding & Marketing In Foodservice Today - Melissa Simmerman

    In this conversation, Ian Navarro and Melissa Simmerman of Kaleidoscope discuss the importance of branding and packaging in the food service industry. They highlight how packaging can make a big difference in the initial first impression of a product and how branding can differentiate a company from its competitors. Melissa and Ian discuss the importance of social media and personal branding in the B2B space. They also explore the role of workshops in bringing branding and personality to life. Melissa emphasizes the need for differentiation and authenticity in building a brand, as well as the importance of staying on top of trends and understanding consumer preferences. They also touch on the changing distribution mix in marketing and the value of building the right team.

    57 min

  4. 06/25/2024

    Connecting with David Moosman

    David Moosman shares his journey from being a football player to a chef and how he identified the communication problems between chefs and distributors. He started a company to address these issues and provide tools for better communication and data management. The conversation highlights the importance of data in the industry and the need for platforms like 2Market to improve communication and collaboration between distributors, brands, and sales reps. David and Ian discuss the challenges faced by legacy food service ERPs and the need for distributors to invest in technology to stay competitive. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the importance of relationships and the role of technology in making the distributor's job easier.

    55 min

  5. 06/18/2024

    Connecting with Joyelle Fleites

    Joyelle Fleites, founder of Q Plus Foods, shares her journey in the seafood business and the challenges of procuring wild seafood. She discusses her experience on fishing boats and the intricacies of longline fishing. Joyelle also addresses the misconception that wild seafood is always better than farmed seafood, highlighting the control and quality of farm-raised species. As a female in a male-dominated industry, she emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and logical thinking. . Q Plus Seafood has evolved significantly over the past 12 years, growing from a one-person operation to a company with 11 trucks and a full staff.

    58 min

  6. 06/11/2024

    Highlights Episode - Distribution Challenges Mashup

    Discussion from previous podcast episodes on the challenges of working in foodservice distribution, featuring; Mike Moniz, Wulf’s Fish Brian Fiscalini, Fiscalini Farms Billy Itule, Itule Produce Brad Yellock, Inland Seafood Andrea Bezzecchi, Acetaia San Giacomo

    31 min

  7. 05/30/2024

    Connecting with Matt Jamie, Bourbon Barrel Foods

    Ian welcomes Matt Jamie of Bourbon Barrel Foods to discuss the evolution of artisan food, the journey of micro-brewing soy sauce, and the impact of chefs in the food service industry. He also shares insights on product development, co-packing, and the company's growth over nearly two decades. The conversation covers topics such as entrepreneurship, personal growth, leadership, and the challenges of food service distribution. Matt and Ian discuss the challenges and opportunities in the food service industry and the importance of self-awareness and balance in professional and personal life.

    58 min

  8. 05/14/2024

    Connecting with Jessie Koing

    Jesse Koenig, co-founder of Jesse & Ben's, shares insights into the food industry journey, highlighting challenges like brand building and distribution. He stresses the significance of crafting a brand with authenticity to stand out in a competitive market. Jesse & Ben's prioritize quality and personalized customer service, aiming to provide a unique experience. Koenig discusses specific hurdles faced, such as selling frozen fries and addressing objections regarding limited freezer space. The conversation delves into the frozen food industry's challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of relationships, flexibility in distribution, and storytelling in brand building. Additionally, they touch on issues like potato industry consolidation, advocating for innovation and quality in the food sector.

    1h 5m
See All (21)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Dive into the Heart of the Foodservice Industry with Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues! Hosted by Ian Navarro, a seasoned Foodservice Distribution Veteran, this podcast unveils the intricate journey of bringing food to the table of your favorite restaurants across the United States. Unlock exclusive insights, captivating stories, and cutting-edge sales and marketing strategies that both brands and distributors are leveraging in today's rapidly evolving realm of food consumption and digital content. Stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations as we connect with artisans, disruptors, innovators and leaders in Foodservice Distribution. Tune in for a front-row seat to the pulse of culinary commerce—where every episode explores the ever-changing business of food.

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