Spill & Dish: A Specialty Food Association Podcast Heritage Radio Network

New York-based shiitake mushroom chip company Popadelics is on a mission to bring attention to under-loved vegetables. In this episode, George Hajjar, associate editor at the SFA, speaks with co-founders and life partners Marilyn Yang and Michael Casali about transitioning to the food world from a finance background, the origins of the pandemic-born snack, and their recent success, particularly in alternate channels including Urban Outfitters. Additionally, Yang highlights some of the brand’s philanthropic achievements, including its partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research.

In this episode, Megan Rooney, Program Development Manager, sits down with the dynamic duo behind SAYSO, a New York-based premium cocktail company founded by two Harvard Business School graduates. Alison Evans and Chloe Bergson take us on a journey from their humble beginnings crafting cocktails in mason jars to their innovative transition to tea bags for a convenient 3-minute cocktail experience. They share their insights on reinventing classic cocktails, and emphasize the value of taking the plunge before you feel fully prepared.

New Zealand-based Heilala Vanilla was co-founded by a father and daughter who show their commitment to the people and land of Tonga with every bean and batch. In this episode, Gretchen VanEsselstyn, SFA’s director of education, speaks with Jennifer Boggiss about Heilala’s connections with chefs, journey to retail, B-Corp certification, and positive impact.

Sam Mogannam is a chef and second-generation owner of San Francisco’s Bi-Rite Market and founder of the B Corp certified Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, which includes two specialty markets, a creamery, catering commissary, and a nonprofit cooking school and education space. In this episode, Julie Gallagher, director of content development for Specialty Food Association, speaks with Mogannam about the rich sensory experience that can be had at Bi-Rite, how he strives to maintain its B Corp status, and plans for a new store opening.

Dominic Biggi is a third-generation owner of Beaverton Foods, a gourmet condiments maker that also co-packs. In this episode of Spill & Dish, SFA’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee talks about carving out his niche in a family business, the company’s more than 500 recipes, and what’s next for the specialty food business.

Cold-pressed grapeseed oil produces a high-quality, nutrient-rich product that can be used to bake, sauté, top salads, and more. Salute Santé’s upcycled, chef-inspired grapeseed oil is a recent 2023 Gold Sofi Award winner and has been a leader in the alternative oil category for decades. The company also makes infused oils and grapeseed flour.

In this episode of Spill & Dish, George Hajjar, content development associate at the Specialty Food Association, speaks with co-founders and life partners Valentin and Nanette Humer about the company’s mission to bring sustainability to the industry, how it began, and how its suite of products is produced.