Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

Largest Food Companies by Market Cap + Supermarket Baby Food Study

The landscape of publicly traded food companies is constantly evolving, with consumer preferences, technological advancement and global challenges all playing a role in shaping the industry. In 2024, these factors have culminated in a diverse and competitive market where the largest publicly traded food companies dominate. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 largest publicly traded food companies by market capitalization (cap). The list includes the likes of The Kraft Heinz Company, DoorDash Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Mondelez International Inc., McDonald's Corporation and Nestlé S.A. The largest publicly traded food companies in 2024 are not just leaders in revenue; they are also at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. As the global food industry continues to evolve, these companies are well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about a recent study that revealed many baby foods contain excessive amounts of sugar and salt, coupled with misleading marketing claims. The study examined 651 baby food products from ten major US supermarkets, focusing on foods marketed for children aged six to 36 months. Shockingly, 60 percent of these products did not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) nutritional guidelines for infant and toddler foods. Even more concerning, nearly all the products featured marketing claims that are discouraged by the WHO, such as “organic” or “non-GMO,” which may mislead parents into thinking these products are more nutritious than they actually are. The study also revealed that 44 percent of baby and toddler foods exceeded the WHO’s recommended levels of total sugars.Read the full article here:Top 10 Largest Publicly Traded Food Companies in 2024 by Market Capitalization:https://xtalks.com/top-10-largest-publicly-traded-food-companies-in-2024-by-market-capitalization-3773/
Supermarket Baby Food: A Look at Misleading Claims and Nutritional Concerns:https://xtalks.com/supermarket-baby-food-a-look-at-misleading-claims-and-nutritional-concerns-3776/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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Coca-Cola x OREO Collab + New Proposed Price Gouging Ban

Coca-Cola and OREO have joined forces in a new partnership that’s sure to excite fans of both brands. For a limited time, the Coca-Cola and OREO collab introduces two unique products: Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookies and Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition soda. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new collab, dubbed “Besties,” whose products will be available in grocery stores and convenience stores across participating markets, including the US, Canada, China and Mexico, starting in September. Collaborations between companies, like the Coca-Cola and OREO collab, are often driven by the desire to combine strengths and create something fresh and exciting that appeals to both brands’ audiences. These partnerships allow companies to tap into each other’s customer bases, introducing their products to new demographics.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the recent call for a federal ban on price gouging by Vice President Kamala Harris, which has ignited a significant debate within the food industry and among economists. Price gouging refers to the practice of raising prices on essential goods to an exorbitant level, often during emergencies. Harris’ proposal aims to curb this practice at the national level, but industry groups are wary. Both The Meat Institute and the National Chicken Council argue that a federal ban doesn’t address the underlying causes of inflation, such as rising production costs. Currently, 38 states have price gouging laws. Harris’ proposed federal ban would primarily affect large corporations, potentially offering the federal government greater power to regulate pricing during crises.Read the full article here:Coca-Cola and OREO Collab: A Sweet and Fizzy Pairing:https://xtalks.com/coca-cola-and-oreo-collab-a-sweet-and-fizzy-pairing-3770/
What Is Price Gouging? Harris’ Proposed Ban Sparks Debate:https://xtalks.com/what-is-price-gouging-harris-proposed-ban-sparks-debate-3771/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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How the FDA is Monitoring Lead in Food + Mars' $36 Billion Acquisition of Kellanova

The presence of lead in food remains a critical concern for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lead, a toxic metal, can enter the food supply through environmental contamination during the growing, raising or processing of foods. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how lead contamination in food can arise and what the FDA is doing to monitor lead levels. Food manufacturers bear significant responsibility under US law to minimize or eliminate chemical hazards, including lead, from their products. The FDA’s regulatory framework, including action levels and compliance policy guides, provides clear directives for the industry. The FDA’s approach extends beyond regulation enforcement to include collaboration with industry and other stakeholders. The team wonders why lead was previously used in plumbing and paint and learns about lead’s name on the periodic table.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about Mars’ recent acquisition of Kellanova in a $36 billion deal. This acquisition marks one of the most significant transactions in the food industry this year, expanding Mars’s reach into the snack and cereal markets. Mars, known for its iconic brands like M&M’s and Snickers, has agreed to purchase Kellanova for $83.50 per share in an all-cash transaction. Kellanova, which was formed in 2023 after Kellogg’s separation of its breakfast cereals and snacks businesses, brings well-known brands such as Cheez-It, Rice Krispies Treats and Eggo waffles to Mars’s portfolio. Mars, one of the largest family-owned businesses globally, boasts annual sales exceeding $50 billion and employs over 150,000 people. The team wonders whether Kellanova’s branding or product formulations will change.Read the full article here:Lead in Food: Regulatory Imperatives and Industry Responsibilities:https://xtalks.com/lead-in-food-regulatory-imperatives-and-industry-responsibilities-3763/
Mars Acquires Kellanova in $36 Billion Deal:https://xtalks.com/mars-acquires-kellanova-in-36-billion-deal-3768/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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Macroplastics and Microplastics in Food + What are Track and Trace Platforms?

Macroplastics and microplastics are growing concerns within the food industry. These tiny particles, primarily from environmental contamination, can infiltrate the food supply. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how microplastics and nanoplastics primarily contaminate food through environmental exposure where crops and livestock are raised. Despite concerns, current evidence does not show significant migration of these particles from plastic food packaging into foods and beverages. Additionally, no current evidence suggests that the levels found in foods such as seafood, salt and bottled water pose a danger to human health. However, without standardized methods for detecting and quantifying microplastics, assessing their true impact remains challenging.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about track and trace platforms, which are essential in the food and beverage industry. These systems are designed to monitor the journey of products from origin to consumption. They enhance the ability to trace the history, location and application of items, which is vital for quality control and regulatory compliance. Track and trace platforms in the food industry are digital systems that log detailed information about every stage of a product’s lifecycle. Food and beverage companies implement them to ensure regulatory compliance, improve quality control and assurance, enhance transparency and enhance operational efficiencies. Sydney also gives examples of some prominent track and trace platforms in the food and beverage industry.Read the full article here:Macroplastics and Microplastics in Food: Implications for the Food Industry:https://xtalks.com/macroplastics-and-microplastics-in-food-implications-for-the-food-industry-3742/
How Track and Trace Platforms Influence the Food and Beverage Industry:https://xtalks.com/how-track-and-trace-platforms-influence-the-food-and-beverage-industry-3739/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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How AI is Facilitating the Digital Transformation for Food Retailers: Interview with Angie Westbrock, Standard AI

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Angie Westbrock, CEO of Standard AI, which is at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence and computer vision to physical retail spaces. Angie starts off by elaborating on how Standard AI is leveraging real-time shopper data to create personalized in-store promotions and ads. She talks about how AI helps to predict and manage out-of-stock items as well as enhance loss prevention. Angie explains how food retailers can
integrate Standard AI’s technology with their existing systems and reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the food retail industry. She ends by discussing how AI can contribute to more sustainable practices in food retail.
 
Read the related article here:
 
AI In the Food Industry: Is ChatGPT the Next Big Trend?:
https://xtalks.com/ai-in-the-food-industry-is-chatgpt-the-next-big-trend-3401/
 
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Extending Meat Shelf Life + The History of the Nutrition Facts Label

The food industry is slowly moving away from chemical preservatives, like nitrites in meats, due to health concerns. This has prompted researchers in Spain and the US to explore yeast and nitric oxide (NO), respectively, as natural preservatives to extend meat shelf life. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the potential health risks of nitrites and discusses two nitrite alternatives: yeast and NO. Scientists in Spain and the US are pioneering these alternatives to chemical preservatives in meat, which could revolutionize how the meat industry extends meat shelf life and ensures food safety. The team wonders how these nitrite alternatives could impact the taste of meat but commends these scientists for studying substitutes.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the history of the Nutrition Facts label, a staple on nearly every packaged food product in the US since 1994. Introduced to enhance consumer transparency, this label has evolved into a model for various industries, promoting socially responsible markets through intuitive information dissemination. The Nutrition Facts label has undergone several updates to align with changing public health priorities. The label has been updated to address concerns such as saturated fat and cholesterol in the 1980s and added sugars in the 2010s. The team wonders whether there have been any controversies or lawsuits related to the Nutrition Facts label.Read the full article here:Extending Meat Shelf Life: Scientists Innovate Nitrite Alternatives:https://xtalks.com/extending-meat-shelf-life-scientists-innovate-nitrite-alternatives-3724/
What Is Daily Value? A Comprehensive Insight into the Nutrition Facts Label:https://xtalks.com/what-is-daily-value-a-comprehensive-insight-into-the-nutrition-facts-label-3727/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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What Does the Future Hold for Plant-Based Foods? Interview with Danny O’Malley, Before the Butcher

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Danny O’Malley, founder of Before the Butcher, an award-winning producer of plant-based proteins for both retail and food service customers. Danny begins by talking about his career in the food industry, from his days at Beyond Meat to founding Before the Butcher. He points out that when it comes to plant-based foods, consumers are more focused on ingredients rather than whole meals. Danny talks about keeping costs on par with traditional meat while saving land, water and animals. He also discusses his approach to building and maintaining B2B partnerships as well as some unique supply chain issues Before the Butcher faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He ends by sharing his goal for Before the Butcher in the ever-evolving plant-based industry.
Read the related article here: Will Plant-Based Meat Prices Ever Be Lower Than Real Meat?: https://xtalks.com/will-plant-based-meat-prices-ever-be-lower-than-real-meat-2783/
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Helping Food and Beverage Companies Solve Compliance and Production Issues: Interview with Matt Brown, Wherefour

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Matt Brown, CEO of Wherefour, a cloud-based ERP (enterprise resource planning) platform that helps food and beverage companies, large and small, solve production and compliance issues. Matt discusses his background and what led him to lead Wherefour. He talks about why ERP platforms are crucial for early-stage food and beverage startups and advises when startups should transition to this technology. Matt also explains how an ERP platform can help solve production and compliance headaches and shares some misconceptions about ERP systems. Lastly, he gives to startups that may be hesitant about investing in an ERP platform due to cost concerns.
 
Read the related article here:
2024 Food Industry Trends: Navigating the Future of Tech, Sustainability and Nutrition: https://xtalks.com/2024-food-industry-trends-navigating-the-future-of-tech-sustainability-and-nutrition-3637/
 
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The EU’s Artificial Smoke Ban + Sugar Reduction Technologies

The European Union (EU) recently introduced a ban on eight artificial smoke flavorings used in various food products. This move is part of an effort to protect public health from potential cancer risks associated with these additives. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the ban, which was endorsed by member states in April 2024 following scientific research indicating harmful chemicals in smoke flavorings. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that smoky flavorings can contain harmful chemicals formed during the smoking process. These chemicals, found in both natural and artificial smoke flavorings, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. While some companies believe the ban will cause economic harm, others are embracing it as an opportunity to reformulate. The team wonders whether the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will take note of this ban and implement similar regulations in the US.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about various sugar reduction technologies that meet consumer demands for healthier food and beverages. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, driven by a desire to avoid the negative health impacts associated with high sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes. As a result, food manufacturers are under pressure to find effective sugar reduction solutions to meet this demand. Brands that can successfully reduce sugar in their products without compromising on taste are gaining a competitive edge in the market. Several companies, both large and small, are making strides in the field of sugar reduction solutions, including Better Juice, Ingredion, DouxMatok, SweeGen and Tate & Lyle. The team discusses the potential of reduced sugar crops and the perception around low-sugar foods.Read the full article here:Artificial Smoke Flavoring in Food: EU Ban and Industry Impact:https://xtalks.com/artificial-smoke-flavoring-in-food-eu-ban-and-industry-impact-3898/
Sugar Reduction Solutions: Meeting the Demand for Healthier Food and Beverages:https://xtalks.com/sugar-reduction-solutions-meeting-the-demand-for-healthier-food-and-beverages-3904/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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Nestlé Health Science's GLP-1 Nutrition Platform + Food IPOs of 2024

Nestlé Health Science recently introduced an innovative platform, GLP-1 Nutrition. The newly launched website is designed to provide comprehensive nutritional support for individuals on their weight management journey, including those using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the platform, which serves as a comprehensive hub for individuals on a weight management journey. The website offers a wealth of resources, including nutrition information and a wide range of product options designed to support the unique needs of these individuals. In addition to its products, Nestlé’s GLP-1 nutrition platform offers expert nutrition insights and a community platform where individuals can share their experiences and support each other on their health journey. The website also provides personalized diet, lifestyle and supplement advice through its Nutrition Coach feature. The team commends Nestlé for embracing the GLP-1 phenomenon rather than fearing it.
Also in this episode, Sydney talks about food initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2024. The financial market’s volatility and shifting consumer spending habits have contributed to the lack of food IPOs. Investors remain cautious and companies are wary of uncertain economic conditions. Despite these challenges, three notable companies have debuted on the stock market. The first is BBB Foods, Inc., which operates a chain of grocery retail stores across Mexico through its subsidiaries. The second is Ibotta, Inc., which started as a mobile app offering cash back on everyday purchases and has since expanded its platform to include a wide variety of grocery items. The third is Super Hi International Holding Ltd., a key player in the Asian dining segment known for its chain of hot pot restaurants. Sydney also talks about the food IPOs of last year and discusses the landscape of food IPOs this year. The team notices a trend among these IPOs: they are all players in either the grocery or restaurant segments. Read the full article here:GLP-1 Nutrition: Nestlé Health Science Launches New Platform:https://xtalks.com/glp-1-nutrition-nestle-health-science-launches-new-platform-3905/
Food IPOs 2024: A Look at the Companies that Have Gone Public This Year:https://xtalks.com/food-ipos-2024-a-look-at-the-companies-that-have-gone-public-this-year-3909/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media 
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