Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

Nestlé and Mondelez Rethinking Portfolios + Chobani’s Zero Sugar Yogurt

Why are two of the world’s largest food companies, Nestlé and Mondelez, rethinking their portfolios? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses why the two food giants are planning to ditch some of their most popular brands and products. The team reacts to Nestlé’s vastly unhealthy food and beverage portfolio and considers whether selling off its junk food brands would be a smart move. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Chobani’s new Zero Sugar Yogurt. The lactose-free, low-calorie, probiotic-packed yogurt uses filtered milk and natural fermentation process that removes any excess sugars. The team discusses the market-disrupting innovator and whether the better-for-you yogurt trend will last post-pandemic. Read the full articles here: Why Nestlé and Mondelez are Rethinking Their Portfolios Chobani Zero Sugar Disrupts the Yogurt Market For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

JBS Cyberattack + RXBAR’s First Plant-Based Bar

JBS, the world’s largest meat company, experienced a sophisticated cyberattack, compromising normal operations in the US, Canada and Australia. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the JBS ransomware attack and how no company, large or small, is fully protected from this type of attack. The team gives their thoughts on the attack and emphasizes the need for more cybersecutiry in the food industry.Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to RXBAR’s first plant-based protein bar. RXBAR has replaced egg whites as its main source of protein with a blend of pea and almond proteins in the new bars, offering Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter flavors. The team discusses the niche, but popular plant-based protein bar market and why RXBAR is entering this segment at the right time. Read the full articles here: JBS Cyberattack Proves the Food Industry is Not Safe From HackersRXBAR Introduces its First Plant-Based Protein BarFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Limitless Sparkling Water + Tillamook’s Campaign for Creamier Ice Cream

Will a lightly caffeinated, better-for-you beverage have the potential to be the next soda replacement? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to Limitless Sparkling Water, a beverage brand with two lines of flavored sparkling waters; one for energy and another for relaxation. The team discusses the crowded sparkling beverage market and whether Limitless could replace soda and/or coffee. Also in this episode, Mira asks the team a fundamental question: is a frozen dessert considered ice cream if it lacks cream? They hear an ad from ice cream brand Tillamook’s new campaign for creamier ice cream featuring Baddie Winkle, a 92-year-old ice cream lover. The team weighs in on whether frozen desserts whipped with air should be considered ice cream and the effectiveness of Tillamook's ad campaign. Read the full articles here: Could Limitless Sparkling Water be the Next Soda Substitute?Tillamook and Baddie Winkle Fight for Creamier Ice CreamFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFoodInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Climatarians Changing the Food Industry + Tea Drops Tea Bombs

Will a new climate-centered diet have the potential to change the food industry for the better? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the climatarian diet, a growing trend in which individuals consume foods that are least harmful for the environment. The team has a thoughtful discussion about the environmental impact of importing out-of-season produce and how food and beverage brands can reduce their carbon footprints. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Tea Drops, a California-based startup that introduced bagless and dissolvable tea blends. The “bath bombs for tea” eliminate the need for traditional tea bags and reduce waste. The team weighs in on the women-led business and its potential to revolutionize the tea industry, one that has remained relatively unchanged for decades. Read the full articles here: How Climatarians are Shaping the Food and Beverage IndustryTea Drops “Bath Bombs for Tea” Raise $5 Million in Series A FundingFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Seafood Safety Innovation + General Mills Acquires Pet Food Business

Will a new artificial material help improve seafood safety from catch to purchase? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses new research highlighting a color-changing material that can detect spoilage levels in seafood. The team debates whether this material could have other applications in food safety, a market that has been growing steadily since the onset of the pandemic.  Also in this episode, Mira talks about General Mills’ acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treat business. The $1.2 billion purchase comprises of leaders in the natural meat pet treat market including Nudges, Top Chews and True Chews. The team discusses the clever timing of the acquisition and Mira quizzes them on some surprising pet owner spending data. Read the full articles here: Chameleon-Inspired Color-Changing Material Can Be a Game-Changer for Seafood SafetyGeneral Mills Acquires Tyson Foods’ Pet Treat Business for $1.2 BillionFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Making CBD and THC Infusions Safer + Olive Oil-Based Ice Cream

Can a food emulsification company make CBD and THC Infused foods and beverages safer? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney introduces the team to SōRSE, a Seattle-based food emulsification company on a mission to improve the dispersion and efficacy of CBD and THC oils in edibles and beverages. Hear clips from Sydney’s interview with Loni Mowbray, SōRSE’s quality control manager, to learn about the company’s emulsion process and cannabis regulation.  Also in this episode, Mira talks about the latest plant-based ice cream with a surprising base ingredient: olive oil. She asks the team to weigh in on Wildgood, a Greek producer of olive oil-based ice cream, and discusses whether olive oil is the next big trend in the non-dairy ice cream industry.Read the full articles here: SōRSE: How a Food Emulsification Company is Making CBD and THC Infusions Safer Is Non-Dairy Ice Cream with an Olive Oil Base the Next Big Trend? For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Epicurious Ditches Beef Recipes + Gen Z Water

Will a recipe website’s move to ditch beef actually help fight climate change? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses Epicurious’ recent move to stop publishing new beef recipes to help consumers make more sustainable cooking choices. She shares some thoughts on why the stance against beef may be excluding other climate change culprits, and the team weighs in as well. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to Gen Z Water, a “transparent, flavorless liquid” designed for the trendiest generation. The aluminum, recyclable bottles provide an alternative for expensive reusable bottles and one-time-use plastic bottles. Hear clips from Mira’s interview with Gen Z Water’s CEO, Doug Batie, where they discuss the inspiration behind the brand and its messaging. Read the full articles here: Will Epicurious’ Move to Ditch Beef Recipes Actually Fight Climate Change?Gen Z Water's “Transparent Flavorless Liquid” Could Attract More Than One Generation of ConsumerFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Upcycled Food Certification Mark + Omnipan Marketed to Millennials

Will an upcycled certification mark on food packaging resonate with consumers? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses the new, first-of-its-kind upcycled food label from the Upcycled Food Association (UFA). She shares some insights from an interview with the UFA’s marketing director, Leah Graham, and asks the team whether they would consider spending more money on a product with upcycled ingredients. Also in this episode, Mira introduces the team to the Omnipan, a new line of cookware made from silicon designed with millennials in mind. While the team is skeptical of the Omnipan’s name and effectiveness in the kitchen, Mira says the company has carved out a niche for millennials in smaller living spaces looking to cook and store food with less hassle.Read the full articles here: Will An Upcycled Certification Mark on Packaged Foods Resonate With Consumers?Is Omnipan the Only Cookware Millennials Need?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Food Companies Going IPO + Replacing Synthetic Food Dyes

Did the COVID-19 pandemic help drive growth for some plant-based food brands and food delivery companies? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses six food and beverage companies that have gone IPO, or announced plans to go public, in 2021. The team questions to what extent the pandemic helped push IPO plans forward and whether the trends of trying new plant-based foods and ordering food delivery will last. Also in this episode, Mira talks about how natural food dyes from red cabbage can replace synthetic options, specifically when it comes to cyan blue. She discusses new research describing how natural dyes could be a safer alternative to artificial ones and asks the team to weigh in on differing regulatory oversight of food dyes in the US versus the EU.Read the full articles here: Food and Beverage Companies That Have Gone, Or Announced Plans to Go, IPO in 2021Can Natural Food Dyes from Cabbage Replace Synthetic Options?For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Plant-Based Food Sales + New Wave Foods Shrimp

Plant-based food sales shot up in 2020, but will the trend continue? In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney discusses new data showing that the US market for plant-based foods grew by 27 percent to $7 billion last year, sparking a debate on whether processed foods are actually regarded as healthier if they don’t contain animal products. Also in this episode, Mira talks about how Seaspiracy, a new Netflix documentary covering unsustainable fishing practices, inspired a movement towards plant-based fish. She discusses New Wave Foods’ plant-based shrimp, which looks, tastes and feels like the real thing, and asks the team whether it’s something they would consider trying. Read the full articles here: Retail Sales of Plant-Based Foods Surged to $7 Billion in 2020New Wave Foods Distributes Plant-Based Shrimp Amid Fishing Industry ControversyFor more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @XtalksFood Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured