Xtalks Food Industry Podcast

Insights Into the Irish Food Industry: Interview with Sheelagh Daly, Enterprise Ireland

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Sheelagh Daly, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) manager at Enterprise Ireland, the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Sheelagh begins by talking about her role as FDI manager and discusses some of the latest innovation trends within Ireland’s food industry. These include both Ireland-specific and global food industry trends like tech, AI and sustainability. She offers insights into the types of incentives Ireland offers to foreign investors in the food industry and some of the partnerships that exist between Irish food companies and international investors. Sheelagh also talks about how Irish food companies use FDI to expand their presence in international markets. Read the full article here:Guinness Launches a Non-Alcoholic Version of its Popular Stout: https://xtalks.com/guinness-launches-a-non-alcoholic-version-of-its-popular-stout-2475/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Best Foods for the Environment + FDA’s New Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling Proposal

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is no longer just about getting the right mix of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Now, it’s also about balancing one’s needs with the needs of the planet. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 best foods for the environment, which boast low carbon footprints, support biodiversity and offer substantial nutritional benefits. Integrating these foods into one’s diet is a practical way to contribute to a healthier planet while nourishing one’s body. The list includes categories like pulses, leafy greens, locally grown fruits and cereals and grains as well as mushrooms, seaweed, mussels, grass-fed beef, oats and figs. These foods provide essential nutrients while having minimal environmental impact. The team is surprised by a number of foods on the list, including mushrooms, mussels and grass-fed beef. Also in this episode, Sydney talks about The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new requirement for prepackaged foods in the US. This rule would mandate front-of-package nutrition labeling, which would display key nutrient information on the front of the packaging, in addition to the existing nutrition label on the back. In the US, advocates have long lobbied the FDA for front-of-package labels, claiming they help consumers make healthier choices and encourage food manufacturers to reformulate their products. Opposers argue that mandatory interpretive front-of-package nutrition labeling designs could cause unnecessary fear among consumers without providing meaningful context on how a food item fits into a healthy diet. The team discusses which design would be most effective and wonders whether this rule would promote healthier choices.  Read the full article here: Top 10 Best Foods For the Environment:https://xtalks.com/top-10-best-foods-for-the-environment-3883/ Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling: What the Food Industry Needs to Know:https://xtalks.com/front-of-package-nutrition-labeling-what-the-food-industry-needs-to-know-3894/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

The Burgeoning Hemp Beverage Market + Why is Tara Flour Unsafe

The market for hemp beverages has been growing rapidly in recent years. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production, boosted the market, allowing companies to explore hemp as a primary ingredient. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the hemp beverage market, which has seen a steady influx of new products, including hemp-infused teas, sparkling waters and protein shakes. The regulatory landscape for hemp in the US is complex and continually evolving and the legalization of hemp did not mean a free-for-all. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating hemp products, particularly those intended for consumption. The FDA’s stance has been cautious, focusing on ensuring that hemp beverages and other products are safe for consumers. Companies must navigate stringent guidelines regarding labeling, health claims and quality control. The team is skeptical of hemps health benefits and wonders whether hemp beverages will be considered functional beverages.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about tara flour, an ingredient that has come under scrutiny following an FDA declaration that it is unsafe. The FDA’s assessment comes over two years after Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles product containing tara flour sickened nearly 400 people. This ruling, dated May 15, 2024, is only the 15th such declaration by the agency since 2010. The FDA stated that tara flour does not meet the standards of “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), which food manufacturers can use to avoid a lengthy food additive approval process. Tara is grown for several purposes, including as a food additive that acts as a stabilizer or thickening agent. It is also high in protein — about 43 percent protein by weight — making it an ideal source of plant-based protein. Daily Harvest used tara flour in its product without first obtaining FDA approval, leading to 133 hospitalizations and a $23 million settlement with victims. The team asserts that not all plant-based protein sources are healthy or safe and wonders whether Daily Harvest and its supplier will face further legal action.  Read the full article here: Hemp Beverages: How this Growing Market Navigates US Regulations:https://xtalks.com/hemp-beverages-how-this-growing-market-navigates-us-regulations-3862/ Tara Flour Safety Concerns Prompt FDA Action:https://xtalks.com/tara-flour-safety-concerns-prompt-fda-action-3867/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

What’s Next in Food Safety: Interview with Annie Simmons, Field Application Scientist at Neogen

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Annie Simmons, Field Application Scientist at Neogen, an international food safety company that provides test kits and relevant products to detect dangerous substances in food. Annie starts by discussing her educational background and professional journey that led her to specialize in food safety testing. She then talks about how food safety testing has evolved over the years as well as the major challenges it faces today. Annie emphasizes the critical role of traceability in food safety and how Neogen stays ahead of emerging food safety threats. She also highlights how regulatory changes impact food safety testing and the importance of consumer awareness and education in food safety.Read the full article here:Avian Flu in Cows Presents a New Challenge for the US Dairy Industry: https://xtalks.com/avian-flu-in-cows-presents-a-new-challenge-for-the-us-dairy-industry-3780/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

The State of Lab-Grown Meat Bans + What is Xylitol?

Lab-grown meat bans are becoming more common as governments worldwide react to the burgeoning cultivated meat industry. Recent bans in Florida, Alabama and Italy highlight the growing resistance to these products. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the current state of lab-grown meat bans. Lab-grown meat has existed since 2013, when it debuted at Maastricht University. Yet, consumer access remains limited. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals currently cover only UPSIDE Foods and Good Meat, but their products are not yet available in stores. Proponents of lab-grown meat argue that consumer freedom should dictate the market’s future. Balancing consumer choice, ethical considerations and environmental impact will be crucial in determining the role of lab-grown meat in our food systems. The team posits that these bans are premature and believes the traditional meat industry and lab-grown meat industry will have to work in tandem with each other rather than be at odds.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about SweetLeaf Xylitol Reduced Calorie Sweetener. It offers consumers a way to enjoy sweetness from nature with only 10 calories per serving, mirroring the taste of sugar without its negative impacts on blood sugar levels or dental health. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in various fruits and plants. It’s been used for decades as a sweetener and dental health aid. Xylitol is not only about sweetness; it also boasts dental benefits by reducing the risk of tooth decay, unlike traditional sugar. Its efficacy as a sugar substitute is well-documented, with benefits like a lower glycemic impact compared to sugar. However, like many sugar alcohols, xylitol can cause digestive upset if consumed in large quantities. It is also highly toxic to dogs, so pet owners must use caution when storing products containing xylitol. The team applauds Xylitol for being a natural, rather than an artificial sweetener and wonders whether it will gain popularity.   Read the full article here: Lab-Grown Meat Banned in Florida and Alabama:https://xtalks.com/lab-grown-meat-banned-in-florida-and-alabama-3827/ SweetLeaf Xylitol: A New Frontier in Natural Sweetening:https://xtalks.com/sweetleaf-xylitol-a-new-frontier-in-natural-sweetening-3825/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

How AI and Analytics Are Transforming Food Supply Chains: ft. Dirk Herdes, GM & SVP Sales at Crisp: Interview with Dirk Herdes, GM & SVP Sales at Cris...

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Dirk Herdes, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sales at Crisp, a platform that connects CPGs to real-time POS and inventory data from 40+ retailers and distributors. Dirk gives an overview of Crisp's platform and discusses how it integrates with retailers and distributors to provide actionable insights. He talks about how AI and analytics are transforming commercial food supply chains and explains how important real-time data is in the modern supply chain. Dirk also discusses some common challenges CPGs face when trying to streamline their supply chains as well as the differences between small and large CPGs when it comes to Crisp’s platform. He ends by giving advice to CPGs that are looking to leverage data strategies in their supply chains to improve efficiency and profitability. Read the full 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/For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Highest-Earning Fast-Food Chains in 2023 + USDA’s New Salmonella Regulations

Last year, the American fast-food industry experienced significant transformations. Several chains expanded their market reach and others innovated to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 restaurant chains in America, ranked by their 2023 revenue. She not only highlights their financial achievements but also their influence on employment and their broad range of offerings. The top three highest-earning fast-food chains in 2023 include Starbucks, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. Other chains that made the list include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Domino’s Taco Bell and Wendy’s, among others. The top 10 restaurant chains excel in generating revenue and play a crucial role in shaping dining experiences across America. The team is surprised to learn that Starbucks was the highest-earning restaurant chain on the list and wonders how much third-party delivery apps impacted each company’s revenues.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about a new rule implemented by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that mandates lower Salmonella levels in frozen breaded and stuffed chicken products. Starting in 2025, poultry producers will be required to decrease Salmonella to very low levels in targeted chicken products. Despite explicit cooking instructions on labels, the persistence of Salmonella-related illnesses underscores the necessity for strict regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with chicken being a significant contributor. Approximately one in every 25 chicken packages at grocery stores is contaminated with Salmonella. This targeted regulation paves the way for broader Salmonella control measures, now under consideration by federal authorities. The team applauds the USDA for considering Salmonella an adulterant and wonders whether this rule will reduce foodborne-illness outbreaks. Read the full article here:Top 10 Restaurant Chains in America by 2023 Revenue:https://xtalks.com/top-10-restaurant-chains-in-america-by-2023-revenue-3824/ How Common Is Salmonella in Chicken? New USDA Regulations Target Frozen Products:https://xtalks.com/how-common-is-salmonella-in-chicken-new-usda-regulations-target-frozen-products-3812/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

PFAS Chemicals in Food Packaging- Interview: Cally Edgren, Senior Director of Sustainability, Assent

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Cally Edgren, a PFAS expert and the Senior Director of Sustainability at Assent, a leader in supply chain sustainability management solutions. Cally starts off by explaining what PFAS chemicals are and why they are so prevalent in the food industry. She delves into the details of a federal PFAS ban that was proposed in April and how it would impact businesses if passed. She discusses some of the latest developments in technology that businesses are adopting to remove PFAS from their products and processes.Cally also talks about what consumers can do to minimize their exposure to PFAS, as well as how she foresees the role and presence of PFAS in the food industry evolving in the next five to ten years.Read the full article here:FDA Announces Slow Phase-Out of Certain PFAS Chemicals Used in Food Packaging:https://xtalks.com/fda-announces-slow-phase-out-of-certain-pfas-chemicals-used-in-food-packaging-2372/For more Food Industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

How Different Food Industry Sectors are Fighting Food Waste + New Animal Welfare Report

With roughly one-third of all food produced globally lost or wasted, the food industry is pivoting towards sustainable practices aimed at curbing these losses. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how different sectors within the food industry are combating food waste on Stop Food Waste Day 2024 and beyond. For example, tech companies are creating software and systems that help restaurants and food producers optimize their inventory and Grocery chains are also revising their supply chain practices. Upcycling, turning by-products or waste materials into new, high-quality products, is another innovative approach gaining traction. The hospitality sector, including hotels and resorts, is also making substantial strides by implementing programs that analyze and improve food preparation and consumption patterns. The team wonders whether tech innovations like AI and blockchain can make a significant impact in cutting food waste across the supply chain.  Also in this episode, Sydney talks about the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare’s (BBFAW) recent report, which evaluated 150 prominent food companies and assigned the majority a low-performance impact rating due to their poor animal welfare practices. According to the report, approximately 95 percent of food companies worldwide recognize farm animal welfare as a central business issue. Despite this, none have reached Tier 1 ‘Leadership’ status in the BBFAW rankings. Many of the largest food companies, including Mars, Mondelez International and Starbucks, show no evidence of farm animal welfare on their business agendas, with Tier 6 rankings. Companies like Domino’s Pizza and Yum China Holdings are yet to even publish a formal farm animal welfare policy. The team posits that consumers shouldn’t have to pay a premium for ethical animal products, but rather that it should be the standard.   Read the full article here:  Stop Food Waste Day 2024: The Food Industry’s Role in Reducing Waste:https://xtalks.com/stop-food-waste-day-2024-the-food-industrys-role-in-reducing-waste-3798/ Farm Animal Welfare: Global Food Companies’ Challenges and Slow Progress:https://xtalks.com/farm-animal-welfare-global-food-companies-challenges-and-slow-progress-3807/ For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/  Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Carly Schildhaus, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the NCA

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Carly Schildhaus, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The NCA promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats, as well as lobbies the American government in favor of the confectionery industry. Carly gives an overview of the controversy surrounding the state-level proposals to ban certain food additives and discusses how the adoption of these bans could impact the confectionery industry both operationally and financially. She talks about some challenges the NCA faces in communicating the safety and science behind food additives to consumers and lawmakers as well as the steps the NCA is taking to address both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by these legislative efforts.Read the full article here:Food Additive Ban? States Uphold Science Over Fear:https://xtalks.com/food-additive-ban-states-uphold-science-over-fear-3802For more food and beverage industry content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/XtalksFood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured