Tag Archives: Annual Event

EP 23: Cultural Appropriation in R&D, 2024 Technolgy Forecast, A Certified Food Scientist’s Journey



This episode of Omnivore features all-new conversations on timely topics with leading food scientists and experts taken from the pages of the November 2023 issue of Food Technology magazine. Food scientist and entrepreneur Abena Foli explains what cultural appropriation in food product development looks like and how to avoid it by bringing emerging cuisines to market respectfully and authentically. Julie Larson Bricher provides insight into technology trends for 2024, which centers on advances and applications of digital transformation technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning and Industrial Internet of Things sensors and devices. Hala Ali discusses her journey to become the first certified food scientist in her home country, only to be uprooted by an ongoing war. 

Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 22: Frank Yiannas on Netflix’s Poisoned, Bio-Derived Polymers in Packaging



Learn from the brightest minds in food science in the October episodes of the Omnivore podcast. For a few days in August, the Netflix film, “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food,” became the most watched documentary in the world, and created a ripple effect of consumer anxiety and confusion about the safety of the U.S. food system. In this episode, Omnivore talks with one of the experts interviewed for the documentary, FDA’s former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas, about what he thought of the final documentary and what he wishes had made the final cut. Also in this episode, packaging expert Claire Koelsch Sand discusses advances in the use of bioderived polymers in food and beverage packaging.  

Pl Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 21: Disruption in the Backseat, Fighting Food Insecurity, Flavor Trends for 2024



Learn from the brightest minds in food science in the October episodes of the Omnivore podcast. Rabobank senior consumer foods analyst Tom Bailey talks about what’s ahead for the food industry as we move out of the “age of disruption.” International development consultant Donna Rosa discusses the role of food science in fighting food insecurity. Soumya Nair, global director of consumer research and insights for Kerry Group, shares some of the key drivers behind 2024’s top flavor trends. 

Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 20: Coca-Cola’s Jason Richardson, Tasty Science, IFT FIRST Pitch Competition Winner



In this episode of Omnivore, our hosts interview food science thought leaders appearing in the pages of the September 2023 issue of Food Technology. Jason Richardson, PhD, is global director, quality and food safety, The Coca-Cola Company, talks about his mission to refresh and reframe food safety culture to advance future performance and company growth. Cornell University Associate Professor Dr. Robin Dando offers insights into his research into the science of taste, including a discussion of the impact of taste on metabolism. Paola Delgado, chief operating officer at Helaina and winner of the 2023 IFT FIRST Pitch Competition, discusses the company’s use of precision fermentation. 

Plus: Find out about Kalsec’s What’s Hot and What’s Not report, a free, comprehensive look at the hot and spicy favors trend with actionable insights into the development of hot and spicy creations. Visit Kalsec.com/HotOrNot to download the free report. 


EP 19: Josh Tetrick on Cultivated Meat, IFT Expo Ingredient Trends, Why Phenology Matters



In this episode of Omnivore, our hosts interview food science thought leaders appearing in the pages of the September 2023 issue of Food Technology. Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, chats about all things cultivated meat, including the recent milestone sales and the challenges that still lie ahead. Get the scoop on the latest ingredient trends from the IFT FIRST show floor from FT editors Emily Little, Linda Milo Ohr and Julie Larson Bricher. AgTools CEO Martha Montoya discusses how phenology will help food producers navigate climate change. 

Plus: Find out about Kalsec’s What’s Hot and What’s Not report, a free, comprehensive look at the hot and spicy favors trend with actionable insights into the development of hot and spicy creations. Visit Kalsec.com/HotOrNot to download the free report. 


EP 18: Generational Marketing, FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, The ‘Skinny’ on Skinny Butcher



In this episode of Omnivore, our hosts interview food science thought leaders appearing in the pages of the August 2023 issue of Food Technology. Consumer trends expert Dr. Liz Sloan delves into the defining characteristics of key market segments ranging from youthful Generation Alpha to aging baby boomers and matures. IFT traceability experts Blake Harris and Sara Bratager provide insights into FDA’s final Food Traceability Rule and the need for speed in planning to meet the compliance deadline of January 20, 2026. Dave Zilko, CEO and cofounder of plant-based meat alternatives startup Skinny Butcher, chats about how the brand’s formulation, marketing, and to-market strategy help set it apart from its competitors. 

Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 17: Sustainable Product Positioning, Plant-Based Product Safety, Where NOVA Goes Awry



Dr. Dave Lundahl, CEO of behavioral research firm InsightsNow, talks about the importance of—and challenges related to—sustainable food and beverage product positioning. Dr. Erdogan Ceylan joins us once again, this time to discuss potential food safety risks when formulating plant-based foods. Drs. Job Ubbink and Allen Levine assess the shortcomings (and strengths) of NOVA food classification. Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp. 


EP 16: Campbell’s Innovation Engine, Fun Snacks for Kids, Upcycled Ingredient Tips



In the July episodes of Omnivore, Food Technology magazine’s award-winning editors bring you into the room with a not-to-be-missed line-up of food scientists and industry thought leaders. Craig Slavtcheff, executive vice president and chief R&D and innovation officer at Campbell Soup, talks about how the 154-year-old company keeps its innovation engine churning using agile design methodology and its Maker’s Culture. Jon Harrington, senior brand director at Beech-Nut Nutrition Co., discusses trends and challenges in making snacks for kids. Sargento scientists Dr. Karthik Sajith Babu and Kartik Shah give the scoop on the challenges of using upcycled food ingredients when developing new or updated products. 

Plus: This episode is sponsored by Food Technology Magazine. IFT Members receive Food Technology Magazine in print or digitally as a member benefit. Become an IFT member today. Subscribe to Food Technology Magazine at www.ift-omnivore.org/foodtech. 

 https://ift-omnivore.org/foodtech 


EP 15: Mars CSO Abigail Stevenson, Inside the Genomics Institute, Eco-Certification Programs



In the July episodes of Omnivore, Food Technology magazine’s award-winning editors bring you into the room with a not-to-be-missed line-up of food scientists and industry thought leaders. Dr. Abigail Stevenson, chief science officer at Mars, talks about the science that sparks her joy as she leads Mars’ efforts from blue sky to practical application to future-proof food innovation. Dr. Brad Ringeisen, executive director of the Innovative Genomics Institute, offers a fascinating overview of the institute’s research initiatives related to the use CRISPR gene-editing to bring about next-gen agricultural advances. Consultant and sustainability expert Arlin Wasserman comments on the unintended consequences of the proliferation of eco-certification programs.  

 Plus: This episode is sponsored by Food Technology Magazine. IFT Members receive Food Technology Magazine in print or digitally as a member benefit. Become an IFT member today. Subscribe to Food Technology Magazine at www.ift-omnivore.org/foodtech. 

https://ift-omnivore.org/foodtech 


EP 14: The Art of Science Communication, Citrus Greening Disease, Organic Acid Redux



In the June episodes of Omnivore, Food Technology magazine’s award-winning editors bring you into the room with a not-to-be-missed line-up of food scientists and industry thought leaders. Science communication expert Laura Lindenfeld explains how theatrical improv can help scientists break down barriers and better covey complex ideas. Researchers Anne Plotto and Matthew Mattia describe their efforts to overcome the impact of citrus greening disease by developing orange tree hybrids that produce fruit that is both delicious and disease resistant. While there are a lot of benefits organic acids bring to the product formulation and processing table, as microbiologist Erdogan Ceylan tells us, there are a few watchouts when applying these compounds to different food matrices. Plus: Find out how Kalsec’s DuraShield Natural Food Protection Blends help extend shelf life while keeping your meat or poultry product’s label clean.