The Food Intelligence Podcast

Episodes

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  The 2027 Food and Beverage Forecast: 10 trends that will reshape what America eats 24.09.2026 54m

  The 2027 Food & Beverage Forecast is here!! In this episode, straight from the live launch event, Miriam and Michael cover the 10 trends set to define 2027 - and what they mean for both consumers and brands. Each trend is organized around four things people now demand from what they eat and drink: control, realness, belonging, and delight. Along the way, we cover the end of the health promise, the Latin American drinks moving into coffee, tradition coming back on purpose, and eating for the mirror. We close with a first look at the Tastewise agent that takes the forecast and returns bespoke assets specifically for your brand. Want to check out the report + agent? Get access here
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  Executive Briefing: The Agentic Future of F&B 14.07.2026 31m

  Alon Chen, CEO and co-founder of Tastewise, joins the show to talk through what the agentic era really asks of food and beverage teams, and why the executive conversation has shifted from whether to adopt agents to how fast you can rebuild around them.We cover the perfect storm hitting the industry (GLP-1, own-brand pressure, challenger brands scaling in record time), why throwing another tool at your go-to-market only deepens the problem, and why data context is the real differentiator. Alon makes the case for modeling agents on your best people instead of replacing them, and shares the one thing any team can do tomorrow to find out whether they're actually operating in an agentic environment or just catching up.
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  SPECIAL EPISODE: How CPG food & beverage teams are prioritizing marketing spend, with exclusive PwC research 29.12.2025 46m

  Marketing budgets in food and beverage are growing - but so is pressure to prove ROI.In this episode of the Food Intelligence Podcast, Tastewise CRO Jacques Botbol is joined by Valerie Davidov of Strategy& (PwC) to unpack the findings from a deep-dive study into CPG F&B marketing strategy and budget allocation through 2028. Theirconversation explores how marketing leaders are making tradeoffs today: where budgets are increasing, where spend is being reallocated, and why CFOs are demanding clearer ROI, faster execution, and better use of data.Key topics include:Why F&B marketing spend is projected to grow from ~12% to ~16% of revenueHow the mix is shifting toward digital, marketing tech, and automationThe tension between rising expectations and fragmented dataWhat “real-time marketing” actually means for brand and category teamsWhy many teams underutilize tools — and what drives real adoptionHow AI is reshaping decision-making, not just efficiencyThis episode is especially relevant for brand leaders, category managers, and marketing executives planning for 2026–2027 who want to understand not just where the market is going, but how decisions are being made inside leading F&B organizations.Prefer to watch the original live session? Get your copy of the recording here. 
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  The New Route to Market: Where Agility Meets Insight (ft. leaders from DSM-Firmenich and Campbell's) 14.11.2025 20m

  Speed and precision have become the new competitive edge. In this candid discussion from the Tastewise Growth Summit in Chicago, Tess Sansbury (DSM-Firmenich) and Sacha Derevianko (Campbell’s) share how their teams are redefining the go-to-market process - blending insight, collaboration, and technology to deliver faster innovation and stronger alignment across R&D, marketing, and sales.From Campbell’s flavor innovation to DSM-Firmenich’s creative execution frameworks, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on working smarter in today’s fast-moving F&B ecosystem.Listen for: how agile teams turn insights into action and creativity into growth.Prefer to watch? Click here to access the full video recording.
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  Inside the Mind of Gen Z 14.11.2025 20m

  What really drives the next generation of eaters? Nay Tjatur from Influential brings together real Gen Z consumers for an unfiltered look at how social media, authenticity, and convenience shape what they buy, eat, and crave.Hear firsthand perspectives on influencer culture, brand trust, and the balance between health and indulgence - straight from the voices shaping the future of food.Listen for: an honest, fresh look at how brands can connect with Gen Z audiences (and some Gen Z lingo that you may or may not understand)Featuring: Mariana Montealegre Pinto, Karim Limayem, Keon Berry, Isabella Peixoto GomesPrefer to watch? [Click here to access the full video recording.]
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  Faster, Bolder, Smarter: Redefining Food & Beverage Leadership with Alon Chen, Tastewise 11.11.2025 11m

  What does it take to lead through transformation in today’s food and beverage landscape? At this year's Tastewise Growth Summit, Tastewise CEO Alon Chen offers an energizing look at how AI and human creativity are reshaping leadership, innovation, and execution. From data-driven insight to the new pace of decision-making, this session explores how leaders can move faster, think bolder, and build smarter organizations.Listen for: practical strategies to connect data, creativity, and agility in your leadership approach.Prefer to watch? Click here to access the full video recording.
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  CPGs in 2026: From food trends to impact with Kevin Ryan 03.11.2025 28m

  In this episode of The Food Intelligence Podcast, Miriam Aniel from Tastewise sits down with Kevin Ryan - the brain behind FoodStuff and Malachite Strategy & Research - for a candid conversation about how culture, emotion, and identity are reshaping the future of CPGs.Together, they unpack how authenticity is redefining what “premium” means, why real meat is making a comeback, and how consumer behavior is driving a new era of purpose-led growth in food and beverage. It’s an honest look at the people and cultural shifts behind the data.In this episode:The rise of “quiet luxury” and food as identityWhy the next big opportunity for CPGs lies in emotional fluencyThe return of “real food” as a wellness and sustainability playHow culture and consumption are becoming inseparableAbout Kevin Ryan: Kevin is the founder of FoodStuff, a must-read weekly newsletter exploring the intersection of food, culture, and business. You can subscribe at foodstuff.substack.com.
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  Decoding Operator Demands: How Market Shifts Reshape Foodservice (ft. Accenture, Monin, Butterball, IFMA Food Away from Home Association) 30.10.2025 24m

  Operators are navigating an industry defined by volatility, shifting diner behaviors, labor shortages, and rising expectations. In this insightful panel from the Tastewise Growth Summit in Chicago, leaders from Accenture, Monin, Butterball, and IFMA unpack how supplier–operator relationships are evolving and what’s needed to stay relevant in a market that changes by the month.Discover how data, speed, and true partnership can help suppliers meet operator demands and deliver value beyond the plate.Listen for: actionable insights into collaboration, agility, and the new meaning of value in foodservice.Featuring: Taylor Crown (Accenture), Carrie Gillespie (Monin), Terry Wicks (Butterball), Mike Schwartz (IFMA)Prefer to watch? Click here to access the full video recording.
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  From Menus to Margins: How Operators Are Adapting Now (ft. MTY Group, Esrock) 27.10.2025 19m

  From labor to logistics, operators are under pressure to grow profitably in an unpredictable environment. In this dynamic discussion from the Tastewise Growth Summit in Chicago, Anna Nguyen of MTY Group and Kevin Wilson of Esrock share how they’re approaching future menus, innovating smarter, and rethinking the guest experience - all while protecting margins and maintaining brand integrity.Listen for: how leading operators are balancing creativity with control to drive sustainable growth.Prefer to watch? Click here to access the full video recording.
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  Cutting the Chaos: Integrations as the New Growth Engine 17.10.2025 16m

  In a world full of tools, platforms, and data silos, integration is becoming the true growth driver. This conversation from the Tastewise Growth Summit in Chicago brings together leaders from TELUS Agriculture, Acxion Foodservice, IFMA, and Tastewise to explore how connected systems are transforming productivity, insight delivery, and decision-making across the food ecosystem.Learn how smart integration is reducing friction, empowering sales teams, and unlocking faster, more informed growth.Listen for: practical lessons in digital transformation and adoption from across the industry.Featuring: Dan Scheunemann (TELUS), Sandra Hong (Acxion Foodservice), Mike Schwartz (IFMA), Jacques Botbol (Tastewise)Prefer to watch? Click here to access the full video recording.
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  The 2026 Food & Beverage Forecast 22.09.2025 1h 1m

  In this highly anticipated episode, we unpack Tastewise’s 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast — our annual deep dive into the cultural, health, and innovation shifts shaping what’s next on the plate and in the glass.We break down the year’s biggest forces, including:Food as Identity Reconnection — why authenticity, heritage, and “anti-fake” foods are winning consumer trust.The New Body OS — how GLP-1s, fertility, and cognitive health are turning pantries into personal health systems.Quiet Luxury & Small Indulgences — the rise of understated premium, from cocktails to everyday staples.Sensory Maximalism — why textures that crack, pop, and fizz are the new frontier of experience.Why it matters for you: If you’re a brand, retailer, or foodservice operator, this isn’t just about spotting fun products on TikTok. It’s about understanding the cultural context your consumers are living in. The brands that win in 2026 won’t just follow flavors — they’ll enable self-expression, health calibration, and authentic connections.Whether you’re building the next functional beverage, planning retail strategy, or thinking through your marketing strategy, this episode will give you the data-backed foresight to make smarter, faster, future-ready decisions.Get your copy of the full report here, and watch the full webinar here. Questions? Talk to us: live @ tastewise dot io 
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  What Summer 2025 Consumers Really Want 29.07.2025 13m

  This summer isn’t just hot (like, really hot) — it’s giving interesting clues for what’s next in food and beverage. In this episode, we break down the top trends from our Q3 Summer Trends Report to help you understand what today’s consumers are craving right now. From new flavor favorites to shifting priorities across retail and foodservice, these insights are essential for anyone shaping what shows up on shelves and menus this season.Get your copy of the report here, and let us know what you think!
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  Top 5 Trends and Takeaways from IFT FIRST 21.07.2025 26m

  Did you miss this year's IFT FIRST and the zillions of snack samples on the floor? We’ve got you covered (well, except for the samples). Tastewise was on the ground at IFT First 2025, and in this quick and casual episode, we’ll break down the five most important takeaways from the floor — from the latest in AI-powered innovation to what’s next in consumer health, sustainability, and product development.Let us know what resonated with you!
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  The Top 5 Trends and Takeaways from the National Restaurant Association Show 18.06.2025 29m

  Couldn’t make it to Chicago — or still processing everything you saw on the show floor? Join Lee and Miriam from the Tastewise team for a fast-paced, insight-packed recap of the biggest themes, trends, and innovations from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show. We’ll cover:The emerging trends that stole the spotlightWhat’s top of mind for foodservice leaders right nowWhere AI, menu innovation, and operational efficiency are heading nextWhether you walked every aisle or watched from afar, this session will help you cut through the noise and turn inspiration into action.
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  Pricing under Pressure: Staying Competitive during Inflation with AI 14.04.2025 40m

  Inflation continues to reshape the food and beverage industry—but not all cost increases are created equal. Some are real, driven by supply chain constraints, while others are "manufactured" through business strategies like delivery fee markups. The market is changing, and it can be challenging to create pricing strategies that meet the moment. In this webinar, we'll unpack it all, analyzing consumer behavior shifts, and exploring how brands, retailers, and foodservice operators can use AI-driven insights to stay competitive.This is a recording of our most recent "rapid response" webinar -- if you want to jump straight to the insights, head to 03:35. Resources: Full video recordingSlides
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  2025 Food Tariffs – How to Protect Margins & Win Market Share 04.03.2025 25m

  The 2025 food tariffs are here, and they’re already shaking up pricing, sourcing, and competition across the food industry. With costs rising on key ingredients, private label gaining ground, and supply chains under pressure, how can food brands and operators stay profitable?In this episode, Wesley and Tastewise's CEO Alon Chen break down:The real impact of tariffs on food costs and menu strategyHow operators can secure pricing and find smart ingredient substitutesWhy real-time consumer insights are critical for justifying pricing shiftsThe role of data and AI in adapting faster than the competitionIf you’re in foodservice, retail, or manufacturing, this episode will give you the tools to navigate uncertainty and turn market shifts into opportunities.
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  Flavor Chase: The Trends We're Watching in 2025 07.01.2025 49m

  In this episode, we’re sharing insights from our 2025 Trend Report, where we break down the key shifts in consumer behavior, ingredient innovation, and market dynamics that will shape the food and beverage industry in the year ahead.You’ll hear data-backed insights and real-world examples designed to help you plan smarter for 2025—whether you're focused on product development, marketing, or menu innovation. If you’re looking to turn trend forecasts into actionable strategies, this session is for you. Let us know your thoughts at live (at) tastewise (dot) io! PS: Phew - tech got the best of us with this recording! Please excuse the static, bumps, and tech glitches, we promise it's worth the listen ;) 
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  Smart Flavors: How B2B ingredient providers can leverage AI for success with Peter Losee, Bluegrass Ingredients 27.12.2024 37m

  How are ingredient innovations shaping the future of food? In this episode, Lee talks with Peter Losee, VP Marketing at Bluegrass Ingredients, about the latest advancements in ingredient technology.Peter shares practical insights on developing unique, market-ready products and how ingredient innovation can create new opportunities for product developers and marketers. 
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  2025 Vision: Top Foodservice Trends Shaping Away-from-Home with Sam Newman and Miriam Aniel Oved 23.12.2024 49m

  What’s next for foodservice? Our 2025 foodservice predictions episode is here! In this episode, Miriam sits down with Sam Newman, Tastewise’s Director of Strategic Accounts and a foodservice expert, to unpack key trends shaping the industry’s future.From emerging consumer behaviors to game-changing technologies and mindset shifts, Sam and Miriam unpack 2025's top need-to-know insights. If you’re looking to stay ahead of evolving market dynamics and understand what’s driving the future of foodservice, this episode is a must-listen.This episode was originally produced as a webinar with our friends at IFMA, the Food Away from Home Assocation.
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  How Butterball Uses AI to Drive Growth: Insights from Steve Canale, SVP Butterball 20.12.2024 19m

  What role does AI play in driving growth for food brands? In this episode, Steve Canale, SVP at Butterball, shares how the company uses artificial intelligence to understand consumers, streamline operations, and improve marketing efforts.Through real-world examples, Steve offers a practical look at how AI can create meaningful impact in the food industry. If you're curious about the intersection of technology and business growth in the manufacturing sector, this episode is full of insights worth exploring. Let us know your thoughts!