The Food Intelligence Podcast

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 tra...

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...

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 fo...

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 s...

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 consum...

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, s...

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...

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 inte...

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 —...

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 sh...

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 develo...

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 spotlight What’s top of mind for foodservice leaders right now Where AI, menu inno...

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 consu...

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 strate...

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...

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. 

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...

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...

How is AI changing the way brand managers work? In this episode, we sit down with Nitzan Aviv, former Coca-Cola brand manager, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing and innovation. Nitzan breaks down real-world examples and shares practical tips for using AI to streamline your workflow, connect with customers, and stay ahead of trends. Whether you're looking to fine-tune yo...

In today’s episode,  I’m joined by Tastewise’s head of Content, Wesley Allan to discuss Foodservice trends we’ve been tracking in 2024 across the US, UK and Australia. We break down what consumer needs are fueling the emergence of cuisines, what items on menu are showing the greatest price inflation, and a surprising new condiment that might be the hottest one to watch this summer. The content in...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by plant-based marketing guru, Shingly Lee to discuss marketing strategies to help brands stand out from the crowded plant-based pack and hear how her experience working at mega-brands like Kraft Heinz and Danone helped her bring Alpha Food’s brand presence to the silver screens of Hollywood!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by gen AI expert and Co-Founder of The Neuron, Pete Huang, to discuss one of the most buzzy topics of the year - generative AI!  Pete will discuss the difference between AI and gen AI, describe the state of the market regarding gen AI’s applications in food & beverage, and give us his take on what technological developments to look out for in the next 6 months....

In this webinar, Lee (TW) speaks with Jessica Yankell and Olivia Kiraly, members of the Insights and Strategy team of PBNA (PepsiCo Beverages Noth America), about how Tastewise fits into their insights process. They highlight strategies for responding to challenging briefs and last-minute requests. This content is valuable for insight and research professionals looking to hear from industry leader...

In this episode, we unveil Tastewise’s top 8 trend predictions for 2024. Our predictions go beyond the mainstream macro drivers and uncover off-the-beaten-path trend moments that will surprise and delight you. So, get ready to have your taste buds tantalized as we dive deep into the emerging trends that will take center stage in 2024. This episode was taken from a longer webinar format - which you...

In this episode, we’re taking a retrospective look at the top consumer trends that dominated the food and beverage scene in 2023. Are these trends here to stay; or will they simply fade away? In 2023, we saw several interesting trends gain popularity, from the rise of food for functional health to the increasing popularity of ingredients that embrace fusion flavors. A few sneak peeks into this epi...