112: Why are there so few plant-based seafood alternatives?
The meat alternative market has plenty of burgers, sausages, and steaks to meet the demands of an increasingly flexitarian marketplace. However, seafood alternatives have been scarce compared to the options available for beef, pork and chicken. Why is this the case? Well, seafood presents some unique experiential challenges, primarily with mouth feel and texture, that are part of what we associ...
43m Feb 11, 2021
43m
111: How creating consumer experiences can help your brand
Are you tapping into the the experience economy? Consumers experience brands on a variety of levels, and not all of it is conscious. A great deal of your 'brand effect' will be non-conscious. Specific sensory attributes deployed across your pack and product will be generating deeper, more meaningful levels of engagement. Could creating meaningful consumer experiences help your brand? Host Stef...
44m Feb 09, 2021
44m
110: Exploring the global challenges affecting our food system with Food Tank President Danielle Nierenberg
Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank (https://foodtank.com/) , has spent spent two years visiting more than 35 countries, including sub-saharan Africa and Asia, investigating environmentally sustainable ways of alleviating hunger and poverty. She’s also explored extensively the impact of COVID-19 in the US and how the domestic food policy could, and should, change as a result. In this po...
36m Feb 04, 2021
36m
109: Nourishing our new way of life – how consumer food and drink preferences are evolving
Our world is changing in ways we never imagined. The way we live, work, socialise and entertain ourselves has evolved. During the pandemic, we have collectively experienced life-changing events and circumstances that have caused us to recalibrate and adapt. Whether it’s communicating virtually, working remotely, staying indoors or washing our hands, signs of this new way of life are abundant. G...
35m Feb 02, 2021
35m
108: What can be done to ensure that agricultural practices are sustainable?
For people around the world to be truly healthy, they need access to a balanced diet containing all of the essential primary, secondary and micro nutrients. Where does our food get its nutrients from? The soil. How can we build a sustainable future, feed a growing population, and protect our soil nutrients and arable land at the same time? The key is promoting farming practices that are profit...
40m Jan 28, 2021
40m
107: A look at the food and nutrition trends that are growing in the UAE
Like many countries across the world, consumers in the UAE are showing a clear preference for cleaner, more ethical and sustainable food. Eating and consumption habits are changing, what does this mean for the food and drink industry in the region? What food and nutrition trends are growing in the UAE in 2021? In this episode of Table Talk we investigate all this and more, joined by two expert...
38m Jan 26, 2021
38m
106: The outlook for food and agri-tech investment in 2021
Last year we took a look at the start-up environment for food and agri-tech post-COVID 19, and continuing the series we speak to two leading investors to get a sense of the outlook for food and agri-tech investment for 2021. What challenges and opportunities do investors see in this market, and where will they be looking to invest in the future as they focus on health, nutrition and sustainabil...
54m Jan 21, 2021
54m
105: What retail trends will grow in 2021?
One year a go, trend forecasters were predicting that food-on-the-go would be the dominant trend for the year ahead but obviously the global pandemic completely changed that. With COVID-19 still out of control in most major countries across the world, we assembled a panel of experts to explain how that will affect which retail trends will grow in 2021, and what the longer post-COVID future look...
39m Jan 19, 2021
39m
104: How will the Agriculture Act impact sustainable farming?
The Agriculture Act has been regarded as the first landmark piece of post-Brexit legislation by the UK Government. Passed in November, the act sets out how farmers and land-owners in the country will be rewarded for adopting sustainable food production practices. What impact will it have, and how is the act viewed by farmers and land-owners? Will the new legislation change farming and food pro...
47m Jan 14, 2021
47m
103: Exploring the trends and science behind meat alternatives
Meat alternatives continue to increase in popularity, with consumers more likely to choose a flexitarian approach to eating that substitutes alternative proteins for traditional meat products. What are the trends and science behind meat alternatives and how will this growing section of the food and nutrition industry continue to grow? In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast host Stefan Gates...
28m Jan 12, 2021
28m
102: UK food security post-Brexit
With the UK leaving the EU on January 1st, what will be the impact on the UK food supply chain long-term? Will new regulations impede deliveries and create new hurdles (https://www.ft.com/content/c068fc5f-dfe4-4890-8153-a59e1833c100) for producers and manufacturers importing and exporting into the country from Europe? We assembled an expert panel in the run-up to Brexit to find out. Recorded o...
43m Jan 07, 2021
43m
101: COVID-19 loss of taste and smell: how is it affecting sufferers?
The loss of taste and smell have been key symptoms of COVID-19, and many sufferers have had a long-term impact from the illness on their senses. The ZOE COVID symptom app has reported that as many as one in 20 people who have had COVID suffer from symptoms for more than eight weeks. How has this impacted their lives, and what does this sensory loss mean for people’s experience of food, now and ...
36m Jan 05, 2021
36m
100: How can the UAE achieve food security?
With a small amount of arable land, and a climate that has little rainfall, the UAE faces significant natural challenges standing in the way of its goal to be self-reliant and a champion of food security in the Middle East. In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, host Stefan Gates is joined by two experts to discuss the efforts the UAE is making, how investment is being utilised and what op...
32m Dec 22, 2020
32m
99: The rise of Veganuary, what’s new for 2021?
Veganuary, the annual pledge to give up eating animal products for the month of January, has been growing exponentially in the past few years. With new products hitting the shelves to tie-in with the campaign, what can we expect to see from Veganuary 2021, and how is the movement growing so rapidly year-on-year? Joining us to answer this and more is Ria Rehberg, CEO of Veganuary. Find out how ...
26m Dec 17, 2020
26m
98: How COVID-19 has transformed the 2020 consumer landscape
Each year Tetra Pak produces a global consumer research study, the Tetra Pak Index (https://www.tetrapak.com/en-gb/insights/tetra-pak-index) . COVID-19 has unsurprisingly impacted greatly this year's index, with the impact of the pandemic affecting communities worldwide. In this edition of the Table Talk Podcast we find out how it has transformed the 2020 consumer landscape and created new conc...
29m Dec 15, 2020
29m
97: How an insights platform is cultivating sustainable change from the ground up
Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding information about where the products they buy come from, and proof that what they purchase is safe and sustainable for both people and the planet. With transparency driving sustainable change, how can data be used to support your efforts? In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast we investigate the data insights platform AtSource (https://www.atso...
21m Dec 10, 2020
21m
96: Feeling fabulous through fibre! The health benefits of Dried Fruit
Fibre has the potential to be the next big thing! This podcast covers the important role fibre can play in our overall health, and how California Prunes can help our gut health (https://www.californiaprunes.net/benefits-of-prunes/ ) . We explore how much fibre we need, why we don’t get enough, and the impact on society.  We examine how plant-based diets could help our gut health and immune sys...
37m Dec 08, 2020
37m
95: Food Standards Agency - UK risk analysis and authorisation of substances in food and feed - what businesses need to know for January 2021
In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast we’re joined by the Food Standards Agency to provide information to businesses on the changes that will come into play after the Transition Period ends on 1st January 2021 in relation to food safety risk advice. From January it will be the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) that are responsible for carrying out risk assessments and ...
21m Dec 03, 2020
21m
94: The future of food – a look at consumer trends with WGSN
WGSN identify patterns and trends from millions of social media posts and online retail shelf data. This proprietary combination of technology, data science and human ingenuity gives a valuable visualisation of how trends will shape the future of food. In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast we find out how WGSN use social and consumer market data to identify the consumer trends that will sh...
42m Dec 01, 2020
42m
93: How protein supports immunity for active nutrition
Sports nutrition and active lifestyle consumer markets have been expanding rapidly. The coronavirus pandemic has increased awareness of health and fitness, and protein, in aiding the immune system. A key goal for this new group of consumers is ensuring that their nutrition is supporting their healthy active lifestyle, and helps to support their immune system. Protein is a key component to help...
24m Nov 26, 2020
24m
92: Which ingredients trends will take centre stage in 2021?
As part of our future-gazing podcast series, we speak to a panel of ingredients experts who will share their unique perspective about what to expect from the year ahead. Personal nutrition? Immune system-supporting functional ingredients? More plant-based developments? We’ll find out which ingredients trends will shape 2021. Joining host Stefan Gates are, Carole Bingley, Sr. Associate Principa...
37m Nov 24, 2020
37m
91: Encouraging diversity and inclusion in the food industry
There has always been a compelling moral case for diversity and inclusion, but equally there is a compelling business case for it too, from broadening market reach to bringing fresh perspectives to strategic planning. In this week’s podcast we will explore how forward thinking businesses are championing inclusion and diversity in their workforce to create positive change and stronger engagemen...
57m Nov 19, 2020
57m
90: Becoming a sustainable business, and achieving zero carbon
The push to be a more sustainable business is in full swing across the world, with almost half of UK companies planning to increase their environment-related spending between now and summer 2021, according to HSBC’s Made for the Future report. Consumers are becoming ever more environmentally conscious and are actively looking to buy from companies that are sustainable and purpose driven. This ...
44m Nov 12, 2020
44m
89: Meet the food tech disruptors
Hear from some of our start-ups and investment experts who joined us at Food Tech Matters this year as they share their journey of being food tech disruptors. Our panellists will talk about how they have approached funding, about their experience of working with investors and corporates, their challenges and frustrations and their greatest learnings to date. We speak to Matija Zulj, CEO, Agriv...
38m Nov 10, 2020
38m
88: How PepsiCo Europe maintains a secure and sustainable supply chain
Agriculture is central to both global challenges and solutions related to nutrition, the environment and economic well-being. PepsiCo believes that sustainable agricultural practices will be pivotal in meeting the increasing demand for food as the global population grows, while also addressing the need to manage natural resources. In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast we join David Wilkins...
33m Nov 03, 2020
33m
87: How can enabling “clean cooking” save millions of lives?
1.8 billion people have access to electricity but still cook with biomass. Four million people die each year from Household Air Pollution.  “Clean cooking” means cooking using non-polluting fuels.  The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme aims to rapidly accelerate the transition from biomass to clean cooking on a global scale. To understand the problem, and what they are doing to f...
1hr Oct 29, 2020
1hr
86: Nutraceuticals: the growing market for health and wellbeing
Consumer trends in wellbeing, healthy ageing and nutrient rich convenience food are creating significant opportunities for nutraceutical manufacturers, with the current market valued at $41.95bn (Market Data Forecast figures). This is expected to continue to grow as conventional pharmaceutical companies also turn their hand to this growing market. In this Table Talk Podcast, recorded back in M...
35m Oct 27, 2020
35m
85: The rise of the B Corp: Cotswold Fayre’s Paul Hargreaves interviewed
A certified B Corp is a businesses that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to  build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Cotswold Fayre (https://www.cotswold-fayre.co.uk/) has been a certified B Corp since 2015. In this ep...
40m Oct 22, 2020
40m
84: AppHarvest: growing more using less resources
The objective of AppHarvest is to grow more with less resources and promote a sustainable approach to agriculture (https://www.appharvest.com/) . AppHarvest is constructing the biggest greenhouse in the US and one of the largest in the world with the capacity to ship 45 million pounds of fresh produce annually across North America. This podcast will explore how AppHarvest’s approach to product...
25m Oct 20, 2020
25m
83: Overcoming label-friendly challenges in culinary products
Consumers attitudes towards food are continuously evolving, as is the way they look at ingredient labels. How has the label-friendly trend evolved, what are the challenges for manufacturers of culinary products when trying to shift to cleaner labels, and what opportunities exist for reformulation with more familiar ingredients? Joining us on this episode of Table Talk, in partnership with Carg...
27m Oct 15, 2020
27m
82: Exploring regenerative farming with HowGood.com
With a clear need to reduce the CO2 impact from farming, could regenerative farming be the answer to creating a healthier planet? In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, recorded in April this year just as the coronavirus pandemic was beginning to cause lockdown worldwide, Ethan Soloviev, Chief Innovation Officer, HowGood.com explains how regenerative farming works, how it can help reduce C...
40m Oct 13, 2020
40m
81: Plastic or food waste: which is the bigger threat?
This year is the first observance of the UN’s International Day of Awareness of Food Waste and Loss. However, many consumers are not aware that 1.3bn tonnes of food is wasted each year. Compared to awareness of plastic pollution, is food waste an equal or possibly an even greater threat to the environment? What role can plastic play in preventing food waste while being more sustainable? Today ...
49m Oct 08, 2020
49m
80: Food Initiative: how cities can drive the circular economy
One of the major global challenges we are facing is unprecedented urban growth, where over half of the global population is urban and where by 2050 an additional 2.5 billion people are expected to live in urban areas. Urban areas currently consume over 70 % of the global food supply. “So much of the food in the world is produced in a linear way, depleting finite resources and damaging the heal...
31m Oct 06, 2020
31m
79: Plastic reduction in a post-COVID world
In this podcast we take a look at the impact of COVID-19 on plastic reduction. Have consumers become more aware of the plastic packaging and the impact on the environment of the products they buy or has the opposite occurred, with a focus on health and hygiene turning their attention elsewhere? Joining us for a lively debate on where the future of plastic reduction is headed are Susan Hansen, ...
48m Oct 01, 2020
48m
78: What alternative proteins will feed the future?
Alternative proteins have come a long way. With consumer demand rising for alternatives to meat for environmental, health and ethical concerns we take a look at the latest developments in the alternative proteins space. What is the future for plant-based substitutes, will consumers react positively to lab-grown meat, and where will the market grow in the future? Joining us to answer this and m...
46m Sep 29, 2020
46m
77: Investigating the agri-foodtech start-up environment post-COVID-19
The food industry has shown incredible resilience in the face of the challenges presented by COVID-19, but what about food and agritech start-ups? How has the pandemic affected venture capital funding and investment in the sector? We assembled a panel of experts to discuss this, and what the future holds for the start-up community in food and agritech. Spoiler alert: investors still have capit...
42m Sep 24, 2020
42m
76: Is there a future for meat?
There’s no arguing that more consumers are choosing to vary their diets with plant-based foods and drink, but what does this mean for the future of meat? Is a blanket ‘no meat’ future the best for sustainability? Or does that blanket approach show a lack of understanding for agriculture? On this Table Talk Podcast, recorded back in March 2020 as COVID-19 lockdowns were just taking shape in the ...
44m Sep 22, 2020
44m
75: Tim Spector: "Almost everything we've been told about nutrition is wrong"
The research that Professor Tim Spector has been involved in has been ground-breaking in revealing our highly individualised responses to food. In his latest book, Spoon-fed, he details how almost everything we've been told about nutrition is wrong. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tim about his book, and find out why he thinks that we need to have honest discussions about food, how...
30m Sep 17, 2020
30m
74: Careers in packaging: on the front line of the fight for a sustainable future
Sustainable packaging is no longer a nice-to-have, but a responsibility of all manufacturers and retailers to deliver on, as they face ever more scrutiny from consumers on their sustainability credentials. It’s never been a more exciting time for a career in the sector, we’ll take a look at what is influencing developments in packaging, and the challenges and rewards of working within sustaina...
36m Sep 15, 2020
36m
73: Celebrating women in agri-foodtech
The agri-foodtech space is one of the most dynamic and exciting sectors in tech focused on helping to build a sustainable future for our planet. In this Table Talk Podcast we speak to two women who are working in agri-foodtech to share their personal experience. What inspired them to work in the sector, how did their career journey begin, what challenges they've faced and what is happening to i...
34m Sep 10, 2020
34m
72: How will personalised nutrition become mainstream?
New research into gut health and nutrition has revealed that our response to food is very individual. Even identical twins have shown to have different metabolic reactions when consuming the same meals in research studies. As this awareness grows, and consumers become conscious of its impact, the demand for personalised nutrition is set to sky-rocket as people focus on their long term health an...
43m Sep 09, 2020
43m
70: What does the future of healthy beverages look like?
Consumers are becoming more health conscious, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated that trend. More than ever producers of drinks need to highlight the health benefits of the beverages they are producing in order to make an impact. But what health benefits are consumers looking for? What are the trends that manufacturers are seeing in the drinks market? What does the fu...
21m Sep 03, 2020
21m
71: Could apprenticeships be the answer?
Apprentice schemes are in the spotlight, as governments look to encourage young people eager to jump on the path to a rewarding career towards them. With these schemes providing superb on the job, real world training experience, and a rich source of talent for companies we take a look at how the food and nutrition sector has embraced this opportunity with their own apprentice schemes. Accordin...
34m Sep 02, 2020
34m
69: What does industry think of the new obesity strategy?
The Uk Government (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-obesity-strategy-unveiled-as-country-urged-to-lose-weight-to-beat-coronavirus-covid-19-and-protect-the-nhs) has announced a new obesity strategy which it hopes will tackle the growing problem of obesity in the country, and lead to more positive health outcomes. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the impact obesity can have on ...
42m Aug 26, 2020
42m
68: The UK government's new obesity strategy in focus
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the dangers that obesity presents to overall health and wellbeing. With obese people more likely to develop serious illness, and require hospitalisation, it's clear that the UK needs a new strategy to help tackle the growing obesity crisis across the country. In response, the government has put together a strategy that they think will help to encourage hea...
20m Aug 25, 2020
20m
67: How data-driven agriculture will transform food production
This episode will focus on data-driven agriculture and its potential to transform the ecosystem. With an extra 2.5bn of the population to feed by 2050, and grappling with increasing land degradation and water stress, set in the context of the climate challenge, we explore how data-driven agriculture can become more efficient whilst being better for environment and the economy. Data for and fro...
30m Aug 20, 2020
30m
66: What is the perfect ingredient to start a rewarding career in food and nutrition?
Consumer demand for more sustainable and healthier products continues to grow, as does the focus on transparency across the supply chain. Ingredients, now more than ever, are an essential factor in customer decision-making and helping manufacturers deliver on consumer trends. Could ingredients careers be the perfect route to a rewarding role in food and nutrition? This podcast will look at ing...
38m Aug 18, 2020
38m
65: Bringing healthy, sustainable ingredients from Wisconsin to the world
Connoils™ was founded by Stacy Peterson in 2007 when the division of Cargill she was employed with closed operations. She was out of a job, the customer base was out of product and after a detailed discussion with her husband Keith, and Cargill management, Stacy decided to start Connoils™. From the humble beginning of leased space in a certified food warehouse to a facility she thought she’d n...
24m Aug 13, 2020
24m
64: Moving to net zero: decarbonisation in focus
The UK Government has committed to going 'net zero' by 2050. In practice this means getting rid of as many emissions as we produce. This can be achieved through removing harmful emissions as much as possible and in the instances where we still rely on fossil fuels, offsetting the emissions we produce. This has particular ramifications for the food and nutrition industry, and will affect how bu...
32m Aug 11, 2020
32m
63: Feeding Britain – Tim Lang interviewed
Professor Tim Lang published his new book this March, Feeding Britain (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/308/308380/feeding-britain/9780241442227.html) , which argues that ‘UK is de facto, facing a war time scale of food challenge’. COVID-19 has put a sharp focus on the issues that Professor Lang raises in the book around our unsustainable food system. This podcast will explore what makes our cur...
26m Aug 06, 2020
26m