The Commodity Kitchen with David Maloni – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I break down the latest moves across the commodity markets, and we’re continuing to see firming conditions in several key areas. The Datum FS Commodity Index moved higher again, soybean oil climbed to six-month highs, and dairy markets strengthened with cheese and butter both trading higher on solid volume. In proteins, chicken markets are rising even with year-to-date production up, egg prices have doubled since our last episode, and pork bellies hit 11-week highs. Beef remains a major story — year-to-date slaughter is down sharply, and the latest annual cattle report shows the smallest U.S. herd since 1951, with inventory down year over year and herd rebuilding expected to be slow, especially with drought in the Southern Plains.

I’m then joined by Jonathan Maze, Editor-in-Chief of Restaurant Business Magazine, to talk about the consumer and the foodservice industry. As he puts it, the consumer is “weird” right now — very price sensitive, yet still spending on delivery and rushing to try viral menu items. We discuss how social media is accelerating trends and driving sudden traffic swings, while heavy discounting continues as the industry works through ongoing traffic challenges. Looking ahead, Jonathan says one of the biggest trends to watch is beverages, as younger consumers shift away from traditional meal patterns and restaurants push harder into drink innovation to capture more occasions.

Connect with our host:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect with our Guest: 

Jonathan Maze's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmaze/

Click here to find out more:

https://datumfs.com/

In this episode, I review what’s changing across major commodity markets. Even though the Datum FS Commodity Index is still trading near two-year lows, I’m starting to see inflation creep back into several areas. I call out crude oil moving higher, the dollar being higher (not ideal for commodities), and grain markets staying generally rangebound. The clearest standout on the ag side is soybean oil, which I note is up 20% year over year and at a five-month high this week, with biodiesel demand as a major driver.

I also run through proteins and dairy. In dairy, I mention cheese blocks higher, barrels kind of flat, and butter sharply higher—while also noting cheese and butter are still down materially year over year. On proteins, I cover table eggs jumping $0.27/dozen this week, chicken markets firming (breasts and wings at multi-week highs), pork output up year over year with a cutout that’s been sideways but down month over month, and beef output down year over year with choice and select cutouts higher versus last year. I flag chicken breasts as moving through key technical resistance levels, and I close with consumer sentiment improving per the University of Michigan reading, along with a reminder that inflation can show up all at once—so staying close to the data matters.

David Maloni’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/

On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S.

We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next.

Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following:

• David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
  
  
  
• Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ 
• Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ 
  
  
  Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet
  
  
  
• 01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi
  
  
  
• 03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different?
  
  
  
• 06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business
  
  
  
• 10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life
  
  
  
• 13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf
  
  
  
• 15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef
  
  
  
• 17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today
  
  
  
• 22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry
  
  
  
• 25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion
  
  
  
• 29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets
  
  
  
• 32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production
  
  
  
• 36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition
  
  
  
• 45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste
  
  
  
• 49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef
  
  
  
• 50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef
  
  
  
• 52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms
  
  
  
• 53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper Akaushi

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors


#BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions.

In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively.

Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Tom Healy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/


Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 | Preview
  
  
  
• 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table
  
  
  
• 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities
  
  
  
• 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs
  
  
  
• 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results
  
  
  
• 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs?
  
  
  
• 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle)
  
  
  
• 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters
  
  
  
• 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America
  
  
  
• 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted
  
  
  
• 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities
  
  
  
• 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty
  
  
  
• 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands
  
  
  
• 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy
  
  
  
• 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators
  
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential.

During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability.

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/




Connect with Wiggs:

https://www.starfish-network.com/

info@starfish-network.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/




Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation
  
  
  
• 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission?
  
  
  
• 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology
  
  
  
• 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology
  
  
  
• 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability
  
  
  
• 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust
  
  
  
• 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM
  
  
  
• 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains
  
  
  
• 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems
  
  
  
• 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork!  In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology.

Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Connect with David:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect With Jim:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/
https://www.capitalspring.com/



Timestamps

00:00 – Preview
01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader
02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time
03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities
06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators
10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies
14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations
19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal
24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits
27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences
30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges
34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising
37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next
39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More




I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. In today’s episode, I sit down with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt, the founder of Open Food Chain, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing global food traceability.

In this conversation, we dive into the current state of data and technology in the global food supply chain, how Asia is catching up to the U.S. in supply chain innovation, and why manufacturers play a critical role in driving change. Marieke also explains how blockchain can solve major inefficiencies, ensuring food safety, improving data transparency, and reducing supply chain costs. We also tackle misconceptions about traceability, including why it’s often overlooked, and how it could benefit both farmers and consumers. If you want to understand the future of food traceability and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Connect with David:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Marieke:
https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt-9501086
https://www.openfoodchain.com/

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Farm to Fork: The Innovators and today’s guest
00:37 – Meet Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt: Her background and passion for food supply chains
02:22 – What is Open Food Chain, and how does it use blockchain for traceability?
05:45 – The surprising inefficiencies in food supply chain data
08:30 – Why is Asia catching up to the U.S. in food supply chain technology?
10:12 – The challenges of old data systems and why new solutions struggle to be adopted
14:40 – How blockchain ensures trust, accuracy, and food safety
18:25 – Why major food companies resist traceability and how regulation is (or isn’t) working
22:57 – How Open Food Chain is structured and who benefits the most
28:08 – The cost savings and efficiency gains from better supply chain data
31:12 – The role of Gen Z and consumer demand in driving transparency
34:45 – How Open Food Chain works with industry leaders and future plans
40:50 – How to get in touch with Open Food Chain and next steps

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

The foodservice industry is at a pivotal moment, and understanding consumer behavior is key to staying ahead. In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Mike Halen, Senior Restaurant Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, to break down the current state of the restaurant and foodservice industries. Mike returns to the show after accurately forecasting last year’s market shifts, and today, he shares his latest insights on consumer spending, inflation, and restaurant performance. With the S&P 500, Bitcoin, and home prices near all-time highs, we discuss how economic factors influence dining trends and whether consumers are feeling more confident in their spending habits.

We also take a deep dive into the restaurant industry’s winners and losers, exploring why some brands are thriving while others struggle. Mike highlights the importance of strong operations, value-driven pricing, and the role of digital marketing—especially platforms like TikTok—in driving customer engagement. He also unpacks how major food distributors are evolving to meet industry challenges. Whether you’re in foodservice, distribution, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers a wealth of insights to help you navigate 2025 and beyond.


Connect with David Maloni:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect With Mike Halen:
https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/insights/podcasts/choppin-it-up/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehalen 

Timestamps

00:00 – Preview
00:08 – The state of the restaurant industry: Winners & losers
00:33 – What’s driving consumer confidence in dining?
01:15 – Restaurant recession in 2024: What happened?
02:58 – Consumer spending trends and the K-shaped economy
04:54 – Why restaurants are the first place consumers cut back
06:27 – The impact of labor shortages on foodservice execution
10:28 – Key takeaways from the ICR Conference: Emerging trends
14:46 – The role of digital marketing & TikTok in restaurant success
19:58 – Economic indicators shaping foodservice in 2025
21:16 – The biggest risk for 2025: Inflation’s lingering impact
25:19 – How Taco Bell’s leadership playbook is reshaping the industry
30:10 – Food distributors’ role in the evolving supply chain
37:41 – The outlook for restaurant pricing, inflation, and consumer behavior
39:01 – Wrapping it up!

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to another episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators! Today we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of foodservice with Mike DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. With nearly a century of history behind the brand, Golden Waffles has become a staple in fresh waffle programs globally. Mike’s journey, from his early days in foodservice distribution to leading one of the most unique and successful companies in the industry, offers a wealth of insights on how to stay ahead in the competitive food supply chain landscape.

In this episode, we cover critical topics like brand evolution, fostering partnerships between suppliers and distributors, and adapting to consumer trends. Mike shares how Golden Waffles achieves a seamless customer experience through its all-inclusive waffle program and what other suppliers can learn from their approach. Whether you’re in food manufacturing, distribution, or looking to connect directly with consumers, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for thriving in the foodservice industry.

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Mike DiBeneditto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-v-dibeneditto-b8584011/



Timestamps
00:00 – Preview
01:27 – Mike’s background and journey into the food supply chain industry.
05:48 – Overview of Golden Waffles and their unique all-inclusive waffle program.
12:05 – Challenges in foodservice distribution and solutions for staying ahead.
18:20 – The importance of people in the food supply chain and fostering partnerships.
30:14 – Golden Waffles’ recent rebranding journey and key lessons.
40:06 – Insights on direct-to-consumer marketing strategies.
47:15 – Future trends in foodservice and Golden Waffles’ role in shaping them.
52:34 – Closing thoughts and call to action for viewers.

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. I’m excited to introduce you to another trailblazer in the world of food—Andy Raabe, CFO Partner at Seaton Hill Partners. With over four decades of involvement in the food supply chain myself, I love sharing the stories of those who are transforming how we produce and serve food. Andy brings a wealth of expertise from his time leading finance and supply chain at established brands like Potbelly and pioneering smaller fast-casual concepts. In our discussion, he reveals how integrating finance with supply chain decisions can streamline operations, improve vendor relationships, and boost profitability for emerging and established brands alike.

Together, we dive into critical topics like how to build supply chains from scratch, best practices for fostering collaboration between finance and supply chain teams, and the tremendous value vendors can bring when they become strategic partners. Andy also walks us through the unique perspective a CFO can bring to operational challenges, offering tools and strategies for effective forecasting, budgeting, and tackling supply disruptions. I hope you’ll find our chat both enlightening and practical as we explore the path from farm to fork—and all the innovation that happens in between.

Connect with David Maloni:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-raabe/
https://www.seatonhill.com/

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Episode Overview
• 0:25 – Introducing Guest: Andy’s CFO & Supply Chain Expertise
• 0:52 – Andy’s Background: From Engineering to Finance
• 1:15 – Joining Potbelly & Building a Finance Function
• 3:41 – Transition into Supply Chain & Fixing Core Processes
• 7:22 – Low-Hanging Fruit: Price Verification & Inventory Control
• 10:57 – Gaining Leadership Experience in Supply Chain
• 14:08 – Returning to Finance & Public Company Lessons
• 20:46 – Becoming CFO at Wow Bao: Startup & Growth
• 25:00 – Solving the “Chicken-and-Egg” Challenge for Emerging Brands
• 29:14 – LTO Forecasting & Overcoming the Honeymoon Effect
• 34:39 – Supplier Councils: Cost Savings & Innovation
• 40:07 – Best Practices: Aligning Finance & Supply Chain
• 44:25 – Fractional CFO Model at Seton Hill Partners
• 46:44 – Closing Remarks & Final Takeaways

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

#Foodservice

#RestaurantIndustry

#FoodSupplyChain

#FinanceAndOperations

#EmergingBrands

#CFOInsights

#SupplyChainManagement

#FoodBusiness

#FractionalCFO

#FoodserviceInnovation