The Food & Drink Business Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Dominic Westendorf, the Regional and Agribusiness Banking Victoria GM for CommBank, and the CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia, Leigh Edward, to discuss the valuable role and benefits of regional food and beverage manufacturing.

Leigh tells us about Ferndale Foods, and how its foundations are as much in Ballarat as in his family (Ferndale was founded by his father). He shares insights on the benefits of being regionally based, from cheaper industrial land enabling more capital for equipment and operations, to a local workforce and the added benefits that flow into a community from having larger companies in town.

Dominic talks about his passion for regional business and shares some of the findings of the latest CommBank Regional Manufacturing Report. While higher interest rates and energy costs persist, the report found 89 per cent of regional manufacturers and distributors were confident about future conditions and were more bullish than their city counterparts on expecting revenue and profit uplifts in the year ahead.

Leigh and Dominic talk about the value in having a working relationship where both parties have a thorough knowledge of the local, regional, and macro-economic factors as well as the business.

Leigh provides some insights into the process of growing Ferndale twice – an $11m investment to install marshmallow production and $23m for a snack bar line.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing 

Ferndale Foods:

ferndaleconfectionery.com.au

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

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Things you should know:

Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.

The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.

©2024 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Jed Simpfendorfer and Dr Ro Mueller from market research firm, Tgarage, about what Australian consumers are thinking and how that impacts food and beverage businesses.

The discussion explores Tgarage’s most recent insights into consumer behaviours and the tension point between trying to reduce spending but still wanting moments of joy and ways to connect. Jed and Ro breakdown the unfolding shift from spending on entertainment and going out, to the premiumisation of supermarket goods and entertaining at home. Jed discusses the idea of nostalgia and how at times of trying to reduce spending, consumers will avoid buying new items and instead return to the familiar, even products from their childhood.

The episode ends with a discussion on how humans have firmly shown, that when faced with making a decision using rational logic or emotional engagement, the emotional will always drive the purchase.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing 

Tgarage:

tgarage.com.au

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by the federal MP Meryl Swanson to discuss the findings and recommendations from the recent House Standing Committee on Agriculture inquiry into food security. As chair of the inquiry, Meryl expands on just some of the 35 recommendations and Australia’s food system.

We start off discussing the recommendations for a National Food Plan, a Minister for Food supported by a National Food Council and a National Food Supply Chain Map. Meryl explains these concepts were rated as most important by the majority of people fronting the committee and submissions.

She talked about the complexity of the deceptively simple term ‘paddock to plate’, and the policy challenges for the sector because it crosses a few portfolios and risks ‘falling through the cracks’.

Meryl explains how these would be implemented, with the National Food Council being an expert advisory panel on all matters related to the food system. She talks about the importance of the Minister and associated functions to sit within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and have ‘clout’ because of the critical role of the food system.

We wrap up by reviewing the suggested tax breaks to businesses who donate food and reduce food wastage, how the plan can foster industry collaboration and innovation, and the next steps for the federal report.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing

Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond

www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Agriculture/FoodsecurityinAustrali/Report

Food Security Inquiry delivers report, recommends Food Waste Tax: www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/food-security-inquiry-delivers-report-recommends-food-waste-tax

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Food Futurist, Tony Hunter, to discuss some of the latest food tech developments around the world and their potential impacts on food and beverage R&D.

Kim and Tony catch up on the same day Australian cultivated meat company, Vow, revealed it has created an entire new animal made purely to eat and received approval in Singapore.

We move swiftly into mouse neurons and cyborg computer chips being used for smell, to cultivation techniques used to create meat being used to do so with plants such as cocao and coffee trees, and then onto the potential of AI in food and beverage formulations, before landing on how technology is answering the call for a circular economy by helping develop upcycling processes for food waste.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing

Tony Hunter's Future of Food

futuristforfood.com

Quailia: Vow forges ahead, cultivating “entirely new animal”

www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/quailia-vow-forges-ahead-cultivating-entirely-new-animal

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by the chair of SPC and executive chair of Perpetuity Capital, Hussein Rifai, and the recently announced director of SPC and managing director of Perpetuity Consulting, former CEO Asahi Beverages, Robert Iervasi.

The pair walk us through the characteristics of a business advisory firm and the services they offer. Throughout the discussion, we get an insight into how their work with clients to raise capital and reduce or eliminate debt, list on the ASX, manage major purchases, and improve profits.

We discuss purposes and strategies behind acquisitions, the importance of planning for short- and long-term goals and preparing for challenges in advance. We also look at why companies look to list on the stock exchange and the factors that must be considered.

LINKS:

Perpetuity Capital

www.perpetuity.com.au 

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Murray Cod Australia CEO, Ross Anderson, and Luke Piccolo, the co-owner and head chef of Limone restaurant in Griffith, New South Wales. The discussion is about Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, a world leader in sustainable aquaculture.

Ross gives us an overview of how Murray Cod farming was pioneered by Matt Ryan in Australia, which resulted in a successful, highly scalable farming process with low labour costs that delivers high quality produce. Luke shares his experience working with Aquna, the initial challenge of changing consumer perceptions of Murray Cod, and the exponential growth in its popularity as more people tasted it.

We also get a detailed insight into how technology and processes have been revolutionised since the creation of the first pond, with Murray Cod Australia now running 50 ponds, three hatcheries, and 90 staff, and its intentions to grow its production to 10,000 tonnes by 2030.

We wrap up by reviewing the booming global market of aquaculture, how sustainability is embedded in the business, and the ways in which Luke minimises food waste and maximises flavour in the Limone kitchen.

LINKS:

The Hive Awards: www.thehiveawards.com.au/

Aquna Sustainable: aquna.com/

------------------------------

The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry, talks to Unilever Australia & New Zealand general counsel, company secretary, and head of B Corp, David Dwyer, about how and why the ANZ business set out to become a B Corp.

We start by unpacking what the rigorous certification process involves and the five categories that are assessed to become a B Corp: Environment, Workers, Community, Customers and Governance.

The discussion gives us insight into the two-year journey Unilever ANZ went through to achieve the certification, the challenges it encountered in gathering data, and the surprises David and the team found along the way.

We wrap up by reviewing the impact of the achievement on the company and its employees.

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Cormac Henry from Mintel about their recently released global Food & Drink trends for 2024.

We explore the four primary trends of consumers prioritising healthy ageing, processes they can trust, inexpensive environmental sustainability, and opportunities for convenience. We assess the health focused consumer behaviours of ageing generations, stigmas surrounding highly processed foods such as plant-based alternatives, and the increased utilisation of technology and quick meals to provide convenience.

We wrap up by exploring the rapid onset of AI, and companies who are capitalising on viral moments to market their products within a very short time frame.

LINKS:

Mintel's Global Food & Drink Trends for 2024:

www.mintel.com/food-and-drink-market-news/global-food-and-drink-trends/

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2023

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Roberto Carbone from Cucina Classica about his experience with food, from his family’s delis and own enterprises in restaurants and cafés to his ready meal business today.

Roberto shares the experience and process of licensing one of his products – lasagne – with the feline movie star Garfield, the dramatic impact of Covid, the speed with which the company managed to pivot. Roberto shares his insights on the rise of ready meals and their appeal across most age groups plus some of the future trends he’s expecting to see.

LINKS:

Cucina Classica gets Garfield's lick of approval

www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/cucina-classica-gets-garfield-s-lick-of-approval 

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visccher

Food & Drink Business - © 2023

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to plant protein food manufacturer Harvest B’s co-founders Kristi Riordan and Alfred Lo about their aim to provide locally sourced plant-based meat and alternative proteins to Australian food manufacturers.

We discuss the cost, taste, and textures of plant based proteins, with a focus on consumer habits, current market costs, and the processes that the proteins undergo. Kristi gives us a breakdown of how Harvest B developed its shelf stable products, the challenges its faced, and the current trends in the Australian market. We also get an insight into how producers are engaging with Harvest B, how access to animal protein has been disrupted, and the blending of plant and animal proteins. 

We wrap up by getting a sneak peek into Harvest B’s upcoming products.

LINKS:

Harvest B: https://www.harvestb.io/ 

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The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2023