BakeryAndSnacks Podcast

Bakers eager to understand the shifting political landscape in the US will get exclusive insights at the American Bakers Association’s upcoming 2025 Convention. Bakers from both sides of the pond are invited to attend

We catch up with Sebastian Emig, director general of the European Snacks Association (ESA) to find out why he is excited about the upcoming elections for the new European Parliament. He also talks about the Green Deal and SNACKEX 2024: an event not to be missed.

More than two billion people lack access to safe drinking water services around the world, which is why good corporate water stewardship is imperative. But the global snack giant is stepping up with some industry-leading tech, including one that uses the water found in potatoes. We find out more.

The ABA’s 2024 Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, is set to kick off tomorrow, promising an array of activities, workshops and networking opportunities. We caught up with Eric Dell, president and CEO of ABA, to get the inside scoop on what attendees can expect.

Unsurprisingly, the current state of play in the US is causing deep concern in the food industry: especially for those producers that sell products across multiple states. It's turning into a quagmire to stay ahead of the latest regulatory developments and how they impact a product portfolio: do we reformulate or not, how will this affect prices, what are the risks, what are the consequences…

It’s bizarre to think that like fashion or food, there are emerging trends in the social impact and philanthropy spaces, but as C.D. Glin, global head of Social Impact at PepsiCo and president of the PepsiCo Foundation says, it’s the pointedness and emphasis that consumers are putting on issues like sustainability, digitization and localization that transforming them to be ever present yet emerging at the same time.

While honorable, the EU Deforestation Regulation – specifically its fast-approaching 2024 deadline – is viewed, by some, as impractical. But what is the legislation and what does it mean for the food industry? More specifically, the bakery sector, which is a predominant user of palm oil?

‘Ichigo ichiya’ is a Buddhist saying that describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. In other words, cherish every moment – which is exactly what the specially curated snack boxes of Ichigo’s TokyoTreat and Sakuraco are meant to inspire.

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has launched the next round of its Reformul8 Challenge Fund (RCF4), calling on Scottish producers to apply for funds to help them with their reformulation journey.

With his ‘glass half full’ mentality, Eric Dell plans to use his years of experience on Capitol Hill to open the opportunities that working with congress has for the US bakery industry.

The founders of RXBar and Orgain have teamed up with the well-known ‘VitaminWater lawyer’ to launch Humble Growth, a founder-led growth equity investment firm focused on scaling up disruptive brands that empower consumers to lead healthier lives.

There are some really exciting developments happening in the composite flour space - particularly coming out of South Africa, Ethiopia and Pakistan - brought to light through MC Mühlenchemie’s Composite Flour Awards to mark its 100th anniversary.

Despite high inflation, the majority of consumers are happy to pay more for products with a sustainable backstory. So there’s money to be made from environmental credentials, which makes falling into the greenwashing trap a bigger temptation than ever before.

In partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has developed the Healthier Bakery Fund, which provides funding of up to £5,000 to support health reformulation of sweet and savoury bakery products. But to be eligible, applications have to be by today (30 June 2023).

Soaring energy and ingredient prices, the cost of living crisis, labour shortages and the UK Government’s HFSS regulations - the craft bakery sector has been bombarded with one challenge after another. However, Karen Dear, recently appointed CEO of the Craft Bakers Association (CBA), remains steadfastly optimistic for the industry’s future.

After five years in the hot seat, Alasdair Smith has gained unique insight into what he considers ‘an incredibly noble and proud trade and one that’s got an amazing sense of fellowship’. Before he takes his final bow at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards and Annual Conference (5-6 May), Bakery&Snacks caught up with Smith to find out what changes he has seen during his tenure and how he views the sector’s future.

Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) coordinates the support of seven major industry leaders – General Mills, Cargill, DSM, Ardent Mills, Bühler, JM Smucker Co and The Hershey Company – to help African processing companies enhance the nutritional value of foods.

Kristy Lewis founded Quinn with a mission to challenge the status quo within our food system. Since founding in 2010, Quinn has built a reputation as a trailblazer in advocating climate-friendly agriculture practices. Founder Kristy Lewis believes we all have a fiduciary responsibility to the planet and Earth Day (22 April) is a wonderful reminder of that.

Since kick-off in 2019, PeaTos has experienced explosive growth and received widespread acclaim thanks to its innovative approach to snacks – adding better-for-you nutrition to popular offerings – and marketing – debunking the junk and challenging the dominance of one player.

Kudos, glory and multiple business benefits are again up for grabs in British Baker’s search for this year's loaf that will stand out above all others.