Susan begins by sharing her the challenges she experienced with engaging in IFST as a student and early career professional engaging in IFST, which stemmed from geographical and time-related issues. Things took a turn when she transitioned into freelance consultancy, a shift that allowed her to get more deeply involved. Starting with the Midlands branch, she eventually took the lead in establishing the IFST Food Innovation Special Interest Group during the pandemic. This group created a much-needed space for product developers to collaborate, share ideas, and find support during a difficult time.

The conversation moves to the launch of the Innovation Toolkit in 2023.

Designed for product developers, this resource is a treasure trove of practical tools, including creative ideation methods, innovation processes, project management strategies, and trend analysis. It’s clear from Susan’s description that the toolkit is a must-have for anyone in product development, whether they’re new to the industry or seasoned professionals.

Susan also highlights the importance of bridging academia with real-world industry experience. She believes that combining theory with hands-on learning makes education more impactful and engaging, bringing lectures to life in a way that resonates with learners.

As the discussion continues, Susan reflects on the value of IFST as a professional network, particularly for freelancers and consultants who often feel isolated in their work. She emphasises the importance of staying connected to a community that supports growth, offers learning opportunities, and encourages collaboration.

We also dive into Susan’s career journey, including her pivot from working with branded goods to focusing on ingredient innovation. She shares insights into risk management and the need for flexibility in product development processes. Susan encourages food professionals to revisit the basics, like the NPD Fundamentals course, which she sees as beneficial for anyone looking to stay current and enhance their understanding of industry practices.

The episode concludes with Susan and the hosts encouraging listeners to explore IFST’s resources, including the Innovation Toolkit, which will soon be integrated with the NPD Fundamentals course for even greater value.

Timestamps

• [0:00] - Introduction
• [2:30] - Susan’s early challenges with IFST
• [8:45] - Founding the Innovation Group during the pandemic
• [11:20] - Innovation Toolkit launch in 2023
• [15:35] - Bridging academic and industry experience
• [19:10] - Why IFST is a lifeline for food professionals
• [30:12] - Transitioning from branded businesses to ingredients
• [33:45] - Revisiting fundamentals and staying flexible
• [40:15] - Encouragement to explore IFST resources

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch: https://micro-search.co.uk/

See you next time!

Lucy welcomes listeners to the first episode of 2025, acknowledging the unique pressures and chaos that food industry professionals face in January.

Together, Amy and Lucy share four practical strategies to help listeners prioritise their work, set boundaries, plan recovery time, and maintain connections with their support network.

Throughout the episode, they touch on personal anecdotes and practical examples, making the advice relatable and easy to implement.

We emphasise the importance of ruthless prioritisation, setting clear and communicable boundaries, planning both short micro breaks and longer recovery times, and staying connected with friends and mentors in the industry.

Lastly, we encourage listeners to decide on one actionable step from their tips and implement it to improve their work life.

Timestamps

00:00:16 - Lucy welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's focus on strategies for a busy January.

00:01:34 - Discussion on the post-launch review stage and the typical January busyness in the food industry.

00:02:59 - Tip #1: Prioritise ruthlessly. 00:04:20 - Tip #2: Setting boundaries and communicating them.

00:07:11 - Sponsor Break: Microsearch Laboratories.

00:07:51 - Continuation of Tip #2.

00:09:49 - Tip #3: Planning recovery time and small rewards.

00:10:38 - Discussion on the importance of finding micro breaks.

00:15:05 - Tip #4: Connecting and reaching out to your support network.

00:16:30 - Wrap-up and invitation for listeners to share their chosen strategies.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!

In this episode, we’re joined by Tor Hunt Taylor, Marketing Director at The Collective, to explore the challenges and opportunities of driving sustainability in the food industry. Tor shares her thoughts on the importance of networking and transparency, emphasizing how platforms like B Corp are instrumental for staying informed on advancements and navigating policy changes. These connections have proven vital in The Collective’s ambitious mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. She explains the company’s current reliance on carbon offsetting and their plans to transition to insetting through regenerative farming practices, particularly in dairy farming, where milk production heavily contributes to carbon emissions.

The conversation delves into the hurdles faced by farmers attempting to adopt regenerative methods, including policy gaps and market pressures. Despite these challenges, the positive environmental impacts seen on farms that have embraced these practices offer hope and proof of concept. Tor also discusses how consumer behavior plays a critical role in driving sustainability. While interest in sustainable products is growing, price and taste often outweigh environmental considerations in purchasing decisions. Clear and simple communication about the benefits of regenerative farming is key to aligning consumer habits with sustainable goals.

We tackle the controversial topic of ultra-processed foods and the confusion surrounding this term. Tor highlights the need for better research to guide policies and inform consumers, especially given that some processed foods can still offer significant nutritional benefits. The discussion also touches on The Collective’s innovative approach to product development, including their new adult pouch range inspired by the success of their kids' snacks. This product line targets the adult snacking market with a focus on health and sustainability and has already received positive feedback. Sainsbury’s adoption of the range, paired with engaging and humorous marketing campaigns, showcases the brand’s commitment to connecting with consumers through relatable content.

Tor also shares insights into The Collective’s marketing strategy, which prioritizes impact over budget. By leveraging small, collaborative teams and using social media insights to engage with their audience, The Collective demonstrates how thoughtful, resourceful marketing can drive consumer engagement and build brand loyalty.

This episode offers a wealth of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of food, sustainability, and consumer behavior. From practical strategies to inspiring stories, it’s a conversation filled with actionable takeaways and food for thought.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and guest welcome Tor Hunt Taylor

3:35 - Networking and transparency in sustainability

12:22 - Achieving carbon neutrality: Offset vs. inset

19:01 - Regenerative farming practices and challenges

27:45 - Consumer behaviour in sustainable product adoption

33:30 - Ultra-processed foods controversy and research needs

42:15 - Innovation at The Collective: Adult pouch range

51:40 - Marketing strategy: Connecting with consumers through humour and relatability

58:20 - Team dynamics and collaborative culture at The Collective

1:04:10 - Conclusion and call to action

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!

Lucy opens up about how working with coaches and mentors has been a game-changer, giving her the clarity and confidence to push forward in both life and business. She even shares a courageous journey through the small claims court process, which she found hugely empowering and a significant growth opportunity.

Amy shares her own story of navigating a tricky client relationship, the freedom that comes with being your own boss, and why trusting your gut can save you a world of stress. Plus, we explore the highs, the lows, and how delegation became Amy’s superpower during a tough personal health challenge.

We encourage listeners to reflect on past challenges and use these experiences to propel personal and professional growth. Lucy shares a personal story about revisiting a past business area, comparing her feelings of discomfort to PTSD, only to find pride in her mature handling of these feelings. Amy recaps questions for reflecting on 2024, advocating for the value of reflection to set future goals.

The episode underscores the theme of discomfort as a catalyst for growth. It discusses Lucy’s realisation of not being the right fit for a client’s needs and quickly finding someone else to assist. Amy shares her struggle with losing her voice and the subsequent growth it led to in her business by trusting her team more.

We wrap up with a heartfelt discussion on personal growth, celebrating mutual achievements, and teasing upcoming topics for 2025.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:30 - Lucy's life-changing experience with a financial coach

07:15 - Acknowledging and valuing oneself

12:45 - Amy's insights on handling challenging clients

18:10 - The advantages of being self-employed

24:00 - Reflecting on past challenges for growth

30:20 - Lucy’s personal story on revisiting past business areas

35:45 - Amy’s method of year-end reflection

42:00 - The theme of discomfort as a growth catalyst

47:30 - Lucy’s approach to handling client fit issues

53:15 - Amy’s struggle with her "voice" and delegating work

58:00 - Importance of mentorship and coaching

1:01:30 - Final reflections and advice for 2024

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!

In our chat with Fran Haycock, we unravel how businesses are shifting their sustainability approaches to embrace transformation leadership roles. Fran explains the increasing need for CSOs to spearhead rapid transformation programs while balancing compliance elements. This dual focus often leads to structural changes within organisations, as seen in Greencore’s internal restructuring, which involved downsizing and decentralising sustainability efforts. A pivotal part of Greencore’s new strategy is the "plan ownership model," where leaders from different departments champion various sustainability topics with strong executive support. Despite initial resistance and the necessity for leader upskilling, this model has shown positive results, particularly in the last few months.

We dive deep into the specifics of managing and reducing Scope 3 emissions, especially the challenges posed by product ingredients and packaging. Fran illustrates these points with an example of a chicken and bacon sandwich and discusses the complexities of implementing recipe changes due to retailer control and consumer preferences. The discussion emphasises the need for ongoing consumer education on the carbon impact of products and the intersection of health and sustainability goals.

Fran also highlights the importance of supporting sustainability leaders and newcomers, debunking the myth that specific backgrounds are required to enter the field. Her personal journey from finance and change management to sustainability underscores the value of transferable skills. The episode concludes with a reflection on future targets, including responsible sourcing of soy and cage-free eggs, and preparing for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction of the episode and guests, Fran Haycock.
• [02:15] Fran discusses evolving sustainability roles in businesses.
• [08:30] The structure and strategy of sustainability at Greencore.
• [12:45] Implementing the "plan ownership model" and initial challenges.
• [19:00] Progress in sustainability initiatives and executive support.
• [24:10] Understanding and managing Scope 3 emissions at Greencore.
• [30:35] The role of product recipe design in reducing carbon footprint.
• [37:00] Challenges with consumer preferences and retailer control.
• [43:20] Fran’s journey and background in transitioning to sustainability.
• [50:15] Supporting newcomers and leaders in sustainability.
• [56:00] Future sustainability targets and preparation for CSRD.
• [01:02:30] Conclusion and final thoughts.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!

In today's episode, we welcome Simon Bos, the visionary behind Mezze and Gravity Well.

Simon, who has a deep understanding of both tech and food industries, discusses the pressing issue of technological inefficiencies in food manufacturing. He narrates the story of how Mezze was conceptualised during a collaboration with one of the UK's largest food manufacturers, which initially relied on a call centre in India for order management. By introducing a custom software solution, Mezze transformed the process, allowing customers to place and track orders online efficiently.

Simon explains the function of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and why many existing systems fall short for food manufacturing needs. Mezze, as an Amazon-like B2B ordering platform, addresses these gaps by providing tailored solutions that reduce administrative burdens and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the episode highlights the pivotal role of AI in sustainability efforts, significantly cutting down food waste by optimising order decisions based on various factors.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the benefits of early tech integration, particularly for scaling businesses. Simon backs his argument with practical examples, demonstrating how tech investments can streamline operations and reduce future headaches. The conversation also touches on government support through Innovate UK, and Simon’s aspirations to expand Mezze's reach to the US market, ensuring small manufacturers can stand toe-to-toe with industry giants.

Throughout the episode, we emphasise the importance of technological evolution in the food sector and how platforms like Mezze can be game-changers. We also encourage listeners to rate and review the podcast and join our community on Facebook.

Timestamps:

• [0:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Simon Bos.
• [03:15] The technological lag in the food manufacturing industry.
• [07:45] Origin story of Mezze from the collaboration with Adelie Foods.
• [13:20] Explanation of ERP systems and their shortcomings in food manufacturing.
• [16:45] How Mezze addresses specific needs in the food industry.
• [19:30] AI's role in optimising orders and reducing waste.
• [23:50] Impact of government support and Innovate UK's involvement.
• [27:15] Benefits of early tech investment for scaling businesses.
• [31:05] Mezze’s branding flexibility and integration capacity.
• [34:20] Sustainable practices and carbon counting enhancements.
• [38:10] Opportunities and challenges for small food brands.
• [42:00] Plans for US market expansion and further scale-up programs.
• [47:30] Engagement with other technology startups and entrepreneurial ventures.
• [51:10] Closing thoughts and contact information for Simon Bos.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!

During the episode, we discuss the importance of embracing the role of a people manager once you transition into leadership. The shift from being task-focused to people-focused is pivotal. We share personal stories about how this shift has impacted us and the teams we’ve managed

We also touch upon the art of effective delegation. We open up about our struggles with perfectionism and how letting go of the 'doing' part was initially tough but ultimately beneficial and how delegation not only frees up your time but also fosters the growth of your team.

In addition to that, the episode emphasises the importance of strategic thinking. Moving into a leadership role means that you need to start planning for the long term and align your work with the company’s strategic goals.

We also discuss the pitfalls, such as micromanaging, not adapting your communication style, and the unrealistic expectation of needing to know everything.

The episode aims to remind you that empowering your team and fostering an environment of trust and growth is essential for a successful transition into leadership.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and the topic of transitioning into leadership roles.
• [00:16] Lucy welcomes listeners to the "Oh For Foods Sake" podcast and introduces the focus of today’s episode.
• [01:24] Amy discusses her personal experience with Fearless Foodies and the need to step into a leadership role.
• [02:32] The transition from being a technical expert to a leader and its challenges.
• [03:37] Societal issues related to the lack of leadership training.
• [04:47] Amy’s exercise with Donna on recognizing leadership qualities.
• [06:24] Emphasizing the importance of focusing on people management rather than just tasks.
• [08:11] Building high-performing teams through understanding individual strengths.
• [09:07] Importance of learning to delegate effectively and its impact on team growth.
• [13:14] Shifting perspective from technical details to strategic goals.
• [14:39] Understanding the bigger picture and aligning with company goals.
• [16:05] Pitfalls to avoid: Micromanaging and its negative impact.
• [17:26] Adapting your communication style to different audiences.
• [19:26] Accepting that you don't need to be the expert in everything and empowering your team.
• [21:20] Summary of key tips and pitfalls for new leaders.
• [22:16] Closing remarks and invitations to join the community.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!