The Food Chain

Chloe Doutre-Roussel, a globetrotting cacao bean sourcer, shares insights on building relationships with farmers to ethically source chocolate. Beatrice Muraguri, a dedicated tea buyer from Kenya, discusses the unpredictable impacts of climate change on tea production. Jim Gulkin, CEO of a seafood trading company, explores the complexities of sourcing frozen seafood across continents. Together, they reveal the balance of quality, trust, and ethics in their sourcing strategies, highlighting the importance of compassion and adaptability in today's food supply chain.

In this enlightening discussion, Alessandro Fiocchi, a leading expert in food allergies, shares vital insights on navigating life with severe food allergies. He addresses the confusion surrounding 'may contain' labeling and its implications for safety. The conversation also unveils the rising prevalence of allergies globally and explores the emotional and practical challenges families face. Personal experiences, like a mother and daughter's journey with multiple allergies, highlight the need for awareness and solutions, including innovative treatments for managing allergies.

Join food writer Aylin Oney Tan, a historian delving into culinary history, and Dr. Zhaokun Xi, a lecturer in Chinese cultural studies, as they explore how food communicates in unique ways. Discover the symbolism of gifting pears in China, hinting at separation, and the Ethiopian tradition of 'Gursha,' where feeding others fosters connection. Aylin shares fascinating historical uses of food as protest, while we also learn about the significance of Greek koliva in mourning rituals, revealing how food helps us express the unspoken.

Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and author of "Net Positive," shares his expertise on the dynamic snack industry. He discusses how snacking transitioned into a daily ritual and why it's become a $1.5 trillion market. The conversation highlights the battle for consumer attention and the innovations that define modern snacking, including healthier options. Polman also reflects on the cultural shifts that influence our snack choices today, touching on the rise of 'snackification' and the balance between flavor and convenience.

Join Professor Rajita Sinha, a leading expert in stress and psychiatry at Yale, and Dr. Mithu Storoni, a neuro-ophthalmologist and author, as they explore the fascinating link between stress and eating habits. Discover why stress can push us toward comfort foods and the psychology behind these cravings. They share insights on chronic stress's impact on health and practical strategies for breaking unhealthy eating cycles. Plus, they emphasize self-forgiveness in navigating stress—a fun, enlightening conversation on wellbeing and appetites!

Rob Perez, co-owner of DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, Kentucky, discusses how his restaurant offers employment to individuals recovering from substance abuse. He shares the compelling stories of personal transformation among employees who overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The conversation highlights the restaurant's unique community atmosphere and the challenges they face in creating a supportive workplace. Perez emphasizes the profound impact of second chances and how food can be a powerful tool for recovery and redemption.

Cottage industries, usually referring to small scale home-based production, can be found all over the world. Often they provide a vital source of additional income for women, particularly in low income and rural areas. In this programme Devina Gupta speaks to women who are working in food cottage industries in India, Eswatini in Southern Africa, and Ecuador, to hear about the work and the difference it makes to their finances. Devina goes to meet some of the 40,000 women working for Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, India’s multimillion-dollar co-operative, which produces 'Lijjat Papad' poppadoms, sold nationwide. If you’d like to contact the programme you can email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk Presented by Devina Gupta. Produced by Hannah Bewley. (Image: two women rolling poppadom disks in Delhi. Credit: BBC)

Indigenous food is making a comeback in Canada, celebrating rich culinary traditions like bannock and bison. The podcast explores the struggles of restaurants to revive traditional dishes amidst economic challenges. It addresses food insecurity in remote areas and initiatives aimed at reclaiming food sovereignty. Community farms are reconnecting Indigenous peoples to their agricultural heritage, while discussions highlight the cultural significance of food and the importance of passing down traditional practices for future generations.

As plastic waste continues to pile up, Ruth Alexander explores how manufacturers, retailers, and designers are rethinking the way our food is packaged.We hear how shoppers are responding to eco-conscious packaging in Finland, from supermarket manager Markku Hautala. And is plastic really the enemy? Paul Jenkins, founder of a leading packaging consultancy, shares the latest innovations in sustainable design, and why some materials aren’t always what they seem.Rhea Singhal, CEO of India’s first fully compostable packaging company, discusses the realities of creating truly sustainable alternatives—and whether they’re enough. And the head of a German frozen food company, Felix Ahlers, explains why his company ditched all additives – packaging included – for the sake of the environment.

Explore the charm of local convenience stores and their role in communities. Delve into innovative strategies like specializing in cocktails and street food to boost profits. Discover the cultural significance of Japan's konbini and how they inspire US retailers. Hear heartfelt stories from a family-run shop in the UK, celebrating culinary traditions through Indian street food. Uncover the emotional complexities of growing up in a family business and the resilience it fosters amidst changing market dynamics.