The Plantbased Business Hour

The discussion dives into the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on U.S. food policy. Key topics include the influence of the meat lobby on politics and the urgent need for sustainable food practices. Climate change and food insecurity are highlighted as major challenges requiring innovative solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of food independence and how upcoming political changes could shape the future of our food systems.

Caroline Cotto of Nectar Research and Tim Dale from Food Systems Innovation join me on The Plantbased Business Hour to discuss the results of a recent study around consumer perception of blended (or plant-rich) meat.  Do they like it?  Do they hate it? Is it a sell-out?  Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on  May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

David Ziskind, founder of Mach Global Advisors, is a consultant with deep expertise in food and beverage manufacturing. He dives into the strategic challenges of scaling food production, comparing in-house manufacturing versus contractors while emphasizing sustainability. Ziskind elaborates on the critical need for risk management and effective planning to meet growing demand. He also discusses the role of AI in optimizing processes and how evolving food systems can leverage innovative technologies to address climate challenges and enhance efficiency.

Jamie Valenti-Jordan, the Founder of Catapult Commercialization Services, dives into the transformative potential of plant-based innovations for a resilient supply chain. She discusses the shift toward sustainability and how COVID-19 has reshaped consumer demands for healthier options. Valenti-Jordan highlights the importance of engaging with new generations, emphasizing authentic branding and marketing strategies. The rise of niche markets and the impact of technology, including AI in personalized nutrition, showcase exciting trends in the evolving food industry.

Elysabeth Alfano shares insights from Climate Week in NYC, emphasizing the pivotal role of food systems in combating climate change. The discussion highlights the urgent need for a shift towards regenerative agriculture and plant-based diets. In the face of challenges, there's a sense of optimism for transforming our agricultural practices. Tune in for an inspiring outlook on how food choices can contribute to a more sustainable future.

2021 was supposed to be the year of plant-based chicken: nuggets, strips, patties were all the rage.   CEO and Founder of Daring Chicken, Jeff Gendelman, takes us through the highs and lows of the plant-based chicken trajectory and the chances for success of the category.  Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on  May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Sanah Baig, Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA, sheds light on the current state of American farmers and the escalating issue of food insecurity, which now affects over 12 million people. She discusses USDA initiatives like the Sun Bucks program aimed at enhancing food production in a sustainable manner. The conversation dives into the need for collaboration between sectors to tackle climate change and transform food systems. With the Farm Bill on the horizon, Baig highlights critical changes necessary for a resilient and equitable agricultural future.

Ertharin Cousin, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture and Executive Director of Food Systems for the Future, shares insights on pivotal changes expected by 2025 in food financing. She highlights the urgent need for investment in food systems to match climate goals, contrasts funding levels in food tech to other sectors, and discusses how personalized nutrition tools can democratize health access. Cousin also addresses the complexities of food security policy and the importance of sustainable practices and collaboration.

Suzi Gerber, a Chef and USDA-NIFA Research Fellow at Tufts University, dives into the emerging realm of nutrition as a key investment theme. She discusses the impact of VegTech companies on sustainability and food supply chains. Gerber emphasizes the role of effective marketing strategies that leverage nostalgia to resonate with consumers while advocating for transparency and trust in the plant-based market. The conversation also touches on the intersection of nutrition with environmental factors and the vital role of investors in shaping a healthier food system.

The discussion dives into hopeful strategies for transforming food systems, emphasizing the growing capital interest in plant-based solutions. It highlights innovative funding approaches while tackling challenges within the movement. The conversation shifts to the critical need for change, especially in reducing methane emissions from animal agriculture. The importance of backing plant-based innovations as a strategy against climate change is also underscored, painting a promising picture for the future.