The Plantbased Business Hour

Monique Mikhail, Senior Program Manager at Friends of the Earth, and Kelly McNamara, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, dive into the environmental impacts of financial institutions funding animal agriculture. They reveal shocking statistics about how U.S. banks finance the meat and dairy industries, contributing massively to greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion also touches on the urgent need for accountability and the potential role of new EU regulations in promoting sustainable finance. Plus, there's a lighthearted moment discussing snack preferences amidst serious topics!

Laurette Rondenet, CEO and Owner of Edlong, shares her journey in revolutionizing dairy-free flavors, stressing that plant-based options are not new but evolving. She delves into the importance of leadership and innovation in flavor development while addressing growing consumer demands. Laurette also emphasizes collaboration among industry players to drive sustainable change and navigate challenges in product development, particularly in plant-based dairy alternatives. Her passion for food shines through as she discusses culinary creativity, blending personal stories with industry insights.

Steve Gundrum, Chief AI Officer at Mattson & Company, dives into the revolutionary role of AI in food innovation. He introduces Leo, an AI agent that transforms product development and enhances creativity in food design. The discussion highlights exciting projects, like kid-friendly frozen Mexican appetizers, driving health and sustainability with flavors kids love. Gundrum also explores how AI is reshaping consumer insights, particularly in plant-based markets, capturing trends and preferences to keep brands competitive and innovative.

CEO of VegTech Invest and host Elysabeth Alfano is joined by Brittany Damico of O-Six Impact Partners to recap their time at the US SIF conference 2024 in Chicago. The former Florida congressman mentioned in the podcast was Carlos Curbelo. The article Brittany referred to is: https://www.morningstar.com/financial-advisors/reddit-posts-show-investors-care-about-climate-change-renewable-energy-evs 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.

Lisa Keefe, Editor in Chief at Alt-Meat Magazine, shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of the alternative protein market. From the historical ties of Chicago to the meat industry to its transformation into a hub for food innovation, she discusses groundbreaking VegTech developments promoting sustainability. Keefe highlights the debate between alternative and conventional meats, consumer trends, and the rise of cultivated fats and fermentation. Her optimism shines through as she envisions a future where sustainable food tech flourishes.

Rohan Shirwaiker and Bill Aimutis, Co-Directors of the Bezos Earth Fund Bezos Center for Sustainable Proteins at North Carolina State University share the news about the new $30M grant for the center and its true and fast/slow approach to partnership, marrying food and science and addressing problems like food insecurity, planetary health and human health. It's a true game changer and market signal. 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.

Rob Du Boff, a Senior ESG Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence focused on climate and biodiversity, joins Rob Barnett, an Energy Analyst specializing in clean energy investment. They delve into the intricate connections between food systems and energy consumption. The duo discusses how transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity. They emphasize the need for innovative financing strategies that engage the private sector while addressing equity in energy transitions, all while highlighting new sustainable food solutions.

CEO Maria Cho of Triplebar joins me on The Plant-based Business Hour. We discuss the protein supply chain benefits provided by precision fermentation and when scaling will take place. If this topic sounds down in the weeds, you need to tune in to learn about the shifting building blocks of the global food supply system! 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.

Caitlin MacLean, Senior Director of Innovative Finance, and Holly Freishtat, Senior Director at Feeding Change, dive into why institutional and philanthropic investors are drawn to food systems. They discuss the surge in plant-based innovations and the interconnectedness of food systems, health, and finance. The conversation highlights the urgency for sustainable practices amid climate challenges and showcases investment opportunities that blend capital for transformative impacts. They also share personal reflections and snack choices, making the discussion relatable and engaging.

Sasha Goodman, Chief Investment Officer of VegTech Invest, co-authored a groundbreaking white paper with Harvard students on stakeholder engagement for plant-based innovation. In their lively discussion, they reveal key findings that highlight the necessity of diversifying protein sources in food systems. Sasha emphasizes how such innovations can enhance both environmental sustainability and business profitability. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in food accountability and the challenges of advocating for animal welfare amidst corporate resistance.