FoodTech Junkies

In this episode, Sharon sits down with Daan Luining, a pioneering mind in the field of cultivated meat and co-founder of Meatable. Together, they explore Dan’s fascinating journey from a researcher in cell molecular biology and tissue engineering to leading a company at the forefront of sustainable food innovation. The conversation uncovers the challenges of merging cell biology with food science, debunking industry misconceptions, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Daan shares insights into Meatable’s mission, their groundbreaking approach to producing cultivated pork fat, and the collaborative role traditional meat producers play in reshaping the industry. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and inclusivity, this episode dives deep into the future of food and the societal shifts needed to create a more sustainable and equitable world. About Daan Daan Luining is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Meatable, a Dutch biotechnology company pioneering the production of cultivated meat. With a background in cell molecular biology and tissue engineering, Daan was part of the team that developed the world’s first lab-grown hamburger in 2013. He later served as Research Director at New Harvest, a non-profit organization funding academic research in cellular agriculture. In 2018, Daan co-founded Meatable to create real meat without harming animals, utilizing innovative stem cell technologies to produce sustainable and delicious meat products About Meatable Meatable is a Dutch biotechnology company founded in 2018 by Krijn de Nood, Daan Luining, and Mark Kotter. The company specializes in producing cultivated meat using proprietary stem cell technology, aiming to create real meat without the need for animal slaughter. Meatable’s innovative approach utilizes pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into various cell types, enabling the efficient production of muscle and fat cells for meat products. This method eliminates the use of fetal bovine serum, making the process more ethical and sustainable. In April 2024, Meatable became the first company in the European Union to receive regulatory approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for a public tasting of cultivated meat, specifically their sausage product. This milestone event garnered significant media attention and marked a crucial step toward bringing cultivated meat to the European market. Meatable continues to advance its mission of providing sustainable and ethical meat alternatives, focusing on scalability and market readiness to meet the growing global demand for meat products. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Food Security and Challenges 00:27 Meet Food Tech Junkies 00:43 Introducing Daan Luining and Meatable 01:29 Daan’s Journey into Cultivated Meat 03:11 Challenges Facing Cultivated Meat 04:51 Overcoming Misconceptions Through Education 06:59 The Future of Sustainable Food Production 13:58 Navigating Regulatory Landscapes 25:32 Meatable’s Market Strategy and Innovations 37:03 The Road Ahead for Cultivated Meat 44:34 Reflections and Final Thoughts 53:44 Closing Remarks and Call to Subscribe

In this episode of the Food Tech Junkies podcast, host Sharon Cittone engages with Jack Bobo—renowned expert, author, and futurist—to discuss the future of food systems. From the rising influence of GLP-1 drugs on diets and nutrition to the environmental and agricultural shifts driven by innovation, this conversation dives into the critical intersections of science, policy, and sustainability. Explore the evolving dynamics between livestock and alternative proteins, the role of behavioral science in consumer choices, and the urgent need for climate action in food production. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on tackling obesity, advancing sustainable agriculture, and leveraging technology to create a healthier, more equitable food future. About Jack Bobo Jack Bobo is a renowned expert in sustainable food systems, recently appointed as the inaugural Executive Director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies.  With a background in international law, environmental policy, and behavioral science, he has held pivotal roles, including Director of the University of Nottingham’s Food Systems Institute, Director of Global Food and Water Policy at The Nature Conservancy, CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company and as a Senior Advisor for Food Policy at the U.S. State Department. Jack is also the author of Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices and has been recognized by Scientific American as one of the 100 most influential people in biotechnology.  Timestamps 00:00 Preview 00:49 Meet Jack Bobo: Food Systems Expert and Author 03:22 How GLP-1 Drugs are Changing Food and Health 09:08 Agricultural and Environmental Implications of Innovation 19:34 The Role of Livestock and Alternative Proteins in Food Systems 26:40 Policy, Regulation, and Food System Innovation 36:36 Behavioral Science and Consumer Psychology in Food Choices 44:55 Addressing Climate Change and Achieving Net Zero Targets 52:42 Future Food Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges 54:31 Final Thoughts: Jack Bobo’s Vision for Food Systems

In this new episode of The Green Spoon, we journey into the heart of Japan's sustainable food practices with Chef Keiko Kuwakino. Known for her expertise in vegetable-based cuisine and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Chef Kuwakino takes us through her incredible journey, her passion for foraging, and her mindful approach to creating dishes that honor nature’s bounty. Learn how she transforms locally sourced, organic ingredients into unforgettable culinary masterpieces while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment. Join us for an inspiring conversation about eco-conscious dining, the challenges and opportunities in Japanese cuisine, and the future of sustainable gastronomy. About Chef Keiko Kuwakino Keiko started her career as a therapist, gaining experience in Australia and India and learning about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic cuisine. She previously worked as a chef at a vegan restaurant in Tokyo and moved to Minami-uonuma to work at Satoyama Jujo, where her specialty is locally sourced ingredients, mountain vegetables, and body-healing spices. Appointed to head chef at Satoyama Jujo in 2018, she won a Michelin star in 2020 and was awarded 15.5 points by Gault Millau in 2021. She was nominated as one of Japan's 100 best chefs and restaurants by Hitosara in 2022 and We're Smart's the "world’s best female vegetable chef" in 2023. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome to The Green Spoon 00:35 Meet Chef Keiko Kuwakino 01:55 Keiko’s Journey to Becoming a Chef 04:19 Sustainability and Foraging in Niigata 06:09 The Essence of Satoyama Cuisine 07:03 Incorporating Nature into Culinary Art 14:13 Challenges and Innovations in Japanese Cuisine 19:07 Advice for Aspiring Chefs 20:18 Future Visions and Final Thoughts 31:58 Subscribe for More Food Tech Insights

Explore the future of our food system in this inspiring episode of Food Tech Junkies! Host Sharon Cittone sits down with Swedish innovator and investor Daniel Skaven Ruben to discuss his impactful journey in food and agriculture and his role in driving sustainable and nutritious practices worldwide. This conversation covers a broad spectrum of critical topics, including local food system improvements, policy collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR and food system digitalization. Throughout this episode, Daniel and Sharon discuss the pressing need to support farmers, the transformative potential of True Cost Accounting, and the global pursuit to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Tune in to understand how technology, policy, and collaboration shape an equitable and resilient food system. Don’t miss this chance to uncover new perspectives and join us toward a sustainable food future. For more thought-provoking discussions, like and follow! Daniel Skavén Ruben helps advance the future of food in a number of ways. He's a 10x advisor to - and 30x angel investor in - global FoodTech and AgTech startups. He's a venture partner/operating advisor to VCs Mudcake (Sweden), Nordic FoodTech VC (Finland) and Blume Equity (UK). He mentors at accelerators Big Idea Ventures, Katapult, and Norrsken Accelerator. He's the Founding Editor of the newsletter FoodTech Weekly, and the Founding Partner of Solvable Syndicate, which invests in early-stage impact FoodTech and AgTech startups globally. He also co-founded the foodtech podcast The Appetizer. Daniel was a consultant to The Rockefeller Foundation Food Initiative during 2017-2021, supporting the Foundation’s work to advance a more nourishing and sustainable food system. Daniel has also worked as an expert for the World Bank in Washington D.C. (2015-2016) on issues around technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Prior to that, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in various roles in Stockholm and New York for more than half a decade, helping Danish tech companies to internationalize. Daniel holds a BSc in International Business (Copenhagen Business School), an LLM in Public International Law (Stockholm University), and an MSc in Foreign Service (Georgetown University). Timestamp Highlights: 00:00 – Intro to True Cost Accounting 01:18 – Daniel’s Journey into Food & Agriculture 02:16 – The Rockefeller Foundation and Food Tech Innovations 03:20 – Advising Startups & Angel Investing 05:11 – Stockeld Dreamery: From Concept to Reality 06:59 – Returning to Sweden and Dual Citizenship 08:13 – Challenges and Opportunities in Food Systems 11:10 – The Complexity of Food Systems & Local Solutions 25:43 – The Role of Farmers & True Cost Accounting 28:39 – Consumer Expectations & Regulatory Standards 29:25 – Behavioral Changes and Local Shopping 30:49 – Nutritional Quality and Food Transportation 32:32 – Technological Innovations in Food 34:36 – Food System Challenges 36:34 – The Future of Food and Technology 38:50 – Sustainable Agriculture Innovations 44:28 – Alternative Proteins & Food Waste Solutions 48:56 – Consumer Behavior & True Cost Accounting 53:01 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode, we sit down with Dana Gunders, President of ReFED and a renowned expert in food sustainability. Dana shares her path into the food waste sector, emphasizing the critical environmental and economic impacts of food waste. Under her leadership, ReFED has achieved remarkable milestones, such as a 25% reduction in surplus food among West Coast grocers, and has spearheaded innovative strategies. These include AI-enhanced demand planning, advanced markdown apps, and dynamic employee-driven initiatives. We explore how these efforts intersect with broader climate change policies and discuss both the potential economic benefits and the challenges ahead. Dana emphasizes the vital roles of public awareness and private sector engagement in reaching the ambitious goal of cutting food waste by 50% by 2030. Join us for a compelling conversation about transforming food waste challenges into opportunities for greater sustainability. About Dana Gunders Deemed "the woman who helped start the waste-free movement" by Consumer Reports, Dana Gunders is a national expert who has dedicated her career to helping industry, policymakers, and consumers activate solutions to reduce food waste. Her landmark 2012 report "Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40% of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill" sparked a national dialogue about the consequences of food waste, and since then, she has continued to bring the issue to a wider audience through testimony before Congress, her Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook, and appearances in media such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Times Magazine, Fox News, Teen Vogue, PBS Newshour, and hundreds of other outlets. Before joining ReFED in 2019, she served as a founding Board member for the organization. When not worrying about it professionally, Dana spends far too much time convincing her two young kids to eat broccoli stalks and reinventing their uneaten lunches as family dinner. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:25 Meet Dana Gunders: Food Sustainability Expert 01:36 Dana’s Journey into Food Waste Management 03:34 The Birth of ReFed 05:02 ReFed’s Mission and Achievements 10:49 Innovations in Food Waste Reduction 14:45 Consumer Awareness and Behavioral Change 18:40 Food Waste and Climate Change 23:01 Economic Implications of Food Waste 26:21 Food Security and Food Waste 27:57 The U.S. Food Waste Pact 33:19 Challenges and Solutions in Reducing Food Waste 38:13 Personal and Professional Insights on Food Waste 43:47 Innovations and Future Directions 46:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the second season of The Green Spoon Podcast, brought to you by FoodTech Junkies. Today, we have the privilege of chatting with the acclaimed Peruvian Chef Anita Belaúnde, the culinary force behind the beloved Limanà. Anita’s journey to opening her restaurant is nothing short of remarkable, reflecting her profound dedication to health, nutrition, and sustainable practices that honor our planet and its resources. Throughout our conversation, Anita shares her holistic approach to cuisine, which not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the soul. Her commitment to giving back to society shines through her initiatives that go beyond the kitchen, fostering a community centered around mindfulness and generosity. Join us as we explore Anita’s inspiring path and the heartfelt stories behind Limanà, making her a true pioneer in the South American gastronomy scene and a generous spirit who continues to inspire and lead by example. About Anita Anita Belaúnde is a celebrated Peruvian chef at her restaurant, Limanà, known for its focus on sustainability and health-conscious cuisine. Additionally, her restaurant has earned the esteemed “Five Radishes” rating from We’re Smart World, marking it as one of the top vegetable-focused restaurants globally. This accolade is given to establishments that demonstrate a high level of creativity and excellence in plant-based cooking, and it reflects Anita’s commitment to using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

Welcome to a whole new season of the FoodTech Junkies Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Bennett, CEO of Reboot the Future, to explore the crucial role of education in the fight against the climate crisis. Anthony shares his insights on how values-based education can inspire a new generation of leaders to take action, navigate climate disinformation, and foster hope in the face of eco-anxiety. With youth activism on the rise and the education system evolving, this conversation offers powerful ideas for how we can reimagine learning to create a more sustainable future for all. About Anthony Bennett Anthony Bennett is Chief Executive Officer of Reboot the Future, a not-for-profit co-founded by Kim Polman on its own version of the Golden Rule- “To Treat Others, and the Planet, as you would treat yourself”. His career has included senior director level roles at a number of cultural and environmental organizations, including WWF and the English National Opera. He is most interested in the convergence of education, sustainability and philanthropy. www.rebootthefuture.org

Welcome to another compelling episode of the Food Tech Junkies Podcast! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Sourav Roy, the co-founder and CEO of the Centre for Big Synergy (CBS). Dr. Roy is a renowned sustainability advocate and thought leader, whose visionary work is at the forefront of creating a more responsible and sustainable future. In this episode, we'll explore the critical nexus between food systems, climate, and health, delving into how interconnected these elements are and their profound impact on our planet and well-being. We'll discuss the essential roles that policy and education play in shaping sustainable food systems and mitigating climate change. Dr. Sourav Roy will share his insights on the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts needed to address these challenges, highlighting the importance of global synergy and proactive measures. Join us for an enlightening conversation on what is required to create a more resilient and healthy future for all. Tune in and prepare to be inspired! About Dr. Sourav Roy & CBS Sourav is the co-founder and CEO of Centre for Big Synergy (CBS), a CSO of the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs. He is a sustainability advocate and thought leader well-revered for his a very wide range of expertise and experiences. His expert opinions and insights are gleaned from a range of stakeholders he directly engages with; the UK Department for Education to unemployed women in remote villages of Asia to multi-billion pound corporations in Europe and the USA; disadvantaged slum children in India to marginalised filmmakers whose change-making films he features on London's iconic Piccadilly Lights!  Since 2018, CBS has impacted the lives of over 250M people in over 120 counties across the world. Sourav has led several SDGs projects in collaboration with leaders in sustainability, media, business, policy and education from across the world.   He has worn many hats over the last 2 decades; from being an award-winning neuroscientist discovering potential therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease at King's College London, to starting the world's biggest sustainability film festival together with OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners; from recommending changes to UK's sustainability and climate education Policy impacting 16 M Children, to organising microplastic pollution awareness camps for children worldwide; from providing strategic advice to multinational corporations; from being a broadcaster, keynote speaker and author to being the father of the world's youngest sustainability advocate, Moksha Roy BCyA!

In this FoodTech Junkies episode, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole Atchison, the visionary CEO of Puris. Puris is at the forefront of the plant-based movement, transforming the U.S. food system through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Join us as Nicole shares her insights on the future of agriculture, the rise of plant-based foods, and the essential connections between our food choices, the environment, and human health. Learn how Puris is driving change to create a more resilient and sustainable food system, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the climate alike. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will change how you think about food and sustainability. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in the plant-based revolution. About Nicole Atchison Nicole Atchison is responsible for leading innovation across the PURIS portfolio of companies including ingredient technologies, processing technologies, seed genetic strategy, and channel strategy. PURIS cultivates a spectrum of pure, plant-based foods and ingredients from U.S.-based organic and non-GMO sources. Nicole joined PURIS in 2017 to support growth and innovation across business units. Previously, Nicole held roles as Project Manager and Engineer and was responsible for leading the cross-functional team through FDA approval and US commercialization of Stellarex 035, a Class III medical device, for Spectranetics/Covidien. Stellarex launched in 2017, followed by an acquisition of Spectranetics by Phillips. Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University. About Puris PURIS™ is a family-owned company founded in 1985 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Built with intention over 30 years, PURIS’ plant-based food system benefits every link in the chain of production: flavorful and nutritious choices for people, profitable opportunities for growers, flexible ingredients for food makers, and practices that nourish soil, the environment, and life on earth.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Jeff Tkach, the dynamic CEO of the Rodale Institute. Known for its pioneering work in organic and regenerative agriculture, the Rodale Institute has been a leader in the field for over 70 years. Jeff Tkach brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for sustainable farming practices that not only protect our environment but also enhance human health. Join us as we delve into a compelling conversation with Jeff about the future of agriculture. We explore the transformative power of regenerative farming, the science behind organic practices, and how these methods can combat climate change. Jeff shares the Rodale Institute's latest research findings and initiatives, shedding light on the critical role of soil health in building a resilient food system. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the organic movement today, including advocacy, trends, and consumer education. Jeff's vision for a sustainable future is both inspiring and actionable, offering practical insights for farmers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of our food. Tune in to learn how the Rodale Institute is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and healthy world, and how you can be part of this exciting journey. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an aspiring gardener, or simply a conscious consumer, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration. About Jeff Tkach Jeff Tkach, Rodale Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, is on a mission to reconnect humans with the earth.Tkach is responsible for leading the organization’s growth, impact, and strategic planning, and is committed to advancing the Institute’s world-renowned research and education on regenerative organic agriculture. In this role as CEO, Tkach leads a global workforce dedicated to advancing innovations in regenerative organic agriculture. His management portfolio includes strategic planning, overseeing the Institute’s twelve campus operations in the U.S. and Europe, directing research investments, and supervising the organization’s education programs.Before assuming the Institute’s most senior leadership position, Tkach served as Rodale Institute’s Chief Impact Officer. He also served on the Institute’s Board of Directors in 2016, where he was instrumental in fostering relationships between the organization and business leaders in the organic food industry. About The Rodale Institute The Rodale Institute, founded in 1947, is a pioneering leader in the field of organic and regenerative agriculture. Located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the Institute is dedicated to researching and promoting sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and combat climate change. Through rigorous scientific research, education, and advocacy, the Rodale Institute aims to transform the way the world farms, ensuring healthier food systems and a more resilient environment. Their work not only supports farmers but also educates consumers about the profound impact of organic practices on our health and planet.