Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions. In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ https://datumfs.com/ Connect with Tom Healy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 | Preview 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs? 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle) 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential. During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with Wiggs: https://www.starfish-network.com/ info@starfish-network.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/ Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission? 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

Welcome to Farm to Fork! In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology. Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect With Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/ https://www.capitalspring.com/ Timestamps 00:00 – Preview 01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader 02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time 03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities 06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators 10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies 14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations 19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal 24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits 27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences 30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges 34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising 37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next 39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators . In today’s episode, I sit down with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt, the founder of Open Food Chain, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing global food traceability. In this conversation, we dive into the current state of data and technology in the global food supply chain, how Asia is catching up to the U.S. in supply chain innovation, and why manufacturers play a critical role in driving change. Marieke also explains how blockchain can solve major inefficiencies, ensuring food safety, improving data transparency, and reducing supply chain costs. We also tackle misconceptions about traceability, including why it’s often overlooked, and how it could benefit both farmers and consumers. If you want to understand the future of food traceability and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode! Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ https://datumfs.com/ Connect with Marieke: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt-9501086 https://www.openfoodchain.com/ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Farm to Fork: The Innovators and today’s guest 00:37 – Meet Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt: Her background and passion for food supply chains 02:22 – What is Open Food Chain, and how does it use blockchain for traceability? 05:45 – The surprising inefficiencies in food supply chain data 08:30 – Why is Asia catching up to the U.S. in food supply chain technology? 10:12 – The challenges of old data systems and why new solutions struggle to be adopted 14:40 – How blockchain ensures trust, accuracy, and food safety 18:25 – Why major food companies resist traceability and how regulation is (or isn’t) working 22:57 – How Open Food Chain is structured and who benefits the most 28:08 – The cost savings and efficiency gains from better supply chain data 31:12 – The role of Gen Z and consumer demand in driving transparency 34:45 – How Open Food Chain works with industry leaders and future plans 40:50 – How to get in touch with Open Food Chain and next steps I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

The foodservice industry is at a pivotal moment, and understanding consumer behavior is key to staying ahead. In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators , I sit down with Mike Halen, Senior Restaurant Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, to break down the current state of the restaurant and foodservice industries. Mike returns to the show after accurately forecasting last year’s market shifts, and today, he shares his latest insights on consumer spending, inflation, and restaurant performance. With the S&P 500, Bitcoin, and home prices near all-time highs, we discuss how economic factors influence dining trends and whether consumers are feeling more confident in their spending habits. We also take a deep dive into the restaurant industry’s winners and losers, exploring why some brands are thriving while others struggle. Mike highlights the importance of strong operations, value-driven pricing, and the role of digital marketing—especially platforms like TikTok—in driving customer engagement. He also unpacks how major food distributors are evolving to meet industry challenges. Whether you’re in foodservice, distribution, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers a wealth of insights to help you navigate 2025 and beyond. Connect with David Maloni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect With Mike Halen: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/insights/podcasts/choppin-it-up/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehalen Timestamps 00:00 – Preview 00:08 – The state of the restaurant industry: Winners & losers 00:33 – What’s driving consumer confidence in dining? 01:15 – Restaurant recession in 2024: What happened? 02:58 – Consumer spending trends and the K-shaped economy 04:54 – Why restaurants are the first place consumers cut back 06:27 – The impact of labor shortages on foodservice execution 10:28 – Key takeaways from the ICR Conference: Emerging trends 14:46 – The role of digital marketing & TikTok in restaurant success 19:58 – Economic indicators shaping foodservice in 2025 21:16 – The biggest risk for 2025: Inflation’s lingering impact 25:19 – How Taco Bell’s leadership playbook is reshaping the industry 30:10 – Food distributors’ role in the evolving supply chain 37:41 – The outlook for restaurant pricing, inflation, and consumer behavior 39:01 – Wrapping it up! I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

Welcome to another episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators ! Today we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of foodservice with Mike DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. With nearly a century of history behind the brand, Golden Waffles has become a staple in fresh waffle programs globally. Mike’s journey, from his early days in foodservice distribution to leading one of the most unique and successful companies in the industry, offers a wealth of insights on how to stay ahead in the competitive food supply chain landscape. In this episode, we cover critical topics like brand evolution, fostering partnerships between suppliers and distributors, and adapting to consumer trends. Mike shares how Golden Waffles achieves a seamless customer experience through its all-inclusive waffle program and what other suppliers can learn from their approach. Whether you’re in food manufacturing, distribution, or looking to connect directly with consumers, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for thriving in the foodservice industry. David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Mike DiBeneditto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-v-dibeneditto-b8584011/ Timestamps 00:00 – Preview 01:27 – Mike’s background and journey into the food supply chain industry. 05:48 – Overview of Golden Waffles and their unique all-inclusive waffle program. 12:05 – Challenges in foodservice distribution and solutions for staying ahead. 18:20 – The importance of people in the food supply chain and fostering partnerships. 30:14 – Golden Waffles’ recent rebranding journey and key lessons. 40:06 – Insights on direct-to-consumer marketing strategies. 47:15 – Future trends in foodservice and Golden Waffles’ role in shaping them. 52:34 – Closing thoughts and call to action for viewers. I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. I’m excited to introduce you to another trailblazer in the world of food—Andy Raabe, CFO Partner at Seaton Hill Partners. With over four decades of involvement in the food supply chain myself, I love sharing the stories of those who are transforming how we produce and serve food. Andy brings a wealth of expertise from his time leading finance and supply chain at established brands like Potbelly and pioneering smaller fast-casual concepts. In our discussion, he reveals how integrating finance with supply chain decisions can streamline operations, improve vendor relationships, and boost profitability for emerging and established brands alike. Together, we dive into critical topics like how to build supply chains from scratch, best practices for fostering collaboration between finance and supply chain teams, and the tremendous value vendors can bring when they become strategic partners. Andy also walks us through the unique perspective a CFO can bring to operational challenges, offering tools and strategies for effective forecasting, budgeting, and tackling supply disruptions. I hope you’ll find our chat both enlightening and practical as we explore the path from farm to fork—and all the innovation that happens in between. Connect with David Maloni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-raabe/ https://www.seatonhill.com/ Timestamps 0:00 – Episode Overview 0:25 – Introducing Guest: Andy’s CFO & Supply Chain Expertise 0:52 – Andy’s Background: From Engineering to Finance 1:15 – Joining Potbelly & Building a Finance Function 3:41 – Transition into Supply Chain & Fixing Core Processes 7:22 – Low-Hanging Fruit: Price Verification & Inventory Control 10:57 – Gaining Leadership Experience in Supply Chain 14:08 – Returning to Finance & Public Company Lessons 20:46 – Becoming CFO at Wow Bao: Startup & Growth 25:00 – Solving the “Chicken-and-Egg” Challenge for Emerging Brands 29:14 – LTO Forecasting & Overcoming the Honeymoon Effect 34:39 – Supplier Councils: Cost Savings & Innovation 40:07 – Best Practices: Aligning Finance & Supply Chain 44:25 – Fractional CFO Model at Seton Hill Partners 46:44 – Closing Remarks & Final Takeaways I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors #Foodservice #RestaurantIndustry #FoodSupplyChain #FinanceAndOperations #EmergingBrands #CFOInsights #SupplyChainManagement #FoodBusiness #FractionalCFO #FoodserviceInnovation…

Welcome! Ttoday we’re diving into the intersection of solar energy and agriculture with our guest, Peter Schmitt, the Director of Project Development at U.S. Solar. With decades of experience in the food supply chain, I aim to uncover the transformative strategies shaping how we produce and serve food. Today’s topic, agrivoltaics, is an innovative blend of solar farming and agriculture that promises to reshape how land is used sustainably. In this episode, Peter walks us through the exciting potential of agrivoltaics, from raising sheep beneath solar panels to growing crops under carefully designed solar arrays. We discuss how this approach not only boosts agricultural efficiency but also contributes to energy independence and environmental stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of solar energy on farming or how companies like U.S. Solar are leading this revolution, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Connect with David: David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with Peter: Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/ https://www.us-solar.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Farming Meets Solar: Introduction to Agrivoltaics 01:05 Agrivoltaics Explained: Combining Solar Panels with Agriculture 06:00 Solar-Powered Agriculture: The Growth of Solar Energy in the U.S. 13:00 Case Studies in Agrivoltaics: Real-Life Examples of Success 24:00 Soil and Sustainability: Improving Land Health with Solar 35:00 Big River Farms: Providing Land Access to Aspiring Farmers 42:00 Challenges and Opportunities: Scaling Agrivoltaics Nationwide 47:00 The Future of Agrivoltaics: Farming and Energy in 10 Years 48:00 Call to Action: Partner with Datum Advisors for Food Supply Chain Solutions I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

In this episode, I sit down with Francisco Martin-Rayo, the co-founder and CEO of Helios—an innovative AI platform that’s changing the game in agriculture and commodities. Together, we examine the current state of commodity markets, discuss how climate change is reshaping supplies and prices, identify which crops are feeling the greatest impact, and explore actionable strategies for adapting where and how we produce our food. Strap in, hit subscribe, and join me as we harvest progress, forging a more resilient and sustainable future for our global food supply chain. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with Francisco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-martin-rayo-b95b393/ Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Previews 00:01:07 – Introducing Francisco Martin Rayo, Helios’ AI-driven platform, and the role of climate data in predicting agricultural disruptions. 00:03:30 – Addressing rapid climate change, its accelerated impact on agriculture, and the need for more data-driven insights. 00:08:35 – Examining commodity-specific climate influences, including cocoa, citrus, and the nuances of varying yields and quality. 00:12:30 – Highlighting predictive successes in forecasting crop failures, like mango shortages in Peru and Brazil. 00:14:12 – Exploring long-term issues for perennial crops that need certain temperature ranges and cooling hours. 00:16:07 – Discussing consumer confusion, the complexity of sustainable choices, and trade-offs like almond milk’s water footprint. 00:19:05 – Outlining adaptation strategies: diversifying sourcing regions, shifting crop types, and leveraging AI-driven predictions. 00:29:10 – Looking ahead: acknowledging future volatility, the necessity of planning infrastructure changes, and investing in climate intelligence. I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more : https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors #Agritech #AIinAgriculture #ClimateChange #FoodSupplyChain #SustainableFarming #CropAdaptation #CommodityPrices #DataDrivenFarming #GlobalFoodSecurity #FarmToFork…

In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators , I sit down with Ali Cox, a fifth-generation farmer and the visionary founder of Noble West, a leading food marketing agency. Together, we dive into the evolving farming landscape, tackling the rising operational costs and exploring groundbreaking agricultural practices like upcycling and regenerative farming. Ali shares her insights on the challenges of commoditizing food offerings and how these shifts are shaping the future consumer food experience. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicox/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Guest introduction: Ali Cox, fifth-generation farmer and founder of Noble West 02:24 Ali Cox’s journey from New York City to farming and food marketing 05:19 Farmers as innovators and problem-solvers 08:46 Noble West’s shift to sustainability-focused marketing 14:08 Financial challenges and operational costs in farming 20:02 Upcycling agriculture: reducing food waste and creating value 30:00 Regenerative agriculture practices and co-ops for farmers 37:17 The critical role of marketing in farming and consumer connection 42:36 The future of the food supply chain: curated experiences and seasonal eating 47:25 Closing thoughts and call to action I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more : https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors…

In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators , I sit down with Wink Jones, co-founder and CEO of Meal Ticket, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in the foodservice supply chain. We dive into Wink's journey from being a professional kayaker to leading an innovative SaaS company that’s transforming how data is used across the industry. Together, we unpack the complexities of outdated systems, the hurdles of data normalization, and how Meal Ticket’s tools are enabling distributors, suppliers, and operators to thrive. We also explore the critical role of human relationships in this highly data-driven sector and how AI and technology are reshaping the future of foodservice distribution. It’s a fascinating conversation about the balance between technological innovation and the human touch that keeps this industry unique. Don't miss this insightful look into the future of food supply! Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wink-jones-ba58b0/ Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Guest Wink Jones 00:43 - Why Personal Connection Remains Key in Foodservice 01:14 - Tackling Data Challenges and Normalization Issues 03:05 - Technological Upgrades and ERP Transformations 04:06 - Wink’s Transition from Kayaker to Tech Leader 06:32 - Breakdown of the Foodservice Supply Chain 09:56 - Managing Slim Margins and the Role of Rebates for Distributors 13:24 - Balancing Technology Integration with Human Relationships 16:05 - Manufacturer Struggles with Data Visibility 20:10 - Leveraging AI to Solve Data Issues 24:06 - How Meal Ticket’s Tools Support the Supply Chain 29:07 - Shifts in Supply Chain Leverage Post-COVID 31:19 - Future Innovations: Robotics and Tech in Distribution 37:08 - Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more .…

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. Our guest for this episode is Richard Tufton, Vice President of Supply Chain at Pastured Proteins for Regenified, a company committed to advancing regenerative agriculture and protecting it from greenwashing. In this episode, we explore Richard’s expertise in promoting regenerative farming practices to improve soil health and create more sustainable, nutrient-dense food. With Regenified’s certification seal, Richard and his team ensure consumers can trust that products are raised with regenerative integrity, helping to build a food system that supports both people and the planet. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-tufton-7aa62435/ Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction: David introduces the podcast and Richard Tufton. 00:02:00 - Richard’s Background: Richard’s journey and role at Regenified. 00:03:39 - What is Regenerative Agriculture: Richard explains regenerative agriculture. 00:05:30 - Soil Health Importance: Soil health’s role in sustainability. 00:10:20 - Certification Seal: How Regenified certifies regenerative farms. 00:16:08 - Economic Benefits: How regenerative practices help farmers financially. 00:26:35 - Nutrient Density: Regenerative farming and nutrient-rich food. 00:34:20 - Global Reach: Regenified’s international expansion and partnerships. 00:41:50 - Connecting with Consumers: Engaging consumers through farm stories. 00:50:10 - Future Vision: Richard’s hopes for the future of regenerative agriculture. I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more .…

In this episode, I’m joined by Jayson Berryhill, the co-founder and CEO of Wholechain, a blockchain-based solution for enhancing traceability in supply chains. Jayson’s background in mobile technology and his time working in Indonesia led him to pivot towards solving supply chain visibility challenges, particularly in food and agriculture. Wholechain, under his leadership, is now a key player in traceability across industries, serving clients like Estée Lauder, McCormick, and Chicken of the Sea. Jayson’s extensive experience in tech innovation and supply chain transparency makes him the perfect guest to help us dive into the growing importance of traceability for businesses today. Throughout the episode, Jayson highlights several important takeaways about traceability and its impact on modern supply chains. First, traceability is essential for ensuring food safety, sustainability, and transparency, helping companies better manage risks and reduce waste. Jayson emphasizes that while regulations like the FDA’s FSMA Rule 204 are driving adoption, traceability also offers strategic benefits, such as operational efficiency and brand differentiation. Additionally, the implementation of blockchain technology enables secure and verifiable tracking of products, providing businesses with more robust tools to trace their supply chains from source to consumer. This shift is not just about compliance but about fundamentally improving how supply chains are managed and how businesses can adapt to meet evolving consumer and regulatory expectations. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with our Guest: Jayson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysonberryhill/ Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Jayson Berryhill 00:09 - Early Work in Indonesia 00:48 - Founding Wholechain 01:12 - Living as a Digital Nomad 01:49 - The Importance of Traceability 02:51 - Size and Complexity of Seafood Industry 03:50 - Interconnected Supply Chains 05:16 - Passion for Traceability and Wholechain’s Mission 07:06 - FDA’s FSMA Rule 204 and Why It Matters 09:56 - Defining Traceability and Supply Chain Standards 12:17 - How Wholechain Implements Blockchain Technology 15:35 - Addressing Supply Chain Risks and Bad Actors 18:43 - The Role of Blockchain in Traceability 20:36 - Standardization Across the Supply Chain 23:31 - Operational Benefits of Traceability 25:58 - Wholechain’s Impact Beyond the Seafood Industry 28:45 - Consumer Transparency and Brand Trust 31:26 - How Traceability Drives Efficiency and Sustainability 34:12 - Blockchain and its Future Role in Supply Chains 36:22 - Challenges in Implementing Traceability 38:45 - How Different Industries are Embracing Traceability 41:30 - Success Stories and Major Wins for Wholechain 43:18 - The Evolving Role of Technology in Supply Chains 45:10 - Jayson’s Vision for the Future of Global Supply Chains 47:25 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more .…

In this episode, Loraine Yalch, President of National Accounts at Armada Supply Chain Solutions, joins us to discuss the critical role of transportation and distribution in the food service supply chain. With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Lorraine shares how Armada operates as a 4PL, helping businesses optimize their logistics by managing relationships, enhancing network efficiency, and reducing risk. We dive into the current landscape of transportation, why distribution capacity has tightened, and how leveraging technology and AI can help predict disruptions before they occur. Lorraine also highlights the importance of collaboration between supply chain partners and best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and overall costs. From redistribution strategies to sustainability initiatives, this episode provides valuable insights into how businesses can create more efficient and resilient supply chains. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ Connect with our Guest: Loraine’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loraine-yalch/ Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 00:00:45 – Overview of the episode and Loraine Yalch’s background in the food supply chain industry. 00:01:33 – Introduction to the main topics: transportation, distribution, and emissions reduction. 00:02:02 – Loraine Yalch’s career background: from civil engineering to foodservice logistics at Armada. 00:03:11 – Overview of Armada’s services: managing supply chain risk and delivering cost reductions. 00:04:12 – Loraine Yalch’s personal interests and her connection to Pittsburgh. 00:05:06 – Loraine Yalch’s history with Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh. 00:06:12 – The scale of Armada’s operations: working with major food service brands. 00:09:00 – Discussing Armada’s acquisitions and growth beyond food service. 00:13:00 – Technology’s role in supply chain visibility and AI-driven platforms for predicting disruptions. 00:17:30 – Transportation logistics and tightening capacity in the last-mile distribution network. 00:22:00 – The impact of LTL (Less-than-Truckload) vs. full truckload consolidation in distribution. 00:26:30 – Why restaurant brands evolve from broad-line distributors to more custom distribution solutions. 00:32:00 – Current challenges in the transportation market: skew proliferation and cost pressure. 00:35:00 – The shift in leverage from restaurant chains to distributors post-COVID. 00:38:00 – Dwell time and its impact on cost and efficiency in transportation logistics. 00:42:30 – Reducing inefficiencies: How minimizing dwell time can save millions in supply chains. 00:46:00 – Collaboration across the supply chain and the importance of streamlining processes. 00:49:30 – Exploring sustainability initiatives: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation and warehouses. 00:53:00 – Using SmartWay certification to ensure carriers are reducing environmental impact. 00:57:00 – Redistributing products and optimizing truckloads to minimize environmental footprint. 01:00:00 – Financial services and other unique capabilities offered by Armada to manage supply chain costs. 01:03:30 – Loraine Yalch shares final thoughts on the future of transportation and supply chain management. I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more .…

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Maze, Editor in Chief of Restaurant Business Magazine . Jonathan has been a leading voice in the restaurant industry for nearly two decades, providing deep insights into what's working and what's not. In our conversation, we explore the current state of the consumer, the so-called restaurant recession, the factors driving it, which restaurant brands are thriving, and the key characteristics behind their success. We'll also dive into the future of the restaurant industry, with a special focus on the role of the supply chain. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn Connect with our Guest: LinkedIn: Jonathan Maze on LinkedIn Twitter (X): @jonathanmaze https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/jonathan-maze Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ Timestamps: 00:01:04 - David Introduces Jonathan Maze and His Expertise in the Restaurant Industry 00:01:28 - Preview of Key Discussion Topics: Restaurant Recession, Thriving Brands, and Supply Chain 00:02:43 - Jonathan Shares His Background: Covering the Restaurant Industry for Nearly Two Decades 00:05:21 - Why Industry-Specific Media is Crucial for Understanding Market Trends 00:07:04 - Jonathan Explains the "Restaurant Recession" and Its Impact on the Industry 00:09:08 - Assessing the Health of Today's Consumer: Challenges and Opportunities 00:12:10 - The Impact of Rising Prices and Inflation on Consumer Behavior and Restaurant Operations 00:15:03 - The Role of Technology in Addressing Labor Shortages and Reducing Costs 00:19:06 - Consumer Shifts: Increased Spending in Convenience Stores and Grocery-Prepared Foods 00:22:16 - Fast Casual Success Stories: Wingstop’s Record Growth and Changing Consumer Preferences 00:26:19 - How Operational Execution and Value Perception Affect Restaurant Success 00:29:45 - Franchise vs. Corporate-Owned Models: Flexibility and Performance Differences 00:32:19 - The Importance of Menu Flexibility and Innovation for Independent Operators 00:35:12 - Adapting to Consumer Preferences: Healthier Options and Snacking Trends 00:39:56 - The Future of Supply Chain in the Restaurant Industry: Key Insights I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more .…