Markets to Menus by ArrowStream

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Jun 2026

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Join David twice a month, for just 30 minutes , as he delivers a concise exploration of the commodities that move global markets and local kitchens—followed by a discussion with leading food-supply-chain experts who add practical context, best practices, and solutions to today's challenges and opportunities.

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53 recent

March 25, 2024Episode 944 min

Supply Chain: Meeting Demand in a Fast-Growing Market with Kristi Kingery, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain at Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Welcome back to the show! Today's guest innovator is Kristi Kingery, a powerhouse in supply chain management. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kristi is currently the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the chair of the National Restaurant Association Supply Chain Expert Exchange. In this episode, Kristi delves into the intricacies of managing the supply chain for a rapidly expanding brand like Tropical Smoothie. From navigating the challenges of growth to unpacking the driving forces behind the brand's remarkable expansion from 450 units pre-COVID to an impressive 1400 units today, light is shed on the strategies that have propelled Tropical Smoothie's success, especially among a younger customer base.We also explore the increasing prominence of women in supply chain leadership roles and the pivotal role played by organizations like the National Restaurant Association Supply Chain Group in fostering industry education and collaboration. Plus, we gain exclusive insights into her role with the National Restaurant Association and get a sneak peek into the upcoming conference, where networking and education take center stage.Don't miss out on this engaging discussion as Kristi shares her vision for the future of the supply chain industry and leaves us with valuable takeaways that will resonate long after the episode concludes.Once again, thank you for tuning in to what promises to be an insightful discussion. Connect With the Host:David Maloni’s LinkedInConnect With Our Guest:Kristi Kingery’s LinkedInRelevant Assets for this episode:NRA Supply Chain Spring ConferenceNRA Show Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/Timestamps02:42 - Meet Kristi Kingery And Explore Her Journey In The Food Service Supply Chain 06:40 - The Evolving Role Of Women In Supply Chain Leadership08:06 - Kristi Elaborates On The Changes In Supply Chain Focus11:54 - How Kristi’s Fashion Degree Aided Her In A Rapidly Changing Industry 13:39 - The Mission And Brand Of Tropical Smoothie Cafe17:47 - Kristi Details The Growth Of Tropical Smoothie Cafe19:57 - What Makes Tropical Smoothie's Supply Chain Unique?21:34 The Challenges And Strategies In Managing Product Promotions And Balancing Supply 23:01 - Kristi Explains The Top Concerns Of The Tropical Smoothie Brand23:42 - Planning For Unit Growth: Brand Awareness And Market Penetration 26:44 - The Strategic Benefits Of Proximity To Popular Brands.28:10 - Tropical Smoothie's Appeal To Young Adults30:06 - Kristi Discusses The Impact Of Diversity On Decision-Making.33:56 - What Is The National Restaurant Association? 36:44 - The National Restaurant Association Conference 44:25 - The Importance Of Community, Networking, And Roundtable Discussions At Conferences.51:37 - Kristi Notes The Future Of Expert Exchange And Industry Support 52:54 - Supply Chain Evolution And FISMA 204 Impact55:17 - Wrapping UpI’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.

August 26, 20241 hr 2 min

From Tradition to Supply Chain: Tocabe’s Indigenous Food Revolution Through Storytelling, with Ben Jacobs Co-Founder of Tocabe

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to feature Ben Jacobs, co-founder of Tocabe, a pioneering American Indian eatery, marketplace, and food production company.Ben has dedicated nearly twenty years to building one of the most authentic and innovative Native American food brands in the country. Join us as we delve into the world of Native American cuisine, discuss the journey from consumer to wholesale, and uncover the complexities of purposeful supply chain sourcing. We’ll also explore best practices for creating a truly authentic food brand. So, buckle up, hit that subscribe button, and let’s harvest progress together.Connect With the Host:David Maloni’s LinkedInConnect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/Connect with Ben Jacobs:Ben’s LinkedinTimestamps: 1:10 - Welcome Back to the Show!2:20 - Ben’s Background6:08 - A Quick Overview of the American Indigenous Population9:10 - A Deep Dive into the Osage Community Culture15:45 - The Origins of The Tocabe Enterprise18:06 - Exploring The Tocabe Restaurant22:18 - The Tocabe Cuisine26:16 - Tocabe’s Sourcing Process30:50 - Tocabe’s Employment Program: Providing Work Opportunities for Native Americans38:50 - The Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace42:06 - Innovating the Wholesale E-Commerce Experience50:55 - Storytelling Through Ingredients: Cuisine with a Story57:00 - The Future of Tocabe59:30 - Closing RemarksI’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.

November 4, 202453 min

Cultivating Change: Regenerative Agriculture, Restaurant Collaboration, and Consumer Connection with Richard Tufton, Vice President of Supply Chain for Regenified.

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.

December 24, 2025Episode 618 min

Markets & Mistletoe

In this episode of Commodity Kitchen, I walked through the latest commodity trends, noting that our food-weighted index has fallen below prior-year levels for the first time in nearly two years. Energy markets remain a tailwind with gasoline now at four-year lows, while grains and soybean oil continue to show weakness. Coffee prices are easing after tariff exemptions on Brazil and Vietnam, and dairy markets are sharply lower year over year due to abundant milk supply. Protein markets remain mixed, with chicken output running higher, pork values supported, and beef production down more than 4% year to date — a key driver behind the recent surge in cattle futures.I was joined by Pedrom Rejai of Elevate Growth Partners, who explained how tariffs and retaliation are disrupting global food trade, pointing to a 96% collapse in U.S. beef exports to China as licenses expire and Australia steps in to fill the gap. We discussed how the almond industry successfully diversified export markets after the 2018 trade war and why that model is critical today. Pedrom also outlined best practices for navigating international sourcing, including leveraging USMCA exemptions, tightening documentation on processed foods, and investing in traceability and supplier diversification to build long-term supply chain resilience.Connect with out host:David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Click here to find out more:https://datumfs.com/Connect with out Guest:Pedrom Rejai's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedromrejai/

October 15, 2025Episode 29 min

Markets Under Pressure: Dairy Down, Tariffs Rising

In this episode, we take you through the latest movements across food, energy, and agricultural markets. The Datum FS Commodity Index is down 6% month over month, driven largely by steep declines in dairy and poultry. We unpack what’s behind the sharp drop in chicken breast, wing, and tender prices, the continued weakness in butter, and the broader trends putting pressure on nearly every major commodity. You’ll also hear our thoughts on how these shifts compare to past market lows and what might signal a turnaround.We also zoom out to the bigger picture—how government shutdowns, renewed tariff discussions with China, and record corn harvest expectations could reshape the landscape for U.S. producers and global trade. From rare earth mineral tensions to multi-year lows in grains and oilseeds, we explore the forces at play and what they could mean for feed costs, pricing stability, and market confidence heading into the end of the year.Connect with out hosts:David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/ Click here to find out more:https://datumfs.com/

June 11, 202631 min

Commodity Chaos, AI Calm

Welcome to the first episode of Markets to Menus. Today I’m joined by John Goodwin to break down the latest commodity market developments, including the ongoing Iran–U.S. conflict, the implications of El Niño on global agriculture, and the emergence of New World screwworm cases in the United States. We discuss how geopolitical tensions, weather-driven volatility, and livestock health concerns could impact key food commodities ranging from grains and sugar to beef and dairy.Later, I’m joined by Buyers Edge Platform AI leaders Ari J.Y. McShane, Kyle Stamm, and Jack Huffman to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the foodservice supply chain. We discuss the differences between traditional analytics and AI, the importance of high-quality data, emerging use cases for operators and procurement teams, and how restaurant organizations can begin preparing for an AI-driven future.Connect with our host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Connect with our Guests:John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/ Ari J.Y. McShane : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-j-y-mcshane-36a0ba32/Kyle Stamm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstamm/Jack Huffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-huffman/ This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.Find out more about us here:https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

April 15, 2024Episode 1145 min

Food Traceability: FSMA 204 and the Restaurant Industry - Webinar Bonus Episode with a Board of Datum FS Advisors | Featuring Angela Fields, Richard Buttner, Brady Cunningham, and Rich Wolverton

Welcome back to another installment of Farm to Fork: The Innovators. This special webinar episode is especially geared toward those sprouting new food service ventures or who consider the industry second nature. In this episode, David Maloni discusses the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204, also known as the food traceability rule. He is joined by experts Angela Fields, Richard Buttner, Brady Cunningham, and Rich Wolverton to explore the implications and benefits of FiSMA 204 for the food supply chain. Our guests provide insights into the rule's requirements, the importance of collaboration and data standardization, and the potential opportunities and efficiencies that can be unlocked through improved traceability. We also discuss the role of restaurants and retailers in complying with the rule and the marketing potential of traceability for building consumer trust.Tune into the full podcast for a hearty serving of knowledge that's sure to satisfy your hunger for industry insights.This is one you do not want to miss. Connect With the Host:David Maloni’s LinkedInConnect With Our Guests:Rich Wolverton’s LinkedInBrady Cunninghan’s LinkedInRichard Buttner’s LinkedInConnect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/Timestamps:02:35 - Meet The Experts06:05 - An Overview Of FiSMA 204 (Food Safety Modernization Rule 204) And Its Purpose08:57 - Compliance Deadline For FiSMA 204 And The Need For Industry Action10:03 - The Importance Of Standardized Language And Traceability Systems Across The Food Industry11:14 - Explanation Of Lock Codes, Date Codes, And Traceability In The Food Supply Chain13:29 - Angela Elucidates What “Traceability” Means17:45 - Brady Details The Messiness Of Data In The Food Service Supply Chain19:36 - Rich Details The Seafood Industry's Traceability Efforts And Explains Telling The Story Of Food 23:03 - Standardization Of Data And The Importance Of Collaboration As Best Practices26:07 - The No One-Size-Fits-All Solution For Compliance.30:08 - Determining The Right Size Lot Code Is Crucial To Managing Recalls Effectively33:10 - Rick And Brady Note The Hardware Solutions For Different Products In The Supply Chain36:52 - Restaurants And Retailers Play A Significant Role In Traceability And Recall Processes39:16 - “Compliance With The Rule Does Not Require Specific Electronic Software Systems.”41:31 - The Benefits Of FiSMA Compliance48:20 - Wrapping 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.

April 21, 202555 min

Inside the Cattle Business with Aaron Cooper of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi

On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S.We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next.Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following:David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ Timestamps:00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different?06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper AkaushiI’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#BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

March 10, 202541 min

Future of Foodservice & Franchising with Jim Balis from Capital Spring Partners

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/Timestamps00:00 – Preview01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn MoreI’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

February 10, 202542 min

Feeding the Future: Mike Halen on the Consumer, Restaurants & Foodservice Trends

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 Timestamps00:00 – Preview00:08 – The state of the restaurant industry: Winners & losers00:33 – What’s driving consumer confidence in dining?01:15 – Restaurant recession in 2024: What happened?02:58 – Consumer spending trends and the K-shaped economy04:54 – Why restaurants are the first place consumers cut back06:27 – The impact of labor shortages on foodservice execution10:28 – Key takeaways from the ICR Conference: Emerging trends14:46 – The role of digital marketing & TikTok in restaurant success19:58 – Economic indicators shaping foodservice in 202521:16 – The biggest risk for 2025: Inflation’s lingering impact25:19 – How Taco Bell’s leadership playbook is reshaping the industry30:10 – Food distributors’ role in the evolving supply chain37:41 – The outlook for restaurant pricing, inflation, and consumer behavior39:01 – 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