The Food & Drink Business Podcast

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Sep 2025

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Food & Drink Business delivers the industry's most in-depth news and editorial coverage of Australia's food and beverage sector. The Food & Drink Business podcast is one part of our multi-media platform, which provides: the latest news; expert opinion and business advice; insightful reports on industry issues and trends; new products; the latest research and technology developments; and regulatory updates. Tune in for entertaining and informative interviews with industry leaders, change drivers and experts across all aspects of the country's leading manufacturing sector.

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September 9, 202527 min

Asking “why” with Kerry ANZ GM, Michelle Thomson

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks with Michelle Thomson, GM of Kerry ANZ, about current market and consumer trends and how companies can maximise opportunities for success.We start with how Michelle’s curiosity about consumer behaviour and looking at the world through a customer lens led to a non-linear career in sales, category, and commercial roles before heading up a portfolio. We dip into the current consumer mindset asking what they want to achieve, how are they going to get there, and why is it so critically important.Then we shift into how food and beverage companies can meet those needs and how working with Kerry can make that process less stressful and more successful. From the functional to the fun, this episode covers how to make that happen.Links:Kerry Groupwww.kerry.com------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve Visscher

March 25, 202534 min

How City Larder grew from niche player to market leader

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, is joined by City Larder co-founders, Robbie and Rebecca Bell, and Commonwealth Bank’s GM for Small Business Vic/Tas, Tess McCormack.Robbie and Rebecca provide an overview of City Larder and building its reputation as a premium brand for French-style charcuterie products. After seeing a gap in the market for their products, the Bells share how they have overcome challenges, built business relationships, and made investment decisions to grow their product range and production capabilities.Tess gives us an overview of Commonwealth Bank’s investment in understanding their clients and providing them with support for a variety of needs, from covering unforeseen costs, equipment, and investing in sustainable utility upgrades to reduce costs and increase production. We finish our discussion by considering the importance for SMEs to explore financing options available to them, particularly during business growth and the benefits that can come with a diversified customer base.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing City Larder:city-larder.com------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve Visscher------------------------------Things you should know:Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.©2025 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

March 11, 202527 min

Forecasting consumer behaviours and market trends for 2025

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is re-joined by Cormac Henry, the Associate Director for Food and Drink at Mintel. We start looking at the trends for 2025 by considering our previous discussion on the results from Mintel’s study which reviewed consumer behaviours including their preference for new experiences, short moments of joy, and health supplements. We explore the uptick in rule rebellion with more snacking and home delivery, introduction of Ozempic into the market and the impact it brings on food and diet preferences and the possible food and beverage opportunities. This extends into improving transparency in the supply chain, production processes, and the ingredients involved.We wrap up by considering the paradoxes of the trends that show the spectrum of human behaviour.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing Download a copy of Mintel's 2025 Food & Drink Trendswww.mintel.com/insights/food-and-drink/global-food-and-drink-trends/#download-----------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2025

December 10, 202429 min

The power and pull of regional manufacturing

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Dominic Westendorf, the Regional and Agribusiness Banking Victoria GM for CommBank, and the CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia, Leigh Edward, to discuss the valuable role and benefits of regional food and beverage manufacturing.Leigh tells us about Ferndale Foods, and how its foundations are as much in Ballarat as in his family (Ferndale was founded by his father). He shares insights on the benefits of being regionally based, from cheaper industrial land enabling more capital for equipment and operations, to a local workforce and the added benefits that flow into a community from having larger companies in town.Dominic talks about his passion for regional business and shares some of the findings of the latest CommBank Regional Manufacturing Report. While higher interest rates and energy costs persist, the report found 89 per cent of regional manufacturers and distributors were confident about future conditions and were more bullish than their city counterparts on expecting revenue and profit uplifts in the year ahead.Leigh and Dominic talk about the value in having a working relationship where both parties have a thorough knowledge of the local, regional, and macro-economic factors as well as the business.Leigh provides some insights into the process of growing Ferndale twice – an $11m investment to install marshmallow production and $23m for a snack bar line.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing Ferndale Foods:ferndaleconfectionery.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve Visscher------------------------------Things you should know:Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.©2024 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

November 26, 202436 min

Moments of Joy: Why the emotional outweighs the rational for consumers

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Jed Simpfendorfer and Dr Ro Mueller from market research firm, Tgarage, about what Australian consumers are thinking and how that impacts food and beverage businesses.The discussion explores Tgarage’s most recent insights into consumer behaviours and the tension point between trying to reduce spending but still wanting moments of joy and ways to connect. Jed and Ro breakdown the unfolding shift from spending on entertainment and going out, to the premiumisation of supermarket goods and entertaining at home. Jed discusses the idea of nostalgia and how at times of trying to reduce spending, consumers will avoid buying new items and instead return to the familiar, even products from their childhood.The episode ends with a discussion on how humans have firmly shown, that when faced with making a decision using rational logic or emotional engagement, the emotional will always drive the purchase.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing Tgarage:tgarage.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

November 19, 202431 min

The future of food science

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) CEO, Fiona Fleming, about the critical role of food science and Australia’s food and beverage industry.We start with an overview of AIFST, as a not-for-profit industry body with the goal to advance and inspire all food sector professionals through education, collaboration, and recognition to champion a robust, innovative science based Australian food industry to meet future food needs. The discussion reviews the major changes in food science, the valuable education publications AIFST has available, and some of the major topics discussed at the AIFST24 Convention. The discussion also explores AIFST’s commitment to supporting and fostering the careers of the next generation of food scientists, the focus on improving food safety and technology, and the necessity for a national food plan.We wrap up with a call out to the industry to further invest in food science and collaboration with others in the industry.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingAustralian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST)www.aifst.asn.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

November 12, 202433 min

Inside the Mill: A conversation with General Mills ANZ managing director, Karen Jenkins

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to the managing director at General Mills ANZ, Karen Jenkins. We start off taking a look at Karen’s career with the multinational food company, and her experience moving up through the ranks.We discuss the benefits of developing an understanding of all parts of the business, and the value in working in different countries while with the same company.Karen shares her experience of working in the UK during Covid and Brexit and what she learned from leading during a time of immense challenges and uncertainty.We talk about being a woman in leadership and what her experience has been as she moved into senior leadership roles and the importance of having a network of women in similar roles for support, understanding, and advice.We finish the conversation with Karen’s thoughts on the current food and grocery market, and the impact cost-of-living pressures are having on consumers’ behaviour. And talk about the importance of its ongoing support of Foodbank Australia.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingGeneral Millswww.generalmills.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

October 29, 202432 min

Future Food Systems: connecting clusters, building ecosystems

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to the CEO of Future Food Systems, Dr James Krahe.We discuss the concept of concept of clusters and ecosystems, their importance in the future of successful food systems and how Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (FFS CRC) is fostering their creation. We then look at the three clusters/sectors in FFS’s remit, with projects in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Peel Region, WA, and Sunshine Coast, Qld, for an insight into the dynamic environments that they operate in. James shares his views on optimising portected cropping in Coffs Harbour due to their widespread use, including the community into the discussion to increase engagement, and the importance that meeting centres have in helping to foster collaboration and build the future food systems we need.We wrap up by reviewing the challenges faced in connecting clusters and ecosystems, with a focus on long distances, shelf stability, and variance in quality.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingFuture Food Systems:www.futurefoodsystems.com.auFor Food’s Sake:www.forfoodssake.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris Visscher

September 10, 202433 min

Yume Food: Operationalising Sustainability

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Yume Food founder and CEO, Katy Barfield. The Yume tech platform integrates with food manufacturers’ systems, connecting them to other businesses to sell, buy, or donate surplus food.Katy shares the experience of starting the platform, an entirely new concept to the sector, and trying to get businesses on board. The realisation that existing processes to deal with surplus food were disorganised, ad hoc, and low down the priority scale meant Katy and the team knew they were in for a challenge. We also explore some of the options in the food waste hierarchy, calculating the cost of waste, and examples of how manufacturers recouped their costs and sold their surplus food items. A few years on and Yume has runs on the board with the calibre of companies using the platform and the amount of surplus food no longer going to landfill. The future is bright with plans to expand the platform to SMEs, donation options, and incorporate new and more difficult categories.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingYumewww.yumefood.com.au/ National Food Waste Summit Changemakers: Yumewww.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/national-food-waste-summit-changemakers-yume ------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris Visscher

September 3, 202432 min

Start-up realities

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by start-up Naked Rivals co-founder, Andrew Gordon.From the kernel of an idea to the relentless anxiety of bringing that idea to fruition, Andrew shares the highs and lows of launching Naked Rivals – a frozen citrus product range that upcycles ‘ugly fruit’ and provides cost-effective convenience year-round.We talk about the willingness of people in the industry to share their knowledge and experience, and the value that comes from those connections.Andrew takes us through the key steps of starting a business before we turn to the intense stress and relentlessness of getting a company off the ground. The path to securing capital can be brutal and Naked Rivals has experienced it firsthand.We wrap up by looking down the road for the company and the power of dogged determination. It is a heartfelt, vulnerable, and brutally honest insight into the reality of being a start-up.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingNaked Rivalswww.nakedrivals.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

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