The Food Mentor

Hosted by David J Burns

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Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

For those of you who know me, you would know I love working in this wonderful food industry, but I also love talking about it!The Food Mentor Podcast unravels innovative, insightful and insprirational stories from individuals and businesses from the food industry. If you are interested in developing or growing a food or beverage brand/business or you are a retail, food service, hospitality, distribution company or even a food industry service provider, then we have you covered. One thing is for sure when listening to The Food Mentor podcast, you will always meet someone interesting (virtually) and learn something new - guaranteed!

Listen to episodes

41 recent

November 6, 202635 min

Episode #41 - Happy Birthday to the Cubbyhouse Canteen Sisters Bec & Narelle

This week it’s 17 years since Bec and Narelle launched their Cubbyhouse Canteen Parkside cafe in Armadale, Melbourne and 3 years since the retail venture kicked off. 2026 has been another year of epic growth and excitement and things don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. In September the gingerbread range launched into Woolworths Nationally which is an incredible feat within the space of just 3 years. Today amongst many other topics, we chat through how these two sisters work together without driving each other mad. We also discuss the challenges of developing launching and growing a retail brand while working full time in hospitality. Check out all the detail through the web link here and the insta handle is cubbyhousecanteen. I hope you enjoy this episode of the Food Mentor podcast. https://www.cubbyhousecanteen.com.au/ Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

September 24, 202630 min

Episode #40 Meet the Founder and CEO of Roma Foods Max Buontempo

Our Food Mentor podcast chats are usually with starts ups and SME’s but today we switch gears and talk with Max Buontempo the Founder and CEO of Roma Foods. Max and his family bought the Roma Foods business in 1984 however the original brand was founded in 1953. In 2026 Roma Foods has grown to become one of the largest gluten and allergen free manufacturing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. Based in Carrum Downs, Victoria, the Roma Foods team manufacture a diverse range of products including pasta, cereals, crackers, biscuits, pre mixes and much more. I was lucky enough to work with Max briefly this year through a transitional period so was able to witness this fabulous business first hand. Max not only trades with all major supermarkets here in Australia but also exports to numerous overseas markets. This is a great Australian story of staying true to the Roma Foods allergen free brand while moving with the times. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Food Mentor Podcast. For all the details click the Roma Foods link here. https://romafoods.com.au/ Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

May 2, 202625 min

Episode #39 Meet Cass Spies Founder & CEO of Twisted Healthy Treats

Today we’re joined by Cass Spies, Founder and CEO of Twisted Healthy Treats. Twisted Healthy Treats is one of Australia’s leading better-for-you frozen dessert brands, built on a simple idea – creating taste-first products that never compromise on flavour. Cass started the business in 2010 with a single frozen yoghurt and smoothie bar, before expanding into multiple retail locations and a strong presence in school canteens across the country. In 2015, she made the move into manufacturing, transforming Twisted into a scalable FMCG business and setting the foundation for national growth. Today, Twisted is ranged in over 2,500 supermarkets across Australia, as well as in the majority of school canteens nationwide, and is expanding into international markets. Most recently, the brand has launched a world-first innovation in the Protein Stick, continuing to push the boundaries of the frozen category. This is a story of resilience, growth and category leadership. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Food Mentor Podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

February 12, 202629 min

Episode #38 David Burns chats through the holy grail of developing a new brand or product range.

In this episode of the food mentor podcast I chat through “The Holy grail of developing a food or beverage product”. It’s no secret that there are thousands of new brands and products launched every year. There are key reasons why some find success and enjoy rapid growth and many really struggle. Having enjoyed partnerships with key high growth brands in recent years I talk through 8 key elements of reducing the risk of failure and optimising the chances of success. If you send me your email address david@djbfoodgroup.com I’ll email you a short ebook “the holy grail of developing a new brand and product range”. It’s high level, very simple (it may even be obvious to some) but I think it’s helpful if you are on a new product range or new brand development journey. I hope you enjoy this episode of the food mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

December 22, 202527 min

Episode #37 Our annual update from Sisters Bec & Narelle at Cubbyhouse Canteen

It’ been another bonkers year for powerhouse sisters Bec and Narelle at Cubbyhouse Canteen. The Sisters just celebrated their 2nd birthday with their retail venture and are now entering into their 16th year running the parkside cafe at Union Street Park in Armadale. The sisters have built an incredible community of supportive young families through the park over the journey and this support has flowed through to the retail venture. The Cubbyhouse Canteen gingerbread range is free from artificial colours and preservatives. The brand is also partnered with Kids Helpline helping to raise awareness for young people’s mental health and funds are raised with every gingerbread sale. 2025 has been BIG, with the Woolworths launch in September and Bounce Play Centres in October - BUT 2026 will be bigger with more news in January 2026. Cubbyhouse Canteen Insta link is here with website in bio. I hope you enjoy this episode of the Food Mentor podcast. https://www.instagram.com/cubbyhousecanteen?igsh=MW5yMXF3eTF5d3BscQ== Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

November 7, 202526 min

Episode #36 - Meet Matt Demicoli Co founder and Managing Director of Health Lab

Today I’m chatting with Matt Demicoli the Co Founder and Managing Director of Health Lab. This year the team celebrate their 10th birthday. Health Lab burst on to the scene back in 2015 with delicious plant based, gluten free protein snacks. You can find the health lab, Indulgent Balls, slices and bars in just about every supermarket and convenience store across Australia. Matt and the team have done a fabulous job over the last decade positioning themselves as one of the leading indulgent healthier snacking brands. This is a fabulous story for anyone on their entrepreneurial journey. I hope you enjoy this episode of the Food Mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

October 10, 202545 min

Episode #35 Sugira Rubasha chats with David about personal brand and entrepreneurship from humble beginnings.

Today I’m chatting with Sugira Rubasha from ETS Rubasha media. We’re talking about my personal and professional journey, from humble beginnings growing up on the South Coast of England to now partnering with businesses to develop multi million dollar brands world wide. We chat though my views on the importance of your personal brand, creating the career path that YOU want and how I shifted from the corporate world as an employee to a food entrepreneur enjoying the freedom that comes from working for myself. And of course much more. This is a great fireside chat with Sugira where you will gain an insight into David’s mind and how he has created a fabulous personal and professional story. I hope you enjoy this episode of the Food Mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

September 23, 202530 min

Episode #34 - Meet Fuad and Mehmet the baby faced founders of Pistabella Pistachio Spread.

Welcome back to the Food Mentor podcast my name is David Burns your host and today we’re chatting with Fuad and Mehmet the founders of Pistabella Pistachio spread. It would be no secret that anything pistachio is in vogue in a big way right now, so in this episode we chat with the boys to understand how they saw this opportunity and more importantly how they’re going with the supply to Coles Nationally after only trading for just over 12 months. This is a fantastic inspirational story for young entrepreneurs as well as large organisations. Proving that 1.. “anything is possible” – 2..age is no barrier…. and most importantly 3.. it is absolutely all about the timing! I hope you enjoy this episode of the food mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

August 20, 202522 min

Episode #33 - Meet Remy, Rory & Maxi the Malvern City FC trio carving up the turf and turning heads throughout the 2025 season

Hey everybody welcome back to the food mentor podcast my name is David Burns your host and today we’re doing something a little bit different. Growing up in England soccer (or football as the world game calls it) was a big part of my life, and when I’m not injured I still play for Brighton Albion (Bayside Melbourne). I always fancied coaching young boys and this season I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity with the U15’s including my boy Luca and also Remy in the U10’s for Malvern City FC in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. So as we head towards the end of the 2025 season I grabbed a few of our star U10 wallaby players for a quick chat about the 2025 season that was. We chat about what they’ve loved, what they’ve found challenging and most importantly why it’s important to get out in the fresh air to learn and improve in this fabulous world game of soccer. Of course as we head towards Fathers Day we finish with some terrible bad dad jokes. Malvern city FC is a fabulous soccer club attracting over 700 players from 5 years of age right through to our seniors. The club welcomes boys and girls of all abilities. Check it all out on the website malverncityfc.com In the meantime time lets chat to Maxi, Rory and Remy, the spine of this fabulous Malvern City FC U10 Wallabies team. I hope you enjoy this “slightly different “ episode of the food mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412

July 11, 202546 min

Episode #32 - Meet Chris Kitto. A conversation on how best to start, grow and scale a brand with David Burns.

Today I’m chatting with Chris Kitto, the founder of KittGro Advisory, a trusted growth partner for Australia’s emerging and scaling food, beverage and wellness brands. Chris has spent more than 20 years working in the Australian retail space, with over 10 years focused specifically on building and scaling food and wellness brands. Chris has worked closely with ambitious founders to bring products to life, launch into retail and build brands that last. Today Chris and I chat about numerous topics covering how best to start, grow and scale a brand along with common errors that start ups and even large enterprises make. This is a great conversation to listen to if you are looking to start or are wanting to grow a brand and product range in the food / beverage or health and wellness arena. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Food Mentor podcast. Meet David J Burns https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tZKvu9FOjMw David is the founder of DJB Food Group and Creme design helping manufacturers, brands and entrepreneurs develop innovative new products and brands and then distribute into retail. In 2026 David’s clients will have achieved $200 mil in retail sales from brands and product ranges we have developed in the prior 24 months. Reach out for a chat anytime! https://www.djbfoodgroup.com/ David also conducts strategy workshops as well as key note speaking engagements. Would you like to be a guest on our show or sponsor an episode to reach your target audience? We have enjoyed 60,000 podcast downloads with listeners in 370 cities across 68 countries. Connect with us anytime david@djbfoodgroup.com +61427034412