Fresh Take with IDDBA

Hosted by IDDBA

Business Management

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Each month, IDDBA brings you an inside look into the world of dairy, deli, bakery and beyond! Our podcast has expanded! Every month you can catch the What's in Store segment, taking a look at what's in store for the future of our industry. In addition, be sure to join us for our other segments: Executive Aisle, where IDDBA President and CEO has a conversation with another industry leader; Inside IDDBA, bringing you insider information about our annual show; and Test Kitchen, our professional development segment. Join us twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of the month for Fresh Take with IDDBA! If you want to know what's in store for the future of our industry, you'll want to listen to the What's in Store Podcast!

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58 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 2016 min

#58 (S5 E20) What's Selling, What's Shifting: Fresh Perimeter Trends with Abby Despins

What's driving growth across dairy, deli, and bakery, and what do shifting sales patterns tell us about today's shoppers? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , host Kat Shanahan welcomes Abby Despins , IDDBA Vice President of Education and Industry Relations, for a look at the latest trends shaping the fresh perimeter. Deli is growing in both dollar and unit sales. Bakery is experiencing modest dollar growth but declining units. Dairy is seeing unit gains even as dollar sales decline. Together, these trends reveal how differently consumers are shopping across fresh departments. Kat and Abby discuss the changing definition of value, the continued demand for protein, and the influence of GLP-1 medications on food choices. They also examine the challenges of communicating nutritional claims, the growing role of prepared foods, and the importance of delivering convenience without sacrificing quality. Looking ahead to the holiday season, Abby shares opportunities for retailers and manufacturers to connect departments through meal solutions, complementary products, and occasion-based merchandising. The conversation highlights a central opportunity for the industry: understanding how people eat, rather than focusing only on how grocery departments are organized. Listen in for fresh insights and practical ideas to help retailers and manufacturers better serve today's shoppers. Explore What's in Store : IDDBA's comprehensive trends and data publication is updated monthly and available at no cost to IDDBA members: https://www.iddba.org/education/trainings/whats-in-store More from Fresh Take with IDDBA: https://www.iddba.org/podcast Fresh Take with IDDBA releases new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

October 6, 2026Episode 1931 min

#57 (S5 E19) Meeting IDDBA President & CEO Paul Ziemnisky

Meet Paul Ziemnisky , IDDBA 's new President and CEO. In this Executive Aisle episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan sits down with Paul to talk about the experiences that shaped his career, his approach to leadership, and his vision for IDDBA's next chapter. Paul shares how his background across finance, marketing, innovation, and dairy has influenced the way he thinks about growth. He also discusses opportunities for IDDBA to help members turn emerging trends into practical insights, strengthen education and professional development, and navigate changes in consumer behavior. The conversation explores topics including snacking, health and wellness, AI-assisted shopping, international growth, the evolving relationship between retail and food service, and why investing in people is essential to building strong organizations. Listen in to get to know IDDBA's new President and CEO and hear his perspective on the opportunities ahead for the fresh industry. Subscribe to Fresh Take with IDDBA for new episodes on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Learn more about IDDBA and explore resources for the dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice industries at IDDBA.org.

September 15, 2026Episode 1830 min

#56 (S5 E18) Designing the 2030 Deli: Speed, Tech, and the Future of Fresh with Luke Abbott

What will the deli of 2030 look like? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , host Kat Shanahan sits down with fresh perimeter strategist Luke Abbott to explore how retailers can begin designing the next generation deli today. Luke shares why future delis will need to operate at two speeds: fast enough for convenience and slow enough for discovery. He discusses how grab-and-go, global flavors, predictive ordering, and employee training (and more) can all help retailers meet changing shopper expectations. The conversation also looks at the role of hospitality in the future of fresh. Luke explains why technology should help associates spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time connecting with shoppers, sharing product knowledge, and building relationships. From practical changes retailers can make today to bigger opportunities ahead, the conversation offers a look at how the deli can remain relevant, differentiated, and valuable through 2030 and beyond. Fresh Take with IDDBA drops new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Learn more about IDDBA and explore resources for the dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice industries at IDDBA.org.

September 1, 2026Episode 1719 min

#55 (S5 E17) Leadership Habits to Cultivate with Jody Barrick

What habits help leaders continue to grow throughout their careers? In this Test Kitchen episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan welcomes back Jody Barrick , Founder of Perimeter Partners , fresh industry executive, and IDDBA chair, for a conversation about the leadership habits that have shaped her more than 40 years across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and executive leadership. Jody shares why some of her biggest growth came from stepping outside her comfort zone, how curiosity keeps leaders from falling behind, and why good leadership sometimes means resisting the urge to jump in with an answer. She reflects on learning from other leaders, taking on stretch assignments, being less critical of yourself, and recognizing that professional development does not have to be separate from the work you do every day. The conversation also looks back on Jody's year as IDDBA chair and the people who have helped shape her career. Her advice for leaders at every stage: stop waiting for things to slow down, keep asking questions, and remember that you may be more ready for the next opportunity than you think. Have a question or an idea for Fresh Take with IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org . Learn more about IDDBA, our education programs, and member resources at iddba.org.

August 18, 2026Episode 1628 min

#54 (S5 E16) People Before Products: Suzanne Fanning on Trust, Marketing, and Leadership

What happens when you stop asking consumers to notice products and start helping them notice the people behind them? In this Executive Aisle episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan sits down with Suzanne Fanning , Chief Marketing Officer at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and incoming IDDBA Chair of the Board, for a conversation about marketing, innovation, leadership, and the opportunities ahead for the dairy, deli, and bakery community. Suzanne shares the story behind Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Born to Dairy campaign and explains why the team moved away from traditional commodity marketing to put real farmers, personalities, humor, and authentic stories at the center. She discusses what the campaign's response and national recognition can teach fresh departments about connecting shoppers with the people behind their food and why trust may be one of the most valuable ingredients a brand can build. The conversation also explores AI and the importance of moving beyond the hype to find practical applications that deliver real business results. Suzanne looks ahead to new Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin initiatives and reflects on the role collaboration, experiences, and developing the next generation of leaders will play in the industry's future. To close the conversation, Suzanne offers advice for emerging leaders: stay curious, challenge assumptions, experiment, and never lose sight of the people who make your success possible. Are you an industry professional with insights, innovations, or best practices to share? We are always looking for guests to join the conversation. Reach out to us to be considered for a future episode. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, visit: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership Check out Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Born to Dairy campaign: https://www.wisconsindairy.org/borntodairy/ Enjoy this fun local news coverage of the campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0RnUp1GTBA

August 4, 2026Episode 1528 min

#53 (S5 E15) Helping Shoppers Say Yes to Premium Products with Michael Sadler

How can retailers help shoppers say yes to premium products? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan talks with Michael Sadler of Forever Cheese about how retailers can move beyond price competition and make the value of specialty products clear. Building on his 2026 What's in Store Live session, "Premium for the People: Top Shelf on Every Shelf," Michael shares lessons from specialty coffee and cheese about inviting customers in rather than overwhelming them. He explains how occasion-based merchandising, clear packaging, cross-merchandising, education, and store-level champions can reduce hesitation at the shelf. They also discuss how retailers can build demand beyond the holiday season, communicate product stories in lower-labor departments, and take a fresh look at displays through the eyes of a shopper who knows nothing about the category. Listen in to learn: • Why premium products need a different strategy than commodities • How to merchandise by occasion rather than only by product attributes • How to reduce friction in the shopper's decision • How product stories can remain intact from producer to shelf • What department managers can do now to improve their displays Fresh Take with IDDBA releases new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Have an idea for a future episode or a topic you would like us to explore? Reach out to the IDDBA team. Watch or listen to more episodes: https://www.iddba.org/podcast Learn more about IDDBA: https://www.iddba.org

July 21, 2026Episode 1425 min

#52 (S5 E14) Influence, Trust, and the Skills of Modern Leadership with Suzanne Sherry

Test Kitchen - Influence, Trust, and the Skills of Modern Leadership with Suzanne Sherry What skills do modern leaders need to build trust, gain buy-in, and move ideas forward? In this Test Kitchen episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan talks with Suzanne Sherry , an instructor with the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development , about influence, trust, and the skills of modern leadership. Suzanne explains why the best influencers allow themselves to be influenced and why strong partnerships are essential to effective leadership. She also discusses how to frame ideas around what matters most to your audience, give direct feedback before frustrations begin to build, and recognize your natural reactions when work becomes chaotic. The conversation also previews the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program , taking place September 15–17, 2026, on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Participants will have opportunities to practice influence, collaboration, framing, and other skills they can begin using when they return to work. Learn more about the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program as well as the potential for member scholarships here: https://www.iddba.org/education/certifications/leadership-certificate-program Are you an industry professional with insights, innovations, or best practices to share? We are always looking for guests to join the conversation. Reach out to us to be considered for a future episode.

July 7, 2026Episode 1327 min

#51 (S5 E13) From Show Floor to Store Floor: What's Next After #IDDBA2026

What's in Store - From Show Floor to Store Floor: What's Next After #IDDBA2026 What happens after the show floor closes? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan sits down with Abby Despins , IDDBA Vice President of Education and Industry Relations, and Brad Berg , IDDBA Education Coordinator, to recap What's in Store Live at #IDDBA2026 and explore what comes next for fresh departments. Abby and Brad share what it was like to help bring What's in Store Live to life, from building a grocery store on the show floor to the behind-the-scenes work of chefs, interns, volunteers, and industry partners. They also discuss the trends and takeaways that stood out most, and the continued connection between retail and food service. The conversation also looks ahead to how IDDBA will use show insights and attendee feedback to shape education, programming, webinars, resources, and member support throughout the year. Listen in to hear what IDDBA learned from #IDDBA2026 and how those ideas can move from the show floor to the store floor. Fresh Take with IDDBA drops new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Learn more about What's in Store Live: https://www.iddba.org/iddba-show/programs/whats-in-store-live Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership Explore IDDBA's trends publication, What's in Store: https://www.iddba.org/education/trainings/whats-in-store

June 16, 2026Episode 1227 min

#50 (S5 E12) Live from What's in Store Live with Karri Zwirlein

What's in Store - Live from What's in Store Live with Karri Zwirlein In this special What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , IDDBA 's Kat Shanahan talks with Karri Zwirlein , Director of Bakery, Deli, and Prepared Foods at Tops Markets , in a live podcast recording from What's in Store Live at #IDDBA2026, on June 8, 2026. Karri shares what goes into creating the immersive What's in Store Live experience, from early trend planning and concept development to the collaboration it takes to bring a retail space to life on the show floor. She discusses why cross-merchandising matters, how retailers can evaluate fads versus longer-term trends, and the forces that continue to shape fresh departments. The conversation also explores the value of IDDBA as a community where industry professionals build relationships, share ideas, grow their careers, and return to their businesses energized with practical inspiration. Head to IDDBA's LinkedIn to see the recent coverage - including video - of #IDDBA2026: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iddba/posts See all of our sponsors for this year's What's in Store Live: https://wisl2026.iddba.org/ Read IDDBA's What's in Store, the online trends publication with all the information you need from an organization you trust, updated monthly: https://www.iddba.org/education/trainings/whats-in-store Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org . To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership

June 2, 2026Episode 1115 min

#49 (S5 E11) Sunscreen, Samples, and Strategy: Your #IDDBA2026 Guide

Inside IDDBA - Sunscreen, Samples, and Strategy: Your #IDDBA2026 Guide In this mini episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan is joined by IDDBA Marketing Manager Cara Petrie for a practical, day-by-day guide to making the most of #IDDBA2026 in Orlando. With the show just days away, Kat and Cara walk through what attendees should know before they arrive, from picking up badges early and planning around general sessions to navigating the show floor, visiting What's in Store Live, exploring the New Product Showcase, and making time for networking opportunities like the Monday Night Party. They also share practical survival tips for the Orlando heat and a busy show floor to help you make the most of all three days of the show. Whether you're attending IDDBA for the first time like Kat or a returning veteran, this episode will still be sure to give you something to think about, help your planning, and arrive ready for IDDBA's annual event. We can't wait to see you in Orlando for #IDDBA2026, June 7-9! Check out the schedule to plan your show today! https://www.iddba.org/iddba-show Want to check out the other episodes referenced in this one? Excited, Stressed, and Conflicted: Anne-Marie Roerink on the 2026 Consumer - https://sites.libsyn.com/450543/48-s5e10-excited-stressed-and-conflicted-anne-marie-roerink-on-the-2026-consumer Abby Despins on Education, Connection, and What's in Store Live - https://sites.libsyn.com/450543/47-s5e9-abby-despins-on-education-connection-and-whats-in-store-live Voni Woods Reflects on Three Decades of Community, Discovery, and the IDDBA Show - https://sites.libsyn.com/450543/46-s5e8-voni-woods-reflects-on-three-decades-of-community-discovery-and-the-iddba-show What to Expect at #IDDBA2026 - https://sites.libsyn.com/450543/44-s5e6-what-to-expect-at-iddba2026 Download the IDDBA App: https://www.iddba.org/iddba-show/about-the-show/mobile-app Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership