Fresh Take with IDDBA

Hosted by IDDBA

Business Management

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Aug 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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54 recent

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

May 19, 2026Episode 1025 min

#48 (S5E10) Excited, Stressed, and Conflicted: Anne-Marie Roerink on the 2026 Consumer

Inside IDDBA - Excited, Stressed, and Conflicted: Anne-Marie Roerink on the 2026 Consumer In this Inside IDDBA episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan talks with Anne-Marie Roerink , president of 210 Analytics , about the consumer forces shaping 2026 and what they mean for the dairy, deli, bakery, and fresh food industries. Anne-Marie previews the major undercurrents behind today's marketplace shifts, including economic pressure, changing demographics, and evolving definitions of health and well-being. She explains why many shoppers are balancing budgets with selective splurges, how Gen Z and millennials are changing the demand for innovation, and why consumers might feel "excited, stressed, and conflicted" about the way they want to buy food. Anne-Marie goes into more than the "what?" but also the "why?" on specifics like deli prepared foods, protein, GLP-1, smaller portions, global flavors, and clean and simple ingredients. In addition she shares some practical advice for #IDDBA2026 attendees, especially retailers and other buyers as they walk the IDDBA exhibition floor. 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 #IDDBA2026 is coming soon! We'll see you in Orlando, June 7-9. Register TODAY: iddba.org/register

May 5, 2026Episode 926 min

#47 (S5E9) Abby Despins on Education, Connection, and What's in Store Live

What's in Store - Abby Despins on Education, Connection, and What's in Store Live In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan talks with Abby Despins , IDDBA 's new Vice President of Education and Industry Relations, about her path from manufacturer-side leadership into her new role at the association and what she hopes to build for members in the months ahead. Abby shares how years in dairy, including leadership roles at Emmi Roth and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (formerly the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board ), shaped her perspective on what manufacturers, retailers, and attendees need most from IDDBA. She discusses the value of stronger connections across dairy, deli, and bakery, why practical and relevant education matters more than ever, and how What's in Store Live is helping bring those categories together around trends at #IDDBA2026. The conversation also explores the attendee experience itself, from Monday Night Party advice and show-floor survival tips to simple habits that help people capture ideas, make meaningful connections, and turn inspiration into action after the show. Looking ahead, Abby shares her goals for strengthening education beyond the show, opening more direct channels for member feedback, and building deeper connections across the full breadth of the IDDBA community. We think you'll come away with a strong introduction to Abby's perspective, her priorities for the Education team, and practical ideas for getting the most from the #IDDBA2026 experience. Registration is open now for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando, June 7–9. To learn more about the show, book your hotel, and register, visit IDDBA's website: iddba.org/register 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 Check out IDDBA's trends publication, What's in Store: https://www.iddba.org/education/trainings/whats-in-store

April 21, 2026Episode 831 min

#46 (S5E8) Voni Woods Reflects on Three Decades of Community, Discovery, and the IDDBA Show

Inside IDDBA - Voni Woods Reflects on Three Decades of Community, Discovery, and the IDDBA Show In the latest Inside IDDBA episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA , Kat Shanahan speaks with Voni Woods , retired Giant Eagle executive, IDDBA Chair Emeritus, and a longtime industry leader with an incredibly storied career, discussing the lessons of a lifetime and what she's learned after nearly 30 IDDBA shows. Voni reflects on what kept her coming back, shares why the show stood apart from other events, and offers practical advice for first-time attendees. Along the way, she talks about supporting women in leadership, building vendor relationships over time, and the moment she first saw that IDDBA was truly a community. If you are deciding whether to attend the show, bring your team, or get more value from your time onsite, this episode offers a warm and practical perspective from someone who has lived it for decades. Registration is open now for #IDDBA2026 in Orlando, June 7–9. To learn more about the show, book your hotel, and register, visit IDDBA's website: iddba.org/register 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

April 7, 2026Episode 736 min

#45 (S5E7) How to Spot the Signals Behind Viral Trends

What's In Store - How to Spot the Signals Behind Viral Trends with Kevin Ryan (CEO, Malachite Strategy and Research, LLC) This month on Fresh Take with IDDBA (What's in Store) , Kat Shanahan , Vice President of Marketing and Membership at IDDBA , sits down with Kevin Ryan , Founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research , for a smart, timely conversation about what product innovation looks like in a world shaped by viral trends, fast-moving consumer behavior, and constant digital feedback. As brands face pressure to react more quickly than ever, Kevin explains why the answer is not to chase every trend, but to build a better system for listening, learning, and identifying the signals that actually matter. Together, they explore how companies can separate fleeting online moments from meaningful consumer needs, why the traditional product development cycle is under pressure, and how social listening can help innovation teams stress-test ideas before they invest too far down the wrong path. Kevin also shares practical thinking around microclusters, early-stage concept validation, and the balance between AI-powered tools and human insight, arguing that while technology can help surface patterns, empathy and interpretation still matter most. Along the way, the conversation dives into the difference between watching and truly listening, why consumers rarely hand you the answer directly, and how the best innovators learn to focus on the tension behind behavior instead of the trend itself. If your team is trying to move faster without losing focus, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for building products that are both relevant and resilient. To hear more from Kevin, check out his article, Innovation at the Speed of TikTok , in the 2026 edition of What's in Store. Head here to read your copy: 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 Registration is open now for #IDDBA2026. We'll see you in Orlando, June 7–9. To learn more about the show, book your hotel, sign up for updates, and register, visit IDDBA's website: https://iddba.org/register