FOOD ENGINEERING Podcast
The FOOD ENGINEERING Podcast keeps executives and professionals informed, inspired, and ready to tackle each day's challenges. Each episode provides in-depth conversations with the industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of food production through automation, safety, and sustainability. Tune in and gain the knowledge you need to drive operational excellence and stay competitive in the fast-paced world of food and beverage manufacturing.
Episodes
Understanding OEE’s Role in Food Manufacturing
Richard Phillips, vice president of smart manufacturing for Polytron, discuss the foundations of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), detecting and deterring microstops, and using a manufacturing execution system to collect, synthesize and analyze valuable operational data. Let’s get started.
Sponsored by Regal Rexnord
An Inside Look at Top Seedz’s Automation Journey
In this episode, Will Brady, chief operating officer of Top Seedz, a seed-based cracker company in Buffalo, New York, discusses how he and his wife, CEO and founder Rebecca Brady, have continued to grow and automate Top Seedz with support from local business programs – culminating with a recent expansion that has doubled the company’s production capacity.
How Automation and Ai Solve Food Processing Challenges
Fortifi is dedicated to helping food producers work smarter through innovative technology and expert support. In this podcast, we explore how data-driven solutions are transforming food processing by improving operational insights, reducing reliance on manual labor, enhancing workplace safety, elevating product quality, and driving stronger business performance. Join us as we discuss indu
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Dharma Prime
Dharma Prime, senior controls engineer for Concept Systems, discusses her college experience, her interest in controls engineering, and the importance of mentoring in honor of International Women in Engineering Day.Check out our full story: Engineering Change: Discovering the Impact of Women Engineers in Food Manufacturing
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Halak Mehta
Halak Mehta, reliability engineer for Sapporo-Stone Brewing, covers her experience in the food industry, the importance of taking on high-stakes projects, and developing a growth mindset in honor of International Women in Engineering Day.
Check out our full story: Engineering Change: Discovering the Impact of Women Engineers in Food Manufacturing
Building a Food Safety Culture Beyond Audit Readiness
In this episode, Bonna Cannon, president, owner and principal consultant of Bonnafide LLC, discusses how to prioritize true food safety over audit preparation, turning audit insights into operational improvements and building food safety into plant design.
Sponsored by Fortrex
The Evolution of Food Inspection and Automation
Explore how inspection and detection have evolved over 30 years, and how Fortress Technology is defining the next standard in food safety through automated testing and data-driven performance, helping food manufacturers improve consistency, compliance and confidence in modern production environments.
Sponsored by Fortress Technology:
Tips for Vetting Food Manufacturing Automation Solutions
Kim Lovan, associate vice president, food, beverage and agribusiness, and Carrie Woehler, solutions lead, industrial and manufacturing for Black & Veatch, discuss how food and beverage manufacturers are implementing automation, considerations for vetting solution providers, and how automation projects have evolved.
How Food Manufacturers Can Build a Culture of Waste Reduction
Andrew Johnston, vice president and general manager, industrials, for Divert, Inc, discusses where food waste appears in food manufacturing, the role of anaerobic digestion, and how to build a culture of waste reduction.
A Cross-Functional Look at Food Industry Trends
Bob Garrison, chief editor of Prepared Foods, Kelley Rodriguez, editor-in-chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, and Alyse Thompson-Richards, editor-in-chief of FOOD ENGINEERING, combine their unique perspectives and discuss the biggest trends impacting the food industry in 2025 and beyond.
What’s Going on in the Packaging Machinery Market?
Rebecca Marquez, director of custom research for PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, talks the state of the packaging machinery market in 2024 and 2025, the food industry’s role in it, and what to expect in 2026 and beyond.
Building Consumer Trust Through Traceability
Melanie Nuce-Hilton, senior vice president of customer success for GS1, discusses consumer opinion surrounding recalls, building consumer trust through traceability and preparing for FSMA 204.
From Foundation to Innovation: Tackling Food Manufacturing’s Toughest Challenges
Fortifi Food Processing Solutions CEO Massimo Bizzi and Mark Dowdle, executive vice president of strategy and business development, discuss Fortifi’s founding and purpose, key challenges affecting food manufacturing and how automation will shape the industry’s future.
Sponsored by Fortifi Food Processing Solutions
What’s Fueling Change in the U.S. Food System?
Rob Dongoski, global lead, agriculture and food, for management consulting firm Kearney, discusses major drivers for change in the U.S. food system, including generational purchasing patterns, growing interest in health and sustainability, and implementing technology to harness consumer insights and improve efficiency.
Overcoming Industry Challenges to Achieve OEE
Regal Rexnord’s conveyance experts, Crystal Willey and Barry Voshell discuss how recent Food trends are impacting manufacturing production capabilities and why overall equipment effectiveness is more important than ever before. Leave this episode with key considerations to reduce production line risks and maximize OEE.
Sponsored by:
Engineering Clean: Innovations in Food Conveyance with Dorner and Garvey
Explore how Dorner and Garvey, part of CMCO Conveyance Solutions, are revolutionizing food production with sanitary conveyor design, 3A-certified belts, and integrated systems that reduce contamination risks and streamline packaging—from raw materials to finished goods. A must-listen for food industry professionals.
Sponsored by:
Water Mist’s Role in Industrial Fryer Fire Suppression
Dirk Laibach, global senior product manager for water mist at Johnson Controls, covers potential fire risks associated with industrial fryers, the differences between CO2 and water mist technologies, and the role detection plays in fire suppression systems. Headshot courtesy of Laibach
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Samara Heaggans
Samara Heaggans, director of process quality engineering for Feastables, recently spoke to Food Engineering in recognition of International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated annually on June 23. Heaggans, who has taken a winding journey to and through the food industry, shares her college experience, her work at both major food companies and startups, and the importance of mentoring.
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Shalima Sreenath
Shalima Sreenath, head of downstream processing for Cellibre, recently spoke to Food Engineering in recognition of International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated annually on June 23. Sreenath covers her experience in the food industry, the importance of taking on high-stakes projects and developing a diverse skillset.
Mitigating Facility and Food Safety Risks with High-Performance Coatings
Key experts from Sherwin-Williams share how to mitigate risks to food safety, personnel and your bottom line with the right high-performance coatings.
Sponsored by:
FA&M 2025 in Rewind
Kelley Rodriguez, editor in chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods and content manager for FA&M, Alyse Thompson-Richards, editor in chief of FOOD ENGINEERING and Michael Levitt, editor of FOOD ENGINEERING, unpack highlights from the 26th annual Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo.
Preparing for FSMA 204: Food Traceability and Data Standardization
In this episode, Sara Bratager, senior food safety and traceability scientist for the Global Food Traceability Center at the Institute of Food Technologists, talks about the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Food Traceability Rule, the importance of data standardization and how it can help with preventing and managing recalls.Sponsored by
Uncovering the Impact of Better-for-You on Baked Good Manufacturing
Arnaut Dubat, business development director for KPM, chats with former FE Editor Derrick Teal about how the better-for-you consumer trend continues to impact food manufacturers, particularly manufacturers of baked goods.
How Conveying Can Help with Sustainability
In this episode, former editor-in-chief Derrick Teal chats with Adam Webster, vice president of innovation for ProVeyance Group, about how conveying can help food manufacturers with their sustainability goals.
2024 Rewind: The Latest Trends in Food Manufacturing
FOOD ENGINEERING Editors Derrick Teal and Alyse Thompson-Richards and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Editor Kelley Rodriguez discuss the major trends affecting food manufacturing in 2024 and what they expect to see in 2025. They cover food safety, automation, sustainability, mergers & acquisitions, and more.
Good Weighing Practice and FSMA Rule 204 Compliance
Join us as we explore the impact of good weighing with FSMA Rule 204 compliance. Discover best practices to enhance weighing accuracy, measurement data traceability, and food safety. Tune in to help your organization navigate the complexities of FSMA compliance by 2026.
Headshots courtesy of METTLER TOLEDO
Sponsored by:
Digitizing Plant Operations for Better SOP Generation
Nick Haase, co-founder of MaintainX, talks about helping manufacturers digitize and connect their plants and generating standard operating procedures, particularly when it comes to food safety and preventative maintenance.
Improved Safety in Food Production with Mike Stegmann, Regal Rexnord
Mike Stegmann discusses the safety and design considerations of speed reducers in food processing equipment and operations. Learn about the purpose of a speed reducer and considerations to minimize risk and maximize uptime.
Sponsored by:
Packaging and Processing Trends for 2024 and Beyond
In this episode, Rebecca Marqez, director of custom research for PMMI, covers AI, sustainability, material recycling and composting, challenges with the workforce, and features of the upcoming edition of PACK EXPO.
Waste Not, Want Not: Turning Food Waste into New Revenue Streams
Arlin Wasserman, founder and managing director of Changing Tastes, discusses his experience in sustainability and the food industry, finding ways to transform what would be food waste into valuable new offerings, and the marketing and consumer acceptance of upcycled products.
Three Design Considerations for Food Distribution Centers
Jami Lamb, a design leader for Charlotte-based design-build firm A M King, discusses three important considerations for food distribution centers, as well as work on a recent projects.
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Jaclyn Navara
As part of our International Women in Engineering Day series, Jaclyn Navarra, head of engineering for Kerry Ingredients, shares her college experience, her work with Kerry and advice for women just getting into the field.
Read our Women in Engineering feature.
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Jayme Laser
As part of our International Women in Engineering Day series, Jayme Laser, director of engineering, supply chain, for Conagra Brands, shares her college experience, her work with Conagra – including on a vegetable processing facility in Minnesota – and the importance of mentoring young engineers.
Read our Women in Engineering feature.
Celebrating Women in Engineering: Savannah Stellhorn
As part of our International Women in Engineering Day series, structural engineer II, Stellar, discusses her college experience, her work with design-build firm Stellar, and what she hopes to see in the future of engineering.
Read our Women in Engineering feature.
How Data Collection Impacts Food Safety
Eric Garr, regional sales manager for Fortress Technology, which designs and manufactures metal detectors, checkweighers, x-ray and combination systems, shares his insights as to how data collection affects food safety.
Meeting Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Requirements with Surface Coatings
Key experts from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine
share how to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) with the help of high-performance coatings.
Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine
Diving into Cultivated Seafood with Atlantic Fish Co.
Doug Grant, co-founder and CEO of Atlantic Fish Company, covers how he became interested in cultivated seafood, hurdles for bringing these products to market and developing the North Carolina company’s first prototype.
Exploring Water Conservation Strategies
Chris Dooley, chief commercial officer of Integrated Water Services, Inc., discusses water conservation strategies for food and beverage manufacturers and the evolving perception of using treated wastewater as an ingredient.
Advancing Food Safety Initiatives
A wide-ranging interview with food safety leader Frank Yiannas explores initiatives taken on by Revol Greens and delves into common pitfalls affecting safety in food and beverage production.
Explore More Food Safety
Exploring 2024 F&B Construction Trends
McCown Gordon's senior VP of manufacturing, Jeff Roy, sits down with FE to share his thoughts on what the industry can expect in the upcoming year.
Thermal Imaging in Food and Beverage
Explore More Food Safety
Yoran Imaging’s Eran Sinbar shares information about his company and explains what thermal imaging is and its importance regarding food safety. Yoran Imaging uses thermal imaging technology in the filling and heat-sealing packaging process for inspection, production-optimizing data collection and analysis, reduce labor investments and minimize materials an
Small Business Creativity Meets High-Powered Innovation at Egglife Foods
David Kroll, Egglife Foods CEO, speaks with Samantha about the latest trends in the gluten-free/allergen-free industry and gives a full-profile of company’s high-protein egg-based tortilla products.
Planning for the Unexpected—Plant Maintenance and Automation
John Cray, principal consultant at Life Cycle Engineering with 40+ years of experience with plant maintenance. In this episode, Cray shares how to plan ahead and react to the unexpected, utilizing CMMS systems and a few horror stories.
A New Wave of Alternative Protein Products with New Wave Foods’ Michelle Wolf
Michelle Wolf, co-cofounder and chief executive of New Wave Foods, describes how industry culture, innovative solutions and a thriving market paved the way for New Wave Founds to make an impact from coast to coast.
Packaging and Food Scarcity: The Profitability in Waste Reduction
In this episode of the FOOD ENGINEERING podcast, Todd Muessling, senior manager of market development at Fresh Lock, and managing editor, Samantha Russo, discuss the role of packaging in FLW. They review packaging solutions such as; the correct sizing, labeling, sustainable material usage, best-by dates, new packaging innovations and Muessling’s perspective on the future of packaging.
Celebrating Women in Manufacturing—Rebellyous Foods’ Rebellious Leader
Rebellyous Food’s founder and CEO, Christie Lagally, speaks with FOOD ENGINEERING's managing editor, Samantha Russo, about her ambitious leap into the food manufacturing industry and her journey to success
A Conversation on Robotics
In this FOOD ENGINEERING podcast, FE Editor-in-Chief Derrick Teal talks to TM Robotics’ Executive Vice President Ryan Guthrie about all things robotics, particularly their impact on automation and food safety. The sound quality isn’t perfect for this one. While it was Ryan at the airport, Derrick sounds like he’s the one walking down the jet bridge boarding a flight. We did the best we co
Georgia Center of Innovation Supporting Businesses of Any Size
Chris Chammoun, the Director of Agricultural Technology (AgTech) at the Center of Innovation joins Derrick Teal, editor-in-chief in discussing how Georgia’s Center of Innovation feeds the world, creates a home in retail for grandma’s recipes, dissects and explains the state’s agricultural industry, its impacts and much more.
A&Es look at labor, supply chain and alternate protein
FOOD ENGINEERING’s Senior Technical Editor Wayne Labs discusses labor and supply chain issues plus the rise of vertical farming and alternate protein facilities with Tyler Cundiff, president, Food & Beverage Group at Gray, Inc. and David Ziskind, director of engineering for global engineering firm Black & Veatch’s NextGen Ag team.
Alternative Protein Packaging and Sustainability
FOOD ENGINEERING’s Senior Editor, Sharon Spielman, sits down with Marcos Leta, founder of plant-based meat brand Future Farm, to discuss how alternative protein food processors can select and implement packaging for their products as well as overcome challenges they face in the market.
All things (TOMRA) Food with Michel Picandet
Michel Picandet, Head of TOMRA Food, touches on topics like food safety and transformation. He talks about his daily routine, favorite dishes, and what he learned in China. But most of all: he gives you a unique insight into the mission he sees for TOMRA Food in the world around us. Be inspired and inspire in return!
SPONSORED BY: TOMRA Food
Tyson’s Case for Case-Ready Meats
On this episode of the FOOD ENGINEERING Podcast, Tyson’s Nate Hodne and Brady Welu detail the company’s latest and largest case-ready meats facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah, and how the plant efficiently addresses demand for case-ready beef and pork through cutting-edge automation, engineering and design.
The Details of DTC Distribution for Food Processors
On this episode of the FOOD ENGINEERING
Podcast, Brendan Duttry from direct-to-consumer (DTC) bakery subscription brand Wildgrain joins us to discuss how food processors—especially smaller startups—can start their own DTC program, and what the benefits and challenges are to distributing your products via e-commerce.
Making the Case for Track and Trace
Eric Henefield, director of traceability business at Omron, sits down with Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to talk about how track-and-trace technology can help food processors forecast ingredients and maintain accurate production schedules in 2022, while improving supply chain management overall.
Blockchain’s Leap Forward in 2022
Kevin Otto, senior director of community engagement at GS1 US, joins the FOOD ENGINEERING podcast to discuss the future of blockchain for food processors in 2022, while taking a look back at how blockchain has evolved the past decade into a must-have traceability option for operators.
Strategies for Choosing a System Integrator
Jessica Bennett, operations manager at Bachelor Controls, sits down with Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to discuss strategies for choosing a system integrator to maximize an operation’s automation and technology, and how system integrators can be vital assets to growing processors looking to scale up production.
How pet food companies can fight food waste with upcycled ingredients
Mary Emma Young, senior director of communications and strategic planning at The Pet Food Institute (PFI) joins Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa to discuss the use of upcycled ingredients and “ugly” produce in pet food formulations as a way to help fight food waste.
Food Defense: Past and Present
FOOD ENGINEERING Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa sits down with Earl Arnold, global manager, food defense/FSMA at AIB International, to discuss the history of food defense in the U.S., and what current checks processors need to know if they use imported ingredients to comply with FDA regulations.
Oversized Compressed Air Systems: A widespread problem
Far too many compressed air systems operate below 50% system capacity. This podcast episode explores the issues with an oversized system, ways to identify if your system is operating below system capacity, and options to address the problem.
Sponsored by Kaeser Compressors, Inc.
Dust Hazards when Manufacturing Food Products
When manufacturing food products, dust is produced that poses three types of dangers - worker health problems, product cross-contamination and combustible dust explosions. This podcast will explain these hazards, the agencies that regulate them, and how facilities can best mitigate the risks to their employees and facility.
Sponsored by Camfil Air Pollution Control
The trends shaping the future of food and beverage
Food Engineering editor-in-chief Casey Laughman speaks with Ellen Davis, Executive Vice President of Industry Engagement, Consumer Brands Association, on the consumer trends shaping the future of the food and beverage industry.
The Application of AI Technologies
In the August episode of the Food Engineering podcast, Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman discusses the application of AI technologies with The Morning Star Company’s Saul Alarcon (L) and Javier Garrido.
What You Need to Know About Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is dramatically changing the way food and beverage manufacturing plants are managed. In this podcast, we explore the DNA of Industry 4.0, its potential for our enterprises, and even some of the pitfalls that may lie ahead.
Sponsored by: Hixson Architecture & Engineering
Are you down with OEE?
In the July episode of the Food Engineering Podcast, Anthony Doss, VP of Engineering, Poultry, for Tyson Foods, shares insights on how to most effectively measure, apply and learn from OEE to ensure you’re hitting your performance goals.
Sponsored by: Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS)
Understanding Hygienic Design
In the June episode of the Food Engineering podcast, Duane Grassmann, corporate hygienist, Nestlé USA and Canada, shares insights on best practices in hygienic design, understanding how to evaluate your facility’s needs and implementing a process to ensure cleaning, sanitation, food safety and employee safety are all manageable goals.
Sponsored by: Watson-Marlow Technology Group
Meeting the Challenges of an Evolving Food Industry
Mark DiMaggio discusses the food production sector’s shifting landscape, pandemic challenges and Messer’s response to them. He details new markets, Messer innovations and how the company helps customers solve their production challenges.
Sponsored by: Messer Americas
Optimizing food freezing, chilling, and manufacturing with nitrogen and CO2
Listeners will learn how using nitrogen and carbon dioxide improves food manufacturing processes and product quality. The podcast will explore the benefits of cryogenics, and factors involved in choosing between them. Food processors will gain a new perspective on improving their company’s efficiency and output...
Sponsored by: Air Products
Integrating islands of automation
If you have old equipment, there is hope that you can keep what works and modernize it by pulling worthwhile information from it with instrumentation and controls.
Producing pet food can be a risky business
Producing pet food can be difficult, but even more challenging is recovering from a safety recall. TOMRA advanced its technology into pet food - bringing a whole new safety level and peace-of-mind to the industry. This podcast looks at how technology can help you get the best possible product.
Sponsored by: TOMRA
A New Era in Hygienic Conveyor Design
SideDrive’s Kevin Mauger explains how food-safe, side drive belt technology enables the most flexible, hygienic spiral and long run conveyors available for the food industry.
Sponsored by: SideDrive
Lessons Learned
In the April episode of the Food Engineering podcast, Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman speaks with Art Sebastiano, CIO, Ken's Foods, on applying lessons from other industries as part of a digitalization strategy.
HVAC Options for a Post-Pandemic Plant
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the selection of HVAC systems and filtration options. “HVAC Options for a Post-Pandemic Plant,” a podcast from Hixson’s Food Plant of the Future series, looks at the latest HVAC options that may minimize viral spread and protect employees.
Sponsored by: Hixson Architecture & Engineering
SunOpta’s Oatbase expansion right-sized for now and future needs
SunOpta expanded its Alexandria, Minn. facility to meet rising demand for oatbase, which the company produces for use in oat milk. In the March episode of the Food Engineering podcast, editor-in-chief Casey Laughman discusses SunOpta’s expansion and automation project with Bryan Clark, VP, R&D Plant Based Food and Beverages, SunOpta.
The rise of alternative protein
The alternative protein market continues to grow, with both start-ups and legacy companies looking for ways to claim a stake. In this installment of the Food Engineering podcast series, Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman speaks with Kristie Middleton, VP of Business Development, Rebellyous Foods, to discuss how the market has grown and where it’s going.
The role of AI and robotics in pet food processing
Automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are becoming a staple of food and beverage processing, and the pet food market is no different. In this installment of the Food Engineering podcast series, Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman speaks with Tyler Cundiff, President, Food and Beverage Market, Gray, and Greg Powers, VP of Solution Architecture, Gray Solutions, to discuss how pet food
How produce packaging is responding to consumer trends
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic shifts in consumer behavior, but that doesn’t mean consumers are abandoning their desire for information about sustainability, quality and freshness, especially when it comes to produce. Food Engineering Editor-in-Chief Casey Laughman and Georgia-Pacific’s Liz Walsh, Director of Insights and Innovation, Packaging and Cellulose, discuss how
The Secret to F&B Manufacturing Agility in a Changing World
You know that food and beverage manufacturers must react with lightning speed to consumer demands for new experiences, healthier products, and most recently, huge fluctuations in demand due to world challenges. Digitalization is the secret to overcome these demand challenges and prepare for future opportunities. Davide Picciotto, Siemens Digital Enterprise Industry Director for CP&R,
Reconfiguring Food Facilities in Response to COVID-19
Speaker: Brian King, Owner and President of A M KingFood processing and distribution operations are being severely impacted by COVID-19. Facilities are suspending operations to protect employees while the food chain is being jeopardized. Companies must develop new strategies for operating at full production while ensuring the health and safety of their workforces.
Sponsored by: A M King
Burns & McDonald executives discuss the distinctions of Food Safety and Food Defense
Burns & McDonnell project manager RJ Hope and senior project engineer Justin Hamilton discuss the distinctions between Food Safety and Food Defense as well as the implications for food manufacturers of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Be Proactive in Protecting Your Brand and Food Supply Chain
The Food Defense Strategy Exchange (FDSE) is a forum for food defense professionals to interact and share their knowledge and experiences. At the most recent FDSE, a poll of attendees revealed that approximately two-thirds were either re-evaluating their existing food defense plan, or implementing new food defense plans. In this podcast, Don Hsieh, Director of Commercial and Industrial
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