Opinion

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders


If you are interested in having your voice heard on Food Dive's Opinion page, please read our editorial guidelines and fill out the submission form here.

  • President Joe Biden speaks at podium.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why Joe Biden needs to have a conversation with Michelle Obama on food policy

    The current administration should take a page or two from the former first lady who said there are limits to government mandates, according to Sean McBride.

    Sean McBride • April 3, 2023
  • Hand reaching out to "Special" pricing tag in a grocery store.
    Image attribution tooltip
    FangXiaNuo via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Three ways global food brands can stay competitive

    As the cost of living rises across the world, companies must embrace artificial intelligence and other digital technologies to maintain a low-cost base, write Stuart Gilby and Duncan Macfarlane of PA Consulting.

    Stuart Gilby and Duncan Macfarlane • March 20, 2023
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Finding and creating value in food waste

    Our system needs to be circular and mimic nature, where nothing is lost, writes Pete Pearson, global initiative lead for the food circularity program at World Wildlife Fund.

    Pete Pearson • Feb. 27, 2023
  • "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston poses with a bag of PopCorners for the brand's Super Bowl LVII ad teaser.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Frito-Lay
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why brands need to pay attention to this year’s ‘Snack Bowl’

    Brands are starting to place a heavier focus off the big screen and onto social media platforms, writes Joe Charnitski, director of customer experience management best practices at Sprinklr.

    Joe Charnitski • Feb. 14, 2023
  • Motif BeefWorks Burger Patty
    Image attribution tooltip

    Motif FoodWorks

    Image attribution tooltip

    Why plant-based meat is not ‘just another fad’

    We are too close to unlocking the full potential of food design and the secrets of taste and texture to pull back on the space now, writes Michael Leonard, CEO of food-tech company Motif FoodWorks.

    Michael Leonard • Feb. 3, 2023
  • An aerial view of SunOpta's Midlothian, Texas factory, surrounded by construction trailers, roads and woods.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by SunOpta
    Image attribution tooltip

    How food processors can tap into tied-up capital with sale leasebacks

    By selling property and immediately leasing it back, food processors can get a fresh layer of cash while maintaining long-term control of their facilities, writes Malik Franklin, a partner at SLB Capital Advisors.

    Malik Franklin • Oct. 20, 2022
  • grocery aisle
    Image attribution tooltip
    Facinadora via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why the food industry is the cause and the cure of unhealthy diets

    The only way President Biden's lofty goals to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases can be achieved is for the public and private sectors to work together, writes Greg Garrett of the Access to Nutrition Initiative.

    Greg S. Garrett • Oct. 5, 2022
  • Farm machines harvesting corn in September, viewed from above
    Image attribution tooltip
    JamesBrey via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How producers are driving a more connected food ecosystem

    Players in the middle of farmers and consumers will need to evaluate their business models to see where they fit, and embrace agility and resilience, writes Ernst & Young’s Bill McClure.

    Bill McClure • Sept. 30, 2022
  • Cows, cattle, eating feed
    Image attribution tooltip
    Nikola Stojadinovic via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why addressing methane from meat is the fastest way to reverse climate change

    Both incremental and transformative innovation are needed to help the world hit net zero emissions by 2050, writes Aleph Farms’ Didier Toubia and Karen Hopper of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

    Didier Toubia and Karen Hopper • Sept. 7, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Mailson Pignata via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 questions food companies must answer to hit their climate target

    A recent analysis finds few industry players have determined how to reach their goal. Here’s what’s needed to create a transition plan, writes Ceres’ Julie Nash.

    Julie Nash • Aug. 3, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Orbon Alija via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Stand for something: How community outreach can help CPGs build their brands

    Food companies can connect with consumers and employees through meaningful volunteerism and philanthropy, writes Ferrara’s Tola Alade-Lambo.

    Tola Alade-Lambo • July 6, 2022
  • The hands of refugees have been aided by charity food to alleviate hunger
    Image attribution tooltip
    kuarmungadd via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why policy change and innovation are key to expanding access to healthy food

    Humanity faces a huge challenge this World Hunger Day — requiring the tools and thinking of today to ensure a well-nourished society tomorrow, writes Pairwise CEO Tom Adams and registered dietitian Kristen F. Gradney.

    Tom Adams and Kristen F. Gradney • May 27, 2022
  • A hen in a rural field
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Guti via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Income should not be a barrier to making ethical food choices

    To create a fairer food system, WIC agencies across the U.S. must eliminate restrictions on buying cage-free eggs, writes Ben Williamson of Compassion in World Farming.

    Ben Williamson • May 16, 2022
  • Top view of worker standing by apple fruit crates in organic food factory warehouse. - stock photo
    Image attribution tooltip
    Smederevac via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Turning threats into opportunities: Can food companies successfully attack in all directions?

    Whether it's sustainability, supply chain issues, inflation or the obesity crisis, CPGs must be able to tackle multiple challenges at once, writes Sean McBride of DSM Strategic Communications. 

    Sean McBride • May 4, 2022
  • Cocktail Glass With Blurred Couple Behind - stock photo
    Image attribution tooltip
    IPGGutenbergUKLtd via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Dry beyond January: Why moderation will continue to grow

    Offering consumers beverages that fit the moment and their lifestyle is key to the success of no- and low-alcohol beverages, writes Borja Manso of Heineken USA.

    Borja Manso • March 24, 2022
  • Sampling
    Image attribution tooltip
    Noel Hendrickson via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to reintroduce sampling to the post-pandemic consumer

    As shoppers shift their grocery spending online, food CPGs should consider these opportunities to connect, writes Jeff Snyder of Inspira Marketing Group.

    Jeff Snyder • March 3, 2022
  • Business presentation - stock photo
    Image attribution tooltip
    simonkr via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    4 ways CPG companies can improve performance in 2022

    From wargaming inflation scenarios to embracing data analytics, here's where to focus in the challenging months ahead, writes PwC’s Hans Van Delden.

    Hans Van Delden • Jan. 20, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Ed Wray via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why food companies should rethink the financial benefits of ESG

    Environmental, social and governance offers CPGs the opportunity to unlock value for investors, customers and talent, writes Molly Podolefsky of Guidehouse.

    Molly Podolefsky • Jan. 5, 2022
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Scott Olson via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Follow the technology: Why innovation is key to more sustainable food choices

    Industry and government leaders should consider all routes to developing new protein sources to help feed a hungry world and cut emissions, writes former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman.

    Dan Glickman • Dec. 21, 2021
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Michael Loccisano via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to get prepared for the post-pandemic consumer

    The key to riding the wave of disruption is decoding the behavioral signals around changing shopper attitudes toward food as they happen, writes Oliver Wright with Accenture.

    Oliver Wright • Nov. 29, 2021
  • Schwan's products
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Schwan's Company
    Image attribution tooltip

    How the rise in grocery e-commerce is reshaping food marketing

    From creative sampling to building digital shelves, CPGs need innovative solutions to capture consumers who are scrolling instead of strolling, writes Schwan's Roberto Rios.  

    Roberto Rios • Nov. 9, 2021
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Ulet Ifansasti via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Food companies must embrace transparency and accountability to end deforestation

    Businesses need to be judged on their progress while being honest about the challenges they face in meeting their commitments, writes Wai-Chan Chan of The Consumer Goods Forum.

    Wai-Chan Chan • Oct. 12, 2021
  • A still frame from a video of manufacturing Kraft Heinz ketchup.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Kraft Heinz
    Image attribution tooltip

    Ready for the 'Great Reset'? How digital transformation can future-proof food manufacturing

    Modern technology can remake the sector into a resilient and responsive business, even through the turmoil of the pandemic, writes Keith Chambers of Aveva.

    Keith Chambers • Sept. 16, 2021
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    False advertising lawsuits are ramping up in food and beverage

    A review of current cases and trends shows that legal action challenging "healthy," added sugar, artificial flavoring and "all-natural" claims will escalate in the year ahead, write Pooja Nair and Cate Veeneman of Ervin Cohen & Jessup.

    Pooja S. Nair and Cate Veeneman • Aug. 23, 2021
  • A grocery aisle at the Wegmans store in Tysons, Virginia
    Image attribution tooltip
    Catherine Douglas Moran/Food Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 metrics CPG startups should play to their advantage

    As up-and-coming brands struggle to stand out in today’s competitive food and beverage landscape, here’s how they can demonstrate their value, writes Susan Dunn of NielsenIQ. 

    Susan Dunn • July 6, 2021