Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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