Food Matters Live Podcast

As we age, our bodies undergo significant transformations, underscoring the increasing importance of maintaining our health.Protein, often referred to as the cornerstone of life, plays a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Its contributions extend far and wide, from bolstering muscle strength and fortifying bone density, to assisting in the intricate dance of hormone regulation.For women, the journey of aging presents a unique array of challenges. The onset of menopause ushers in a host of changes that touch every facet of life. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Volac, we explore the vital role protein plays in bolstering the wellbeing of women as they navigate this time in their life. How can protein support the wellbeing of women as they age? Can it help with the symptoms of menopause?And how might it contribute to maintaining an active lifestyle during what can often be a stressful phase of life?Guests:Dr Elisa Glover, Nutrition Specialist, Volac International Ltd Mike Hughes, Head of Research and Insight, FMCG Gurus

David Nabarro says people are the key to effecting change, and for him, that is no different in the food industry."Some in the food industry tell me that they read the writing on the wall," he says. "We know we're going to have to change."We're going to have to reduce our emissions and be much better at regenerating nature."I would say that's a small proportion of those working in the food sector. So it is starting, but it's not anything like enough."David is Co-Director and Chair of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.He has had an extraordinary career in public health, working on complex issues that span disease outbreaks, food security, and nutrition.You might remember his regular appearances in the news during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, he was appointed Special Envoy of the WHO Director-General on COVID-19.He is also co-lead of the UN Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance.Sustainability has been a key theme throughout his career, curating the Food Systems Summit Dialogues in 2018 and now working as Strategic Director at the 4SD Foundation, providing sustainable development training to leaders in all sectors.Given his expertise and passion for sustainable food systems, David is the ideal person to discuss the critical topics of resilience and equitability in the global food system.In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the existing barriers and assess whether our current system is prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.Guest:Dr David Nabarro, Director, 4SD Foundation

"The two communities act as if they are ships passing in the night." That is Lawrence Haddad's assessment of how those concerned with climate action and those concerned with nutrition behave towards each other. It is a situation he believes needs to change, and urgently. "Climate action, or a lack of action, really affects nutrition status a lot," he says. "What's maybe less known is that nutrition action also affects climate." Lawrence Haddad is the executive director at GAIN - Global Action for Improved Nutrition. Prior to GAIN, he has held a number of executive roles, including founding co-chair and lead author of the Global Nutrition Report, as well as Director of the world-renowned Institute of Development Studies in Sussex. Lawrence’s work has also gained international recognition, seeing him receive the 2018 World Food Prize on top of being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2022. At the heart of it, Lawrence is an economist with an interest in the intersection of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore his work at GAIN, look at some of the issues surrounding malnutrition, and discuss how we can create a global food system that sustains us all. Guest: Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the role of education in making the food industry more sustainable. Although it is a priority for many people, studies show sustainability is often misunderstood when it comes to food. An NFS Youth Engagement Report found that the young people they spoke to mostly had a basic understanding of ‘sustainability’ and some preferred not to think about the effects of their food choices. And it is not just young people. A Food Standards Agency poll found only 48% of consumers believe they know what a sustainable diet consists of. So, as concerns around the food industry's impact on climate change deepen, how is this lack of understanding affecting sustainability? What role does education have to play in creating the next generation of sustainability advocates? And how much does better understanding equal sustainable choices? Guests: Carl Edwards, Director of Education & Public Engagement, LEAF Verity Jones, Associate Professor of Education, the University of the West of England Rosalind Rathouse, Founder of the Cookery School at Little Portland Street

Over the last few years, the sale of sustainable foods has seen massive growth.Between 2015 and 2022, sales of food products marketed as sustainable grew 2.7 times faster than conventionally marketed products.However, the figures in 2023 are not looking as promising.Recent figures from the consumer intelligence company NIQ show that in the UK, the sale of chilled meat alternatives during this year’s Veganuary were down 16.8% compared to last year.And a number of brands have recently pulled their plant-based ranges from the shelves.Although plant-based is just one aspect of choosing food sustainably, a 2023 Mintel report claims that due to the cost of living crisis, sustainability is now less of a priority for consumers in general.So, are consumer attitudes towards sustainability changing? What is behind the slowdown in growth? And where could the market be heading?Guest:Klaus Grunert, Founder, MAPP Research Center

Natalie Bennett sits in the House of Lords, the upper house of the UK Parliament.She was leader of the Green Party between 2012 and 2016, and is one of only two Green Party peers in the Lords.It is a far cry from where it all began. Natalie was born in suburban Sydney to teenage parents and was the first in her family to go to university.After gaining a degree in Agricultural Science, she went on to have a successful career in journalism before moving into politics in 2006, and leading the Greens during the 2015 General Election. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we learn more about Natalie’s rise to the top of British politics, how a family tragedy had an “indelible” impact on her, why she is so driven to affect change in the world, and what she thinks needs to change in the food industry to ensure a more sustainable future.

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes.Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people.And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry.In this episode, we re-visit some of the best conversations we have had about the history of food.Featured episodes:Caffeine culture - how coffee shaped the worldAphrodisiacs - is anything really up to the job?The dark history of sugarHow curry conquered the world

Start-ups are often regarded as the lifeblood of innovation, introducing disruptive ideas that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible.But behind every successful start-up, there is a support system working tirelessly to fuel growth and unlock their potential.Accelerators and investors, beyond mere financial backing, provide start-ups with a blend of mentorship, guidance, and resources.They serve as a guiding compass, navigating founders through the treacherous waters of early-stage development.And they themselves can be catalysts for innovation, steering start-ups towards sustainable growth and enabling them to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.But how do accelerators and investors go beyond the numbers? What opportunities can they provide start-ups? And how do they identify those that possess the power to shape our future for the better?Guests:Mark Durno, Co Founder of the global accelerator and investor, RockstartPriya Bhullar, COO & Co Founder, Planboo Philippe Birker, Co-Founder, Climate FarmersJohn Smedegaard, CEO and Co-Founder, Cordulus

Spain not only stands as a prominent player in the global agricultural landscape, but has also emerged as a powerhouse in the field of agricultural technology.As of 2022, the Spanish foodtech sector has seen a remarkable surge in investment, reaching an impressive €268 million. This represents a substantial 9.38% growth within just a year, as revealed by the latest report from ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. The sector is currently thriving, showcasing Spain's prowess in innovation.From groundbreaking advancements such as 3D-printed meats, to cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, Spain is leading the way in providing inventive solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges within the agricultural industry.So, in this episode, made in partnership with ICEX, we ask: What groundbreaking innovations is Spain bringing to the table? How might these innovations influence the broader food industry on a global scale? And how can Spanish ingenuity contribute to sustainability efforts, crucial in today's world?Guests:Sunil Mahtani, International Business Development Manager, DACSAMaria Naranjo, Director of the Food and Drink Industry, ICEXÁlvaro Nadal, Head Counsellor, Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in London

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes.Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people.And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry.Today take a look back at some of the best conversations we have had about industry trends with leading figures in the food sector. Getting under the surface to discover what motivates and inspires them, and looking at their work to see how it is shaping the future of food.Featured episodesPost-pandemic - how shifting relationships are influencing consumer trendsIs plant-based always better for you - and the planet?Are we on the cusp of a mushroom renaissance?What does the future look like for CBD?