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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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:

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

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.