Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions.

In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively.

Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Tom Healy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/


Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 | Preview
  
  
  
• 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table
  
  
  
• 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities
  
  
  
• 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs
  
  
  
• 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results
  
  
  
• 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs?
  
  
  
• 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle)
  
  
  
• 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters
  
  
  
• 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America
  
  
  
• 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted
  
  
  
• 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities
  
  
  
• 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty
  
  
  
• 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands
  
  
  
• 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy
  
  
  
• 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators
  
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential.

During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability.

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/




Connect with Wiggs:

https://www.starfish-network.com/

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/




Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation
  
  
  
• 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission?
  
  
  
• 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology
  
  
  
• 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology
  
  
  
• 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability
  
  
  
• 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust
  
  
  
• 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM
  
  
  
• 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains
  
  
  
• 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems
  
  
  
• 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork!  In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology.

Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Connect with David:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect With Jim:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/
https://www.capitalspring.com/



Timestamps

00:00 – Preview
01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader
02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time
03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities
06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators
10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies
14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations
19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal
24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits
27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences
30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges
34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising
37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next
39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More




I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. In today’s episode, I sit down with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt, the founder of Open Food Chain, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing global food traceability.

In this conversation, we dive into the current state of data and technology in the global food supply chain, how Asia is catching up to the U.S. in supply chain innovation, and why manufacturers play a critical role in driving change. Marieke also explains how blockchain can solve major inefficiencies, ensuring food safety, improving data transparency, and reducing supply chain costs. We also tackle misconceptions about traceability, including why it’s often overlooked, and how it could benefit both farmers and consumers. If you want to understand the future of food traceability and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Connect with David:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Marieke:
https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt-9501086
https://www.openfoodchain.com/

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Farm to Fork: The Innovators and today’s guest
00:37 – Meet Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt: Her background and passion for food supply chains
02:22 – What is Open Food Chain, and how does it use blockchain for traceability?
05:45 – The surprising inefficiencies in food supply chain data
08:30 – Why is Asia catching up to the U.S. in food supply chain technology?
10:12 – The challenges of old data systems and why new solutions struggle to be adopted
14:40 – How blockchain ensures trust, accuracy, and food safety
18:25 – Why major food companies resist traceability and how regulation is (or isn’t) working
22:57 – How Open Food Chain is structured and who benefits the most
28:08 – The cost savings and efficiency gains from better supply chain data
31:12 – The role of Gen Z and consumer demand in driving transparency
34:45 – How Open Food Chain works with industry leaders and future plans
40:50 – How to get in touch with Open Food Chain and next steps

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

The foodservice industry is at a pivotal moment, and understanding consumer behavior is key to staying ahead. In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Mike Halen, Senior Restaurant Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, to break down the current state of the restaurant and foodservice industries. Mike returns to the show after accurately forecasting last year’s market shifts, and today, he shares his latest insights on consumer spending, inflation, and restaurant performance. With the S&P 500, Bitcoin, and home prices near all-time highs, we discuss how economic factors influence dining trends and whether consumers are feeling more confident in their spending habits.

We also take a deep dive into the restaurant industry’s winners and losers, exploring why some brands are thriving while others struggle. Mike highlights the importance of strong operations, value-driven pricing, and the role of digital marketing—especially platforms like TikTok—in driving customer engagement. He also unpacks how major food distributors are evolving to meet industry challenges. Whether you’re in foodservice, distribution, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers a wealth of insights to help you navigate 2025 and beyond.


Connect with David Maloni:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect With Mike Halen:
https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/insights/podcasts/choppin-it-up/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehalen 

Timestamps

00:00 – Preview
00:08 – The state of the restaurant industry: Winners & losers
00:33 – What’s driving consumer confidence in dining?
01:15 – Restaurant recession in 2024: What happened?
02:58 – Consumer spending trends and the K-shaped economy
04:54 – Why restaurants are the first place consumers cut back
06:27 – The impact of labor shortages on foodservice execution
10:28 – Key takeaways from the ICR Conference: Emerging trends
14:46 – The role of digital marketing & TikTok in restaurant success
19:58 – Economic indicators shaping foodservice in 2025
21:16 – The biggest risk for 2025: Inflation’s lingering impact
25:19 – How Taco Bell’s leadership playbook is reshaping the industry
30:10 – Food distributors’ role in the evolving supply chain
37:41 – The outlook for restaurant pricing, inflation, and consumer behavior
39:01 – Wrapping it up!

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to another episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators! Today we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of foodservice with Mike DiBeneditto, CEO of Golden Waffles. With nearly a century of history behind the brand, Golden Waffles has become a staple in fresh waffle programs globally. Mike’s journey, from his early days in foodservice distribution to leading one of the most unique and successful companies in the industry, offers a wealth of insights on how to stay ahead in the competitive food supply chain landscape.

In this episode, we cover critical topics like brand evolution, fostering partnerships between suppliers and distributors, and adapting to consumer trends. Mike shares how Golden Waffles achieves a seamless customer experience through its all-inclusive waffle program and what other suppliers can learn from their approach. Whether you’re in food manufacturing, distribution, or looking to connect directly with consumers, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for thriving in the foodservice industry.

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Mike DiBeneditto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-v-dibeneditto-b8584011/



Timestamps
00:00 – Preview
01:27 – Mike’s background and journey into the food supply chain industry.
05:48 – Overview of Golden Waffles and their unique all-inclusive waffle program.
12:05 – Challenges in foodservice distribution and solutions for staying ahead.
18:20 – The importance of people in the food supply chain and fostering partnerships.
30:14 – Golden Waffles’ recent rebranding journey and key lessons.
40:06 – Insights on direct-to-consumer marketing strategies.
47:15 – Future trends in foodservice and Golden Waffles’ role in shaping them.
52:34 – Closing thoughts and call to action for viewers.

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. I’m excited to introduce you to another trailblazer in the world of food—Andy Raabe, CFO Partner at Seaton Hill Partners. With over four decades of involvement in the food supply chain myself, I love sharing the stories of those who are transforming how we produce and serve food. Andy brings a wealth of expertise from his time leading finance and supply chain at established brands like Potbelly and pioneering smaller fast-casual concepts. In our discussion, he reveals how integrating finance with supply chain decisions can streamline operations, improve vendor relationships, and boost profitability for emerging and established brands alike.

Together, we dive into critical topics like how to build supply chains from scratch, best practices for fostering collaboration between finance and supply chain teams, and the tremendous value vendors can bring when they become strategic partners. Andy also walks us through the unique perspective a CFO can bring to operational challenges, offering tools and strategies for effective forecasting, budgeting, and tackling supply disruptions. I hope you’ll find our chat both enlightening and practical as we explore the path from farm to fork—and all the innovation that happens in between.

Connect with David Maloni:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-raabe/
https://www.seatonhill.com/

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Episode Overview
• 0:25 – Introducing Guest: Andy’s CFO & Supply Chain Expertise
• 0:52 – Andy’s Background: From Engineering to Finance
• 1:15 – Joining Potbelly & Building a Finance Function
• 3:41 – Transition into Supply Chain & Fixing Core Processes
• 7:22 – Low-Hanging Fruit: Price Verification & Inventory Control
• 10:57 – Gaining Leadership Experience in Supply Chain
• 14:08 – Returning to Finance & Public Company Lessons
• 20:46 – Becoming CFO at Wow Bao: Startup & Growth
• 25:00 – Solving the “Chicken-and-Egg” Challenge for Emerging Brands
• 29:14 – LTO Forecasting & Overcoming the Honeymoon Effect
• 34:39 – Supplier Councils: Cost Savings & Innovation
• 40:07 – Best Practices: Aligning Finance & Supply Chain
• 44:25 – Fractional CFO Model at Seton Hill Partners
• 46:44 – Closing Remarks & Final Takeaways

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

#Foodservice

#RestaurantIndustry

#FoodSupplyChain

#FinanceAndOperations

#EmergingBrands

#CFOInsights

#SupplyChainManagement

#FoodBusiness

#FractionalCFO

#FoodserviceInnovation

Welcome! Ttoday we’re diving into the intersection of solar energy and agriculture with our guest, Peter Schmitt, the Director of Project Development at U.S. Solar. With decades of experience in the food supply chain, I aim to uncover the transformative strategies shaping how we produce and serve food. Today’s topic, agrivoltaics, is an innovative blend of solar farming and agriculture that promises to reshape how land is used sustainably.

In this episode, Peter walks us through the exciting potential of agrivoltaics, from raising sheep beneath solar panels to growing crops under carefully designed solar arrays. We discuss how this approach not only boosts agricultural efficiency but also contributes to energy independence and environmental stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of solar energy on farming or how companies like U.S. Solar are leading this revolution, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Connect with David:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect with Peter:

Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/

https://www.us-solar.com/


Timestamps:

00:00 Farming Meets Solar: Introduction to Agrivoltaics

01:05 Agrivoltaics Explained: Combining Solar Panels with Agriculture

06:00 Solar-Powered Agriculture: The Growth of Solar Energy in the U.S.

13:00 Case Studies in Agrivoltaics: Real-Life Examples of Success

24:00 Soil and Sustainability: Improving Land Health with Solar

35:00 Big River Farms: Providing Land Access to Aspiring Farmers

42:00 Challenges and Opportunities: Scaling Agrivoltaics Nationwide

47:00 The Future of Agrivoltaics: Farming and Energy in 10 Years

48:00 Call to Action: Partner with Datum Advisors for Food Supply Chain Solutions

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

In this episode, I sit down with Francisco Martin-Rayo, the co-founder and CEO of Helios—an innovative AI platform that’s changing the game in agriculture and commodities. Together, we examine the current state of commodity markets, discuss how climate change is reshaping supplies and prices, identify which crops are feeling the greatest impact, and explore actionable strategies for adapting where and how we produce our food. Strap in, hit subscribe, and join me as we harvest progress, forging a more resilient and sustainable future for our global food supply chain.

Connect with the Host:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/


Connect with Francisco:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-martin-rayo-b95b393/


Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Previews

00:01:07 – Introducing Francisco Martin Rayo, Helios’ AI-driven platform, and the role of climate data in predicting agricultural disruptions.

00:03:30 – Addressing rapid climate change, its accelerated impact on agriculture, and the need for more data-driven insights.

00:08:35 – Examining commodity-specific climate influences, including cocoa, citrus, and the nuances of varying yields and quality.

00:12:30 – Highlighting predictive successes in forecasting crop failures, like mango shortages in Peru and Brazil.

00:14:12 – Exploring long-term issues for perennial crops that need certain temperature ranges and cooling hours.

00:16:07 – Discussing consumer confusion, the complexity of sustainable choices, and trade-offs like almond milk’s water footprint.

00:19:05 – Outlining adaptation strategies: diversifying sourcing regions, shifting crop types, and leveraging AI-driven predictions.

00:29:10 – Looking ahead: acknowledging future volatility, the necessity of planning infrastructure changes, and investing in climate intelligence.

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

#Agritech

#AIinAgriculture

#ClimateChange

#FoodSupplyChain

#SustainableFarming

#CropAdaptation

#CommodityPrices

#DataDrivenFarming

#GlobalFoodSecurity

#FarmToFork

In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Ali Cox, a fifth-generation farmer and the visionary founder of Noble West, a leading food marketing agency.

Together, we dive into the evolving farming landscape, tackling the rising operational costs and exploring groundbreaking agricultural practices like upcycling and regenerative farming. Ali shares her insights on the challenges of commoditizing food offerings and how these shifts are shaping the future consumer food experience.

Connect with the Host:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect with our Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicox/

Timestamps:



00:00 Intro

01:00 Guest introduction: Ali Cox, fifth-generation farmer and founder of Noble West

02:24 Ali Cox’s journey from New York City to farming and food marketing

05:19 Farmers as innovators and problem-solvers

08:46 Noble West’s shift to sustainability-focused marketing

14:08 Financial challenges and operational costs in farming

20:02 Upcycling agriculture: reducing food waste and creating value

30:00 Regenerative agriculture practices and co-ops for farmers

37:17 The critical role of marketing in farming and consumer connection

42:36 The future of the food supply chain: curated experiences and seasonal eating

47:25 Closing thoughts and call to action

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors