
Food Manufacture Podcast
The Food Manufacture Podcast is the information resource for food and drink processing, covering industry news, trends, and insights for professionals in the sector.
Episodes
Founder of BeSmoke: ‘I burned down more than one factory’
In this episode of The Food Manufacture Podcast we hear from Huw Griffiths, founder and CEO of established smoked food ingredients firm, BeSmoke.
White Rabbit co-founder: ‘Fear of failure is the biggest driver there is’
Nick Croft-Simon, co-founder of White Rabbit tells Food Manufacture about the gluten-free brand’s journey, what keeps him going, and the lessons he’s learned as he’s scaled the business.
‘We went from 100 to 6,000 units a day’: DoughGirl founders on their explosive first year
In this episode of The Food Manufacture Podcast, we hear from DoughGirl founders Emma and Stuart Colclough about managing viral success, why they’re obsessed with TikTok, and what lessons they’ve learned.
Fearne & Rosie founder: ‘That naivety and simplicity is a big part of why our business started’
Rachel Kettlewell talks about swapping the classroom for jam making, distrust in the health category, and why it’s ok to drop the ball sometimes in this latest podcast episode.
FieldFare MD: ‘You make the unachievable achievable’
In Food Manufacture’s latest podcast, Bethan Grylls is joined by Matt Whelan, managing director at FieldFare - the loose frozen food brand.
Small Beer co-founder: Pioneering a category, not just a product
In Food Manufacture’s latest podcast, Bethan Grylls is joined by Felix James, the co-founder of Small Beer - a brewery leading the way in mid-strength beer production.
Tenzing founder: ‘We’re fighting pure habit and availability’
This month’s Food Manufacture Podcast featured Huib van Bockel, the founder of natural energy drink brand Tenzing.
Borough Broth founder: ‘Never be afraid to ask questions’
This month’s podcast sees Food Manufacture’s editor speaking to the founder and managing director of Borough Broth, Ros Heathcote.
Frobishers MD: ‘We not only survived, we came through quite strongly’
In the latest episode of The Food Manufacture Podcast, we speak to David Pierce, managing director of beverage brand Frobishers, about his career highlights, navigating a business out of administration and through tough economic times, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Griddle founders: ‘We’re not here to create another preservative-pumped product’
In this episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast, we welcome Ella Harland and Sophie McGregor, co-founders of Griddle – a frozen bakery brand launched in 2022.
Pip Organic founders: ‘We wanted it enough to be patient’
In this episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast we hear from Karen and Patrick O’Flaherty, founders of healthy food brand Pip Organic.
Heroes & Heretics CEO: ‘I was so stressed out that I wasn’t present with the people that needed me’
This episode we welcome Craig Chidgey, founder of Heroes and Heretics - an independent whisky and spirit bottler.
Better Nature founders: ‘We were told we would never get tempeh on a supermarket shelf’
Food Manufacture meets Elin Roberts and Chris Kong, the co-founders and co-CEOs of tempeh brand Better Nature, to learn more about their journey as young food entrepreneurs in the plant-based space.
Good Guys Bakehouse founder: ‘I’ve come into being an entrepreneur in a very calculated way’
Steve Monk, founder of Good Guys Bakehouse a savoury biscuits company, talks about his experience moving from marketing in big blue-chip corporations to operating a start-up on a shoestring budget.
Fudge Kitchen MD: ‘The future of the business into the hands of the people who built it’
Fudge Kitchen MD Richard Parson speaks on the importance of building a strong community within the business in this month’s episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Pact Coffee CEO: ‘We dominate in subscriptions’
We check in with Paul Turton, the CEO of speciality coffee roaster Pact Coffee, for the February edition of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Modern Baker founder: Birth of the ‘Superloaf’
In this month’s podcast, Food Manufacture speaks with Modern Baker founder Leo Campbell about his fight with depression, the spark that led to the creation of the brand and what makes a loaf ‘super’.
Taylors Snacks MD: ‘Destined’ to lead
Food Manufacture spoke with Taylors Snacks managing director James Taylor to hear more about his food and drink industry ‘destiny’ and the success of the brand since its split from Mackie’s of Scotland last year.
Hoxton Spirits CEO: ‘The difference between success and failure is perseverance’
In the Food Manufacture Podcast’s penultimate edition of 2024, hosts William Dodds and Bethan Grylls spoke to Gerry Calabrese, the founder and CEO of premium drinks brand Hoxton Spirits.
Hilltop Honey co-founder and owner: 'It’s either the honey or the bees'
In this month’s podcast, Hilltop Honey founder and owner Scott Davies takes us through the history of his company and how an unfortunate accident led to the creation of the UK’s second biggest honey business.
Delightful Food CEO: 'You cannot control everything, you have to trust the people you employ'
Following news of March Foods and IBC Simply coming together under a new parent group, Delightful Food Group, back in January 2024, Food Manufacture caught up with its CEO, Ricky Flax in its latest podcast episode.
Glebe Farm boss: ‘We wanted to stand up for what was right’
Philip Rayner tells the story of gluten-free oat business Glebe Farm Foods, including its legal battle with Oatly, in the latest episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Pip & Nut founder: 'Get good people around you, get good mentors, get a good network and find your tribe'
Pip & Nut founder Pip Murray talks marathon running, women in food and drink and palm oil-free peanut butter in the latest episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Blue Turaco founder: 'I want your voices to be heard in the rooms where decisions are being made'
Food Manufacture hears from Wycliffe Sande, the founder of Blue Turaco, a 100% speciality Ugandan Robusta and the first Black-African owned coffee brand to be listed in UK supermarkets.
THIS co-founder: ‘My life’s work is about improving the lives of animals’
THIS co-founder Andy Shovel talks start-ups, plant-based and taking a step back in the May edition of the Food Manufacture podcast.
Nimisha Raja: 'I sold everything for the business I believed in'
Nimisha Raja, founder and chief executive of air-dried snack manufacturer Nim’s Fruit Crisps, explains the lengths she went to in order to support her business in the latest episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Bart Ingredients CEO: 'If you’re trying to be someone you're not, you won't last very long'
In this latest instalment of the Food Manufacture Podcast, hosts Bethan Grylls and Gwen Ridler hear from Bart Ingredients’ newly appointed CEO.
Just Love founder: 'No cake on the marketplace was safe for my kids to eat'
In the February 2024 edition of the Food Manufacture podcast, hosts William Dodds and Bethan Grylls speak to the founder of inclusive bakery Just Love Food Company.
Ecotone UK chief executive: 'It's you that will make yourself successful'
Join us for the first episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast for 2024, featuring the head of Ecotone UK and an all-new format for the show.
Episode 10: Year in review
We celebrate the year that was in this special end of year episode of the Food Manufacture podcast.
Episode 9: Recalls and food safety
From marching mycotoxins to navigating labelling regulations, we explore the challenges and solutions surrounding recalls and retaining integrity in your business in this episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Episode 8: Business Leaders’ Forum 2023
The Food Manufacture Podcast returns to talk leadership and Business Leaders’ Forum 2023, sponsored by Accruent, E.ON and the Welsh Government.
Episode 7: Alternative proteins
Tune in to this month’s Food Manufacture podcast, where we talk plant-based proteins and the future of the meat alternatives market.
Episode 6: Uplifting products
The Food Manufacture Podcast returns with a deep dive into uplifting products and how you can build your food and drink brand with some expert advice from this month’s special guests.
Episode 5: Sustainability trends
Bethan Grylls and Gwen Ridler tackle the topic of sustainable production in the latest episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Episode 4: Energy crisis and the return of good week, bad week
The Food Manufacture Podcast returns this month with a dive into the energy market and what food and drink manufacturers need to look out for when choosing their providers.
Episode 3: Apprenticeships
From the new faces of the industry to the educators introducing them into the world of food and drink, we talk apprenticeships in episode three of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Episode 2: Embracing equity
In episode two of the new-look Food Manufacture podcast, Bethan Grylls and Gwen Ridler discuss gender equity in the food and drink workplace - guests include industry leaders Ramona Hazan, Cheryl Allen and Eimear Robertson.
Episode 1: Mining for young talent
Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls and multimedia reporter Gwen Ridler talk video games and how they can be used as a tool to get young people into the food and drink industry in our new look podcast.
Unlocking the potential of alternative proteins: Exclusive podcast
ReNewFood’s entrepreneurial lead Matthew Hutchinson and professor Dr Kang Lan Tee from the University of Sheffield discuss the steps alternative proteins need to take to become the leaders in the market in the second part of this exclusive podcast interview.
Alternative proteins: The sustainable solution?
In this exclusive podcast interview, Renewfood entrepreneurial lead Matthew Hutchinson and Dr Kang Lan Tee, chemical and biological engineering lecturer at the University of Sheffield, discuss the potential of alternative proteins as a replacement for animal-based agriculture.
Blanco Niño boss Philip Martin: Exclusive podcast
Philip Martin, founder and chief executive of Irish tortilla chip manufacturer Blanco Niño, talks to Food Manufacture about fully recyclable packaging, regenerative farming and sourcing raw materials in this exclusive podcast.
Tackling opportunistic fraudsters: NSF podcast
In this exclusive podcast interview, NSF director and food safety consultant Jackie Healing talks to Food Manufacture about the opportunistic nature of fraudsters and how manufacturers can take steps to mitigate and avoid food fraud.
Sustainability, plant-based and environmental issues at Arla: Podcast interview
In this exclusive podcast interview, Arla vice president for agriculture Graham Wilkinson discusses the environmental impact of the dairy industry, sustainability and how the growth of plant-based will affect the business.
Preparing for cyber attacks in the food and drink industry: exclusive podcast
In this exclusive podcast interview, 1898 & Co. global director for utilities (power & water) and manufacturing Eric Ervin discussed cybersecurity in manufacturing and how to prepare the sector for potential cyber-attacks.
JBS delves deeper into the world of alternative proteins
In this exclusive podcast interview, JBS global head of innovation and operational excellence Eduardo Noronha discusses the meat processing giant’s plans for alternative proteins across plant-based, fermented and cultivated meat.
My mental health journey: Princes chief people officer Joe Dent
Joe Dent, chief people officer at Princes, discusses his mental health journey with the business and steps other food firms can take to help their employees with similar issues.
Natasha Foundation clinical trials: Exclusive podcast
In this exclusive podcast interview, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation co-founder Nadim Laperouse discussed his hopes for the recently launched clinical trials, as well as the work that has already been done with the food and drink industry.
R&D and plant-based fish: John West podcast
In this exclusive podcast interview, Jon Burton – marketing director at John West – discussed the research and development process behind the brand’s Enriched line of tuna products and the growth of plant-based alternatives to fish.
Onsite energy generation and the transition to renewables: Ylem podcast
Ian Gadsby, managing director of Ylem Energy, discusses the hidden potential of onsite energy generation for manufacturers and the state of global energy generation and its impact on costs in this exclusive podcast interview.
Vegan pet food in focus: Noochy Poochy interview
In this exclusive podcast interview, vegan dog food brand Noochy Poochy founder McKinna details the journey of her company, from idea to fully realised product, and the challenges that she met along the way.
Givaudan launch looks to improve plant-based burger mouthfeel
In this exclusive podcast interview, Flavio Garofalo – Givaudan global category director – discussed the development of the ingredients manufacturers newest product PrimeLock+ and its roles in the development of plant-based burgers and meat analogues.
Frozen food momentum to continue post-pandemic; BFFF head
Consumer spend on frozen food will continue grow after the pandemic, with frozen fruit and plant-based some of the biggest trends. according to British Frozen Food Foundation (BFFF) chief executive Richard Harrow.
Enzymes to help reduce waste and improve yield
Tetra Pak has partnered with Swedish biomanufacturing tech start-up EnginZyme to develop enzymes to reduce food waste, improve sustainability and increase yield.
Mamamade secures £1.5m crowdfund: Exclusive podcast
Direct to consumer infant and toddler nutrition firm Mamamade has secured £1.5m of investment through crowdfudning platform Seedrs, more than 300% of its initial investment target.
Key consumer trends for 2022: Exclusive podcast
The balance between health and indulgence, experiences and flavour mash-ups were just some of the key consumer trends to look out for in 2022, according to Friesland Campina’s global marketing lead for food Suzanne Van den Eshof.
Health and food safety applications for automation and AI
Artificial intelligence and robots will work hand in hand with humans to help promote health and food safety in the factory, according to automation company Omron.
The Food Incubator: Exclusive podcast
Tom Russell, managing director of The Food Incubator, discussed his journey through the industry, the importance of understanding thermal processes and his advice of entrepreneurs in this exclusive podcast.
Official vet shortage will not impact supplies over Christmas: FSA
Recent struggles to hire official vets at meat processing plants and abattoirs will not lead to shortages over the Christmas period, according to Food Standards Agency (FSA) chief operating officer Colin Sullivan.
Edible insects left in legal limbo
Producers of edible insects in the UK have been left in legal limbo, after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) failed to notify producers of new regulations on novel foods post Brexit transition period, according to Horizon Insects.
Alternative protein trends explored at new Givaudan innovation centre
Givaudan innovation director Thomas Ullram discusses alternative protein trends and the launch of a new Protein Hub in this exclusive podcast interview.
Trust in British food ‘overwhelmingly strong’: Red Tractor report
British consumers ‘overwhelmingly’ place their trust in UK food, but confusion around how much food is produced in the UK still remains, according to a new report from Red Tractor Assurance.
PureCircle and Synergy collaborate to update Skinny Drinks with Starleaf Reb M extract
In an 'industry-first', stevia leaf ingredients producer PureCircle and flavourings, extracts and essences company Synergy Flavours, team up with Skinny Drinks Group to create zero-sugar tonics sweetened with PureCircle Reb M stevia extract.
Kyon Drinks: New drinks launch dodges the pandemic
In this exclusive interview, Kyon Drinks founder Daniel Suppey talks Food Manufacturer through the trials of setting up a drinks business during a global pandemic and the strengths of the non-alcoholic drinks market.
Reducing waste and beating COVID at Blue Aurora
Rachel Templeton, founder of blueberry wine producer Blue Aurora, spoke with Food Manufacture about reducing food waste and finding success despite the COVID-19 pandemic in this exclusive podcast.
Managing water usage at Suntory
Suntory Beverage & Food Europe head of sustainability gives advice on how to cut down water usage in the factory in this exclusive podcast.
Reformulate: Fooditive's upcycled plant-based sweetener
Putting sustainability and sugar substitution at the forefront of innovation, Netherlands-based Fooditive transforms food waste into a sugar substitute for consumers.
Rethinking UK game at Holme Farmed Venison
In this exclusive interview, Holme Farmed Venison (HFV) managing director Nigel Sampson discussed how his business eschewed the traditional methods of processing game meat in an effort to appeal to an audience more interested in locally sourced, fresh produce.
How Made Smarter is helping firms grow through digital tech
Food manufacturers classed as small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are proving keen to implement industry 4.0 via Made Smarter and it's paying off, says Donna Edwards, director for Made Smarter's North West adoption programme.
Napton Cidery discusses crowdfunding success
Flexibility, growing with your audience and exceeding previously set goals highlight the strengths of crowdfunding, according to Napton Cidery.
The status of eggs in 2021: Noble Foods interview
Exports, supply of labour and the future of egg replacement products were some of the key developments discussed with agriculture director at Noble Foods Graham Atkinson in this exclusive interview.
Digital adoption necessary for food firms: Puratos
Digital adoption is a necessity for food and drink manufacturers moving into the future as the lines between consumers and customers become blurred, according to Puratos.
Urban Fresh Foods squares off against COVID-19 challenges
Overhauling NPD taste testing in response to COVID-19 and harnessing the potential of online have been two big challenges for healthy snack maker Urban Fresh Foods since the pandemic struck.
Foot on The Ladder: how COVID-19 inspired The Pished Fish
Building back the brand online after COVID-19 challenges and taking an alternate route to market were highlights in this exclusive interview with The Pished Fish founder James Eagle.
Junk food crackdown could boost keto snacks – Fatt podcast
In this exclusive interview, Hannah Sutter chief executive and founder of ketogenic snack brand Fatt, discusses its potential as UK legislation continues to crackdown on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods.
Re:formulate: Action on Salt on food industry salt reduction
Salt reduction is a ‘win-win’ situation for the food industry and consumers, according to Sonia Pombo, campaign manager for charity Action on Salt.
Foot on the ladder: Alphagreen seeks crowdfunding success
Cannabidiol (CBD) marketplace start-up Alphagreen has launched a crowdfunding campaign to secure £2m of investment to grow the business and expand its product range.
Mondi: plastic packaging, shelf-life and waste
Shelf life, safety and environmental impact are all key factors guiding the production of food packaging, according to packaging firm Mondi.
Chicken Joes boosts business after securing £78k tax credit
In this exclusive interview, Chicken Joes managing director Joe Koumi discusses how a research and development (R&D) tax rebate has benefitted his business and the perceived difficulties with companies pursuing rebates.
Re:formulate: Brusco MD on sodium reduction and Smart Salt
Food manufacturers will face continued pressure to lower salt levels in their products in response to a growing ‘health crisis’, according to Andrew Ashby, managing director of ingredients supplier Brusco Food Group.











