Generational Marketing, FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, The ‘Skinny’ on Skinny Butcher

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Omnivore

Episode Description

In this episode of Omnivore, our hosts interview food science thought leaders appearing in the pages of the August 2023 issue of Food Technology.

Consumer trends expert Dr. Liz Sloan delves into the defining characteristics of key market segments ranging from youthful Generation Alpha to aging baby boomers and matures. IFT traceability experts Blake Harris and Sara Bratager provide insights into FDA’s final Food Traceability Rule and the need for speed in planning to meet the compliance deadline of January 20, 2026. Dave Zilko, CEO and cofounder of plant-based meat alternatives startup Skinny Butcher, chats about how the brand’s formulation, marketing, and to-market strategy help set it apart from its competitors.

Plus: Find out more about IFT’s new Product Development Bootcamp, a comprehensive, 10-module online course designed to equip food and beverage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate and accelerate product development. Learn more at www.ift.org/bootcamp.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Omnivore Episode 18 hands grabbing slices of blue cake

Featured Guests

A. Elizabeth Sloan President

A. Elizabeth Sloan, PhD, is CEO and president of consumer trends consultancy Sloan Trends Inc. and a longtime contributing editor of Food Technology magazine. A veteran of work in industry, media, and public relations, Sloan received a PhD in food science and technology from the University of Minnesota.
Sara Bratager Scientist

Sara Bratager is food traceability and food safety scientist with the Institute of Food Technologists.
Blake Harris Technical Director of IFT's GFTC

Blake Harris is technical director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center.
Dave Zilko CEO of Skinny Butcher

Dave Zilko is cofounder and CEO of Skinny Butcher. An entrepreneur for over 25 years, Zilko helped build and then sold the Garden Fresh Gourmet Salsa brand to Campbell Soup for $231 million in 2015.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

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