Riding the AI Wave, Legacy Brands Product Innovation, MAHA at IFT FIRST

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Omnivore

Episode Description

In this “Best of 2025” episode of Omnivore, Food Technology revisits the top food science and thought leader interviews of the year. The AI era is unquestionably here, and it’s advancing at lightning speed. In this episode, AI “futurist” and IFT FIRST keynote speaker Steve Brown discusses the unprecedented opportunities that AI offers, its benefits for the global food system, and why it’s important to embrace its new technologies with a mindset of curiosity instead of fear. Circana’s Sally Lyons Wyatt explains why legacy food and beverage brands are under pressure to innovate, and how they’re stepping up to the challenge. Martin Hahn, a regulatory attorney and partner at Hogan Lovells, and Maha Tahiri, CEO of Nutrition Sustainability Strategies, explore how the MAHA agenda could reshape formulation, labeling, and ingredient safety strategies across the food industry in this live session recorded at IFT FIRST.

This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by CoDeveloper, from IFT. CoDeveloper is the first AI-powered co-scientist built BY food scientists FOR food scientists, and leverages IFT's 85+ years of scientific excellence – accelerating your R&D processes and helping solve your toughest challenges. Learn more and book your free demo at CoDeveloper.IFT.org.

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Featured Guests

Steve Brown Author and Former Executive

Steve Brown is a former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel and the best-selling author of The Innovation Ultimatum: How Six Strategic Technologies will Reshape Every Business in the 2020s. A seasoned leader with deep experience working at tech giants, leading world-changing startups, and as a consultant to Fortune 100 companies, Brown is known for making complex tech accessible and inspiring.
Sally Lyons Wyatt Executive Vice President

Sally Lyons Wyatt, Executive Vice President at Circana, is a global expert in CPG and foodservice, known for insights on consumer trends, sustainability, and emerging categories. With over 30 years of experience, she leads industry teams, advises Fortune 500 clients, and frequently appears in top media. A two-time “Top Women in Grocery” honoree, she champions early-career professionals at Circana.
Martin Hahn Food Law Expert

Martin Hahn is a partner at Hogan Lovells with deep expertise in food law and regulatory strategy. With a background in food technology and a J.D. from Northwestern University, he advises clients across the food industry on ingredient approvals, labeling, enforcement, and compliance challenges. His work spans conventional foods, dietary supplements, infant formulas, and emerging product categories like hemp extracts.
Maha Tahiri Nutrition Advisor

Maha Tahiri is CEO and founder of Nutrition Sustainability Strategies LLC, where she advises companies on global health, nutrition, and regulatory strategy. A seasoned executive and board advisor, she brings decades of experience leading innovation and public health initiatives at major food and beverage companies. Tahiri is known for translating science and consumer insights into strategies that drive sustainable growth and improve the food system.

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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