Ag Futurist Robert Saik, @TheBlackFoodScientist Shares the Science, The Potential of Generative AI

0:00 0:00

Omnivore

Episode Description

In this “Best of 2024” episode of Omnivore, Food Technology revisits the top food science and thought leader interviews of the year.

Renowned agrologist Robert Saik discusses the ways that science and technology are critical if food production is to meet the needs of a fast-growing global population. Brittany Towers Lewis, aka The Black Food Scientist, talks about how and why she got into making her popular Instagram and TikTok video series, Science in Sixty Seconds. Amazon’s Justin Honaman discusses the potential impact of generative AI, the challenges in adoption, and use cases for the industry.

This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT Membership. Connect with our diverse community and discover a world of new opportunities. Explore the benefits of membership at ift.org/membership.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Featured Guests

Robert Saik CEO of AGvisorPRO

Robert Saik is CEO of AGvisorPRO, a technology platform that connects those seeking agricultural advice with trusted experts. He is an award-winning agrologist, veteran entrepreneur, international agricultural consultant, and passionate advocate for applying science and technology to food production. He has published two books on agriculture and is currently working on a third.
Brittany Towers Lewis MS

Brittany Towers Lewis, MS, is known to 141K followers on Instagram and more than 86K on TikTok as The Black Food Scientist where she delivers rapid-fire food science concepts in her popular Science in Sixty Seconds videos. Towers Lewis, who recently joined Kraft-Heinz as innovation lead–sauces and condiments, has 10 years’ experience working primarily in product development, including positions with Vital Proteins and PepsiCo.
Justin Honaman Worldwide Retail & CPG Go-to-Market Leader, AWS

Justin Honaman leads the worldwide Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Go-to-Market team at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He is also the worldwide segment leader for Food & Beverage. His team’s focus within Retail and CPG is on delivering supply chain, ecommerce, data / analytics and digital engagement business solutions for customers globally. Honaman has spent most of his career in consumer goods and retail both on the customer side (Coca-Cola, Georgia Pacific) as well as the technology/consulting side (Accenture, EY).

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.

Subscribe All Episodes