Gut health is of growing concern for many people, but for athletes it can be of vital importance, and there are some very specific issues. Problems in this area are common among the physically active, and their impact can be wide ranging. In recent years our understanding of gut health has grown considerably, and it appears the more we learn, the more we realise just how central it is to our overall health. We also know that for active consumers, be they professional athletes or more...

How is consumer demand shaping the future of the food industry? It is a question that is almost constantly being asked by companies, entrepreneurs and staff across the world, in what is a hugely competitive market.  There is arguably no other sector that is as tuned in to what its customers want, and delivering on those wants and needs is crucial for any business to survive. But, as many of our listeners will know, it is not always a straight line and that means plenty of adaptation and...

In a world full of uncertainty, a little knowledge can get you so far, but in-depth understanding can really make the difference. Consumers and the food industry itself have been through monumental change in recent years, and the effects are still being felt across the globe. Added into the mix are new emerging uncertainties. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with Tetra Pak, we asses where consumers are right now, and where they might be heading in the...

There is a global dietary problem that needs addressing, and it is called ‘the fibre gap’. Put simply, it is the difference between how much fibre we should be consuming (roughly 30 grams per day) and how much we are actually consuming (on average, 18 grams per day). That means the average person has a daily fibre deficit of 12 grams and the effects of that can be far-reaching. Fibre plays a crucial role in our overall health and it has been suggested that bridging the fibre gap, could...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we dive deep into the critical topic of fuelling the bodies of athletes, with a particular focus on female athletes.  In previous episodes, we have emphasised the importance of achieving the correct nutritional balance, and explored the lack of research regarding the nutritional requirements of female athletes.  But now, we are taking a more in-depth look at a specific issue that looms large in the realm of sports nutrition - low energy...

The food landscape is undergoing huge change, with one of the main driving forces being a pursuit of more sustainable solutions. One key area of focus is reformulation - can we use different ingredients to make products that are healthy, tastey and attractive to consumers? This episode of the Food Matters Live podcast was recorded in front of a live audience during our Sustainable Food Forum event, held in London in September 2023. Our panel discusses some of the new and innovative ways to...

By now, you are probably aware of just how important the gut microbiome is.  Studies have linked it to playing a role in supporting the immune system, brain health and metabolism. Now, new research from the Universities of Nottingham Trent and Warwick has uncovered yet another potential link between the gut microbiome and our bodies’ metabolic processes.  The research explores endotoxins - bacterial substances present in the gut, and their potential role in increasing the risk of metabolic...

In England, more people living with obesity will soon have access to the latest weight loss drugs following the announcement of a £40 million two-year pilot scheme. It comes after NICE, the organisation that publishes guidance on the use of new treatments, gave approval for the medical use of the appetite suppressant semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, earlier this year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that the new drug could be a “game-changer” for the obesity epidemic, especially with...

As we age, our bodies undergo significant transformations, underscoring the increasing importance of maintaining our health. Protein, often referred to as the cornerstone of life, plays a pivotal role in this transformative journey.  Its contributions extend far and wide, from bolstering muscle strength and fortifying bone density, to assisting in the intricate dance of hormone regulation. For women, the journey of aging presents a unique array of challenges. The onset of menopause ushers...

David Nabarro says people are the key to effecting change, and for him, that is no different in the food industry. "Some in the food industry tell me that they read the writing on the wall," he says. "We know we're going to have to change. "We're going to have to reduce our emissions and be much better at regenerating nature. "I would say that's a small proportion of those working in the food sector. So it is starting, but it's not anything like enough." David is Co-Director and Chair of...

"The two communities act as if they are ships passing in the night." That is Lawrence Haddad's assessment of how those concerned with climate action and those concerned with nutrition behave towards each other. It is a situation he believes needs to change, and urgently. "Climate action, or a lack of action, really affects nutrition status a lot," he says. "What's maybe less known is that nutrition action also affects climate." Lawrence Haddad is the executive director at GAIN - Global...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we explore the role of education in making the food industry more sustainable. Although it is a priority for many people, studies show sustainability is often misunderstood when it comes to food. An NFS Youth Engagement Report found that the young people they spoke to mostly had a basic understanding of ‘sustainability’ and some preferred not to think about the effects of their food choices. And it is not just young people. A Food...

Over the last few years, the sale of sustainable foods has seen massive growth. Between 2015 and 2022, sales of food products marketed as sustainable grew 2.7 times faster than conventionally marketed products. However, the figures in 2023 are not looking as promising. Recent figures from the consumer intelligence company NIQ show that in the UK, the sale of chilled meat alternatives during this year’s Veganuary were down 16.8% compared to last year. And a number of brands have recently...

Natalie Bennett sits in the House of Lords, the upper house of the UK Parliament. She was leader of the Green Party between 2012 and 2016, and is one of only two Green Party peers in the Lords. It is a far cry from where it all began. Natalie was born in suburban Sydney to teenage parents and was the first in her family to go to university. After gaining a degree in Agricultural Science, she went on to have a successful career in journalism before moving into politics in 2006, and leading...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. In this episode, we re-visit some of the best conversations we have had about the history of food. Featured...

Start-ups are often regarded as the lifeblood of innovation, introducing disruptive ideas that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible. But behind every successful start-up, there is a support system working tirelessly to fuel growth and unlock their potential. Accelerators and investors, beyond mere financial backing, provide start-ups with a blend of mentorship, guidance, and resources. They serve as a guiding compass, navigating founders through the...

Spain not only stands as a prominent player in the global agricultural landscape, but has also emerged as a powerhouse in the field of agricultural technology. As of 2022, the Spanish foodtech sector has seen a remarkable surge in investment, reaching an impressive €268 million.  This represents a substantial 9.38% growth within just a year, as revealed by the latest report from ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.  The sector is currently thriving, showcasing Spain's prowess in...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. Today take a look back at some of the best conversations we have had about industry trends with leading figures in...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we are taking a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. In this episode, we take a look back at some of the conversations we have had with leading figures in the...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we continue our series looking at careers in the food industry. In the UK, thousands of people are receiving their GCSE results and will be thinking hard about their future careers. Our guest in this episode is Sadhbh Moore, who has the fantastic job title of Eco Nutritionist. Sadhbh’s interest in the environment goes right back to her childhood in Ireland and has seen her travel the world, cooking in some of the most challenging...

We are well and truly into exam results season in many parts of the world and so we are having a bit of a focus on careers. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we welcome the brilliant Abi Aspen Glencross to the podcast. Abi is Co-Founder of FoodSquared, which makes plant-based shellfish. Her previous role at Duchess Farms saw her spending her time searching the globe for the best varieties of grains, whilst she also co-founded The Sustainable Food Story, a platform to help...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. This episode focusses on some of the conversations we have had with leading figures in the food sector. We get...

Each year, food waste costs the industry £3.2 billion.  That’s according to WRAP, which found that 1.1 million tonnes of it comes from food services and hospitality. But businesses are often unsure of how to tackle the issue, so the cycle of waste continues. In 2019, WRAP launched Guardians of Grub, a campaign that aims to empower professionals from across the hospitality and food service sector to take action. Through providing support and resources, the campaign aims to equip them with...

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we take a look back at some of the highlights from previous episodes. Since launching in 2019, we have made more than 400 episodes, explored some absolutely fascinating topics, and met hundreds of wonderful people. And those people all have one thing in common – a deep knowledge of, and passion for, the food and drink industry. This episode focusses on some of the best conversations we have had about Nutrition. Join us as we look back at...

Cultivated meat is something many of us are yet to experience. But for US consumers, it will soon become a reality.  In June this year, the Department of Agriculture approved the sale of lab grown meat, allowing two Californian companies to offer “cultivated chicken” to US consumers. This makes the US just the second country, after Singapore, to clear the sale of these products. With the US being such a huge market, plenty of people will be watching to see what impact the decision has on...