The Food & Drink Business Podcast

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, is joined by City Larder co-founders, Robbie and Rebecca Bell, and Commonwealth Bank’s GM for Small Business Vic/Tas, Tess McCormack.Robbie and Rebecca provide an overview of City Larder and building its reputation as a premium brand for French-style charcuterie products. After seeing a gap in the market for their products, the Bells share how they have overcome challenges, built business relationships, and made investment decisions to grow their product range and production capabilities.Tess gives us an overview of Commonwealth Bank’s investment in understanding their clients and providing them with support for a variety of needs, from covering unforeseen costs, equipment, and investing in sustainable utility upgrades to reduce costs and increase production. We finish our discussion by considering the importance for SMEs to explore financing options available to them, particularly during business growth and the benefits that can come with a diversified customer base.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing City Larder:city-larder.com------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve Visscher------------------------------Things you should know:Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.©2025 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Dominic Westendorf, the Regional and Agribusiness Banking Victoria GM for CommBank, and the CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia, Leigh Edward, to discuss the valuable role and benefits of regional food and beverage manufacturing.Leigh tells us about Ferndale Foods, and how its foundations are as much in Ballarat as in his family (Ferndale was founded by his father). He shares insights on the benefits of being regionally based, from cheaper industrial land enabling more capital for equipment and operations, to a local workforce and the added benefits that flow into a community from having larger companies in town.Dominic talks about his passion for regional business and shares some of the findings of the latest CommBank Regional Manufacturing Report. While higher interest rates and energy costs persist, the report found 89 per cent of regional manufacturers and distributors were confident about future conditions and were more bullish than their city counterparts on expecting revenue and profit uplifts in the year ahead.Leigh and Dominic talk about the value in having a working relationship where both parties have a thorough knowledge of the local, regional, and macro-economic factors as well as the business.Leigh provides some insights into the process of growing Ferndale twice – an $11m investment to install marshmallow production and $23m for a snack bar line.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturing Ferndale Foods:ferndaleconfectionery.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve Visscher------------------------------Things you should know:Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.©2024 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) CEO, Fiona Fleming, about the critical role of food science and Australia’s food and beverage industry.We start with an overview of AIFST, as a not-for-profit industry body with the goal to advance and inspire all food sector professionals through education, collaboration, and recognition to champion a robust, innovative science based Australian food industry to meet future food needs. The discussion reviews the major changes in food science, the valuable education publications AIFST has available, and some of the major topics discussed at the AIFST24 Convention. The discussion also explores AIFST’s commitment to supporting and fostering the careers of the next generation of food scientists, the focus on improving food safety and technology, and the necessity for a national food plan.We wrap up with a call out to the industry to further invest in food science and collaboration with others in the industry.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingAustralian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST)www.aifst.asn.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to the CEO of Future Food Systems, Dr James Krahe.We discuss the concept of concept of clusters and ecosystems, their importance in the future of successful food systems and how Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (FFS CRC) is fostering their creation. We then look at the three clusters/sectors in FFS’s remit, with projects in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Peel Region, WA, and Sunshine Coast, Qld, for an insight into the dynamic environments that they operate in. James shares his views on optimising portected cropping in Coffs Harbour due to their widespread use, including the community into the discussion to increase engagement, and the importance that meeting centres have in helping to foster collaboration and build the future food systems we need.We wrap up by reviewing the challenges faced in connecting clusters and ecosystems, with a focus on long distances, shelf stability, and variance in quality.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingFuture Food Systems:www.futurefoodsystems.com.auFor Food’s Sake:www.forfoodssake.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris Visscher

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by start-up Naked Rivals co-founder, Andrew Gordon.From the kernel of an idea to the relentless anxiety of bringing that idea to fruition, Andrew shares the highs and lows of launching Naked Rivals – a frozen citrus product range that upcycles ‘ugly fruit’ and provides cost-effective convenience year-round.We talk about the willingness of people in the industry to share their knowledge and experience, and the value that comes from those connections.Andrew takes us through the key steps of starting a business before we turn to the intense stress and relentlessness of getting a company off the ground. The path to securing capital can be brutal and Naked Rivals has experienced it firsthand.We wrap up by looking down the road for the company and the power of dogged determination. It is a heartfelt, vulnerable, and brutally honest insight into the reality of being a start-up.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingNaked Rivalswww.nakedrivals.com.au------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Sam Oakden from End Food Waste Australia to discuss the latest global and local initiatives to reduce food waste.Sam provides an update on what is happening in the US and EU and the differences in approach between them. The US has just launched a voluntary agreement model, while the EU is putting legislation in place to advance its efforts.We talk about the success of the Australian Food Pact and how it works with members to achieve ambitious but realistic goals. This links into the importance of collaboration across industry and with competitors.From there we talk about how End Food Waste Australia is the largest food waste research body in the world and one of the only research bodies that is attached to the agency delivering the interventions.Before we wrap up, Sam explains what the sector action plans are and their importance in providing sector specific solutions based on research and data.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingEnd Food Waste Australiaendfoodwaste.com.au/------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris Visscher

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by the federal MP Meryl Swanson to discuss the findings and recommendations from the recent House Standing Committee on Agriculture inquiry into food security. As chair of the inquiry, Meryl expands on just some of the 35 recommendations and Australia’s food system.We start off discussing the recommendations for a National Food Plan, a Minister for Food supported by a National Food Council and a National Food Supply Chain Map. Meryl explains these concepts were rated as most important by the majority of people fronting the committee and submissions.She talked about the complexity of the deceptively simple term ‘paddock to plate’, and the policy challenges for the sector because it crosses a few portfolios and risks ‘falling through the cracks’. Meryl explains how these would be implemented, with the National Food Council being an expert advisory panel on all matters related to the food system. She talks about the importance of the Minister and associated functions to sit within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and have ‘clout’ because of the critical role of the food system.We wrap up by reviewing the suggested tax breaks to businesses who donate food and reduce food wastage, how the plan can foster industry collaboration and innovation, and the next steps for the federal report.LINKS:Sponsored by CommBankcommbank.com.au/manufacturingAustralian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyondwww.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Agriculture/FoodsecurityinAustrali/ReportFood Security Inquiry delivers report, recommends Food Waste Tax: www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/food-security-inquiry-delivers-report-recommends-food-waste-tax------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by the chair of SPC and executive chair of Perpetuity Capital, Hussein Rifai, and the recently announced director of SPC and managing director of Perpetuity Consulting, former CEO Asahi Beverages, Robert Iervasi.The pair walk us through the characteristics of a business advisory firm and the services they offer. Throughout the discussion, we get an insight into how their work with clients to raise capital and reduce or eliminate debt, list on the ASX, manage major purchases, and improve profits.We discuss purposes and strategies behind acquisitions, the importance of planning for short- and long-term goals and preparing for challenges in advance. We also look at why companies look to list on the stock exchange and the factors that must be considered.LINKS:Perpetuity Capitalwww.perpetuity.com.au ------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry, talks to Unilever Australia & New Zealand general counsel, company secretary, and head of B Corp, David Dwyer, about how and why the ANZ business set out to become a B Corp. We start by unpacking what the rigorous certification process involves and the five categories that are assessed to become a B Corp: Environment, Workers, Community, Customers and Governance.The discussion gives us insight into the two-year journey Unilever ANZ went through to achieve the certification, the challenges it encountered in gathering data, and the surprises David and the team found along the way.We wrap up by reviewing the impact of the achievement on the company and its employees.------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Roberto Carbone from Cucina Classica about his experience with food, from his family’s delis and own enterprises in restaurants and cafés to his ready meal business today.Roberto shares the experience and process of licensing one of his products – lasagne – with the feline movie star Garfield, the dramatic impact of Covid, the speed with which the company managed to pivot. Roberto shares his insights on the rise of ready meals and their appeal across most age groups plus some of the future trends he’s expecting to see.LINKS:Cucina Classica gets Garfield's lick of approvalwww.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/cucina-classica-gets-garfield-s-lick-of-approval ------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisccherFood & Drink Business - © 2023

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Fever Tree MD ANZ, Andy Gaunt, about the company and how it disrupted the little thought about market of mixer drinks. The discussion explores the history behind Fever Tree and its impending 20-year anniversary, and its focus on developing tonic waters – and other mixers – that are the best support act for gin and other spirits. We also get insights into how their tonics are produced, the logistics behind their global distribution network, and some exciting news about its presence in Australia. We wrap up by discussing the science behind carbonation and Fever Tree’s new line of cocktail mixers.LINKS:Fever-Tree Australia: https://fever-tree.com/en_AU------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherEditor: Chris VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2023

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Bronwyn Cheng, Head of World Foods ANZ at General Mills, to talk about its iconic Old El Paso range.We get an insight into Bronwyn’s journey to her current position in food and marketing, as well as Old El Paso’s market leadership in Australia. The discussion explores the popularity of its products, how Cheng and her team keep a heritage brand fresh and retain its consumer appeal and loyalty.We wrap up quizzing Bronwyn on how to eat a taco without making a mess, and take a snapshot of some of General Mills other brands.LINKS:General Mills: https://www.generalmills.com.au/Old El Paso: https://www.oldelpaso.com.au/------------------------------The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.auHost: Kim BerryMC: Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherFood & Drink Business - © 2023