Agrifood for thought podcast
Expana’s Agrifood for thought podcast series explores trending topics in the agrifood commodity industry every two weeks, led by Expana’s expert Editors Simon Duke and Jamie Chadwick. Find our latest discussion, and catch up on previous episodes, here.
Our latest episode:
In episode 40 of Agrifood for thought, we return with a new format, featuring guests.
We kick off with a news round-up (Middle East conflict situation, Super El Nino). Then follows a FIFA Football 2026 World Cup update (featuring guests Jaime Almeida, Market Reporter – Beef at Expana, talking about Mexican trends; Ryan Gallagher, Editor at Expana, discussing US beer trends; and an account of a recent interview Simon Duke had with the National Restaurant Association).
The episode concludes with a brief segment by Lisa Guiraud, Commercial Manager, Events at Expana, about Expana’s Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) mentorship program.
Listen to our previous episodes below
Ep. 39 Innovation and Adaptation at Fruit Logistica
In this episode, we welcome Thess Mostoles from the Expana Editorial team to share insights from Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin.
With conversations spanning shifting trade routes, climate challenges, logistical bottlenecks, and product innovations, Thess offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is navigating supply chain unpredictability and evolving consumer demands.
From expanding blueberry exports in Latin America to new hypoallergenic apple varieties in Europe, this episode explores the resilience and adaptability shaping fresh produce markets today.
Ep. 38 Infant Formula Recalls, MAHA, and Reformulation
In this episode of Agrifood for thought, host Simon Duke discusses the dynamic and challenging landscape of the food additives sector in early 2026.
We begin with the global infant formula recalls triggered by cereulide toxin found in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied to major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis. The contamination highlights vulnerabilities in global ingredient supply chains and has led to widespread recalls across more than 50 countries.
The episode then explores the US “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. MAHA emphasizes reducing exposure to synthetic additives, especially artificial food dyes, which the FDA aims to phase out through voluntary industry commitments by 2026–2027.
Attention also turns to new European Commission regulations tightening safety standards on six common food additives with phased compliance deadlines aimed at preventing supply shocks.
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