Mr. Jon Sebastiani is the founder of artisanal jerky brand, KRAVE, and leader of the jerky renaissance, leading KRAVE to their successful acquisition by The Hershey Company. His expertise in the field has been cultivated through various business pursuits, including his background in operations and previous positions as managing partner o
Mr. Jon Sebastiani is the founder of artisanal jerky brand, KRAVE, and leader of the jerky renaissance, leading KRAVE to their successful acquisition by The Hershey Company. His expertise in the field has been cultivated through various business pursuits, including his background in operations and previous positions as managing partner of Wine.com and President of the premier California winery destination, Viansa Winery. He is a graduate of Santa Clara University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and holds a dual MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Columbia University.
Mr. David Batstone is a catalyst for driving positive change across the world. Working with entrepreneurs and investors to create forward-thinking companies that return dignity to people and planet, he is quietly leading a revolution in the way 21st century business operates. A sought-after speaker and consultant to businesses and non-pr
Mr. David Batstone is a catalyst for driving positive change across the world. Working with entrepreneurs and investors to create forward-thinking companies that return dignity to people and planet, he is quietly leading a revolution in the way 21st century business operates. A sought-after speaker and consultant to businesses and non-profits alike, Mr. Batstone shares his unique model for developing successful enterprises that create opportunity for everyone.
Mr. Batstone is the visionary founder and Managing Director of Just Business a social impact investment firm. His portfolio of successful ventures includes REBBL - top organic beverage in the USA, Z Shoes an organic shoe company, and Not For Sale, a global anti-human trafficking organization. He is currently a professor in entrepreneurship and innovation at the School of Management, University of San Francisco, and was previously a private equity banker in the technology industry.
Mr. Batstone has authored five books, is the recipient of two national journalist awards.
Ms. Kelly Duffin is an inspiring international business executive who has successfully set high standards for quality and innovation. She has set an example of providing consumers with the best products possible by integrating consumer insight, product design and quality. She has led multiple companies to the heights of success through he
Ms. Kelly Duffin is an inspiring international business executive who has successfully set high standards for quality and innovation. She has set an example of providing consumers with the best products possible by integrating consumer insight, product design and quality. She has led multiple companies to the heights of success through her unique approach towards design innovation.
Ms. Kelly Duffin has worked with a number of different food companies over 30 years. She served as an Executive Vice President of Research & Development at Dean Foods Co from 2008 to 2013. Prior to that, she served as the Senior Vice President of Kraft Foods, Breakthrough Innovation domestically and internationally. Some of her major work includes creating original consumer platforms to accelerate the growth of Kraft Foods. She most recently was the Senior Vice President of Research & Development/Quality at Continental Mills, Inc until starting her own Consultancy company Duffin Food Innovations.
Mr. Dustin Finkel began his career as an investment banker and equity research analyst at Goldman Sachs. Following his MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, he shifted into leadership roles of well-known Consumer Packaged Goods brands.
He joined General Mills where he led a team to transition Chex Cereal to Glut
Mr. Dustin Finkel began his career as an investment banker and equity research analyst at Goldman Sachs. Following his MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, he shifted into leadership roles of well-known Consumer Packaged Goods brands.
He joined General Mills where he led a team to transition Chex Cereal to Gluten Free, the first national gluten-free product from a multinational CPG. He has held several roles that required both building and turning around brands/businesses through consumer insights, speed of execution, and entrepreneurial thinking including WhiteWave Foods, Famous Brands, Abbott Nutrition and leading multiple Natural Foods companies.
As a leader at WhiteWave (now DanoneWave), he turned Horizon Organic from a commodity milk brand into the leading milk brand in the world. At Famous Brands, he introduced strategic licensing leading to the two best launches in company history, including the first plant-based vegan frozen yogurt in partnership with Silk Almond Milk.
Dustin then joined Abbott Labs to transform the company’s nutritious snacking business. He drove the first annual growth in ZonePerfect in its history at Abbott, while also launching the first new Abbott brand in over 17 years. In doing so, Dustin redesigned the innovation and go-to-market process for the entire Nutrition Division.
In parallel with these roles, Dustin founded MacGray, LLC specializing in providing leadership, strategy, marketing, financial, and valuation services to business primarily in the food space, as well as Private Equity groups looking to invest in the Food Space. In this role, Dustin has served as interim CEO & CMO, advisor, and board member to numerous natural foods companies for well recognized natural foods companies across the country.
Ms. Ashi Jelinek is a Los Angeles-based mother of three who found the market lacked innovative, health-conscious children's products. Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Ashi started her career in theatre in New York and attained her undergraduate degree in theater/communications at California Institute of the Arts. Ashi worked in rest
Ms. Ashi Jelinek is a Los Angeles-based mother of three who found the market lacked innovative, health-conscious children's products. Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Ashi started her career in theatre in New York and attained her undergraduate degree in theater/communications at California Institute of the Arts. Ashi worked in restaurant and hotel management at Nobu and the Ace Hotel and always had a passion for food and building community around it. In launching KidsLuv, Ashi brings her personal experiences as a mother along with her passion for health and wellness. Focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle to her kids, Ashi set out to create a brand for both her own and other families alike.
Before joining the food industry, Dr. Fisher had a 20-year career in the biopharmaceutical industry at leading San Francisco bay companies in research, business development, as well as strategic consulting. He was trained as a medical scientist at Stanford University where he received a BS and MS in Chemistry, followed by an MD and PhD f
Before joining the food industry, Dr. Fisher had a 20-year career in the biopharmaceutical industry at leading San Francisco bay companies in research, business development, as well as strategic consulting. He was trained as a medical scientist at Stanford University where he received a BS and MS in Chemistry, followed by an MD and PhD from the Stanford Medical School and then continued doing research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. After retiring from biopharmaceuticals, he followed his passions for both food and improving health by starting Zeno Functional Foods. Zeno’s unique goal is to create next-gen snacks that can improve an individual’s health and wellness without requiring a significant change to their overall diet or lifestyle. The SOBAR® is the first product to result from this effort and is the world’s first food specifically formulated to reduce alcohol absorption. Validated in randomized and peer-reviewed clinical trial, SOBAR won as Best Health or Wellness Food at the 2020 World Food Innovation Awards in London and is now being launched in the U.S. and China. Dr. Fisher is married and has two college-aged children who are his fiercest food critics.
Dr. Weizhi Chen is an inspiring innovation executive known in the food industry for his expertise in creating consumer-winning products from idea to market. He possesses extensive innovation experience across retail, private label, and food service businesses, spanning various categories such as dairy, plant-based protein, coffee products
Dr. Weizhi Chen is an inspiring innovation executive known in the food industry for his expertise in creating consumer-winning products from idea to market. He possesses extensive innovation experience across retail, private label, and food service businesses, spanning various categories such as dairy, plant-based protein, coffee products, bakery, beverages, refrigerated and frozen, snacks and weight management foods.
He has been a senior corporate executive leading cross-functional innovation teams for industry-leading companies in the U.S. for the past 15 years, including Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Barilla, Dean Foods, WhiteWave Foods and MorningStar. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer at the Whitewave Foods/Danone company leading domestic and international innovation teams, managing R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality Assurance for company’s Asia business, and Consumer Sciences, Applied Technologies, and New Category Innovation for the US business.
Dr. Chen is the Founder & President CEO of Food Innovation Design, LLC dedicated to creating innovative foods and beverages for health and wellness. He is also an Executive in Residence and Adjunct Professor at Daniels College of Business at University of Denver, teaching idea to market innovation and entrepreneurship. He has received advanced education in both technical and business fields, with a Ph.D. in Food Science from Kansas State University and an MBA in Marketing and General Management from Northwestern University. He holds several U.S. patents and has been invited to speak at global innovation conferences.
Ms. Katherine Harvey is cofounder of Bare Bones, a San Diego based health-food company offering a full menu of protein-infused products including ready-to-use bone broth and instant bone broth beverage mixes.
With a background in Journalism, Katherine leapt into the food industry in 2015 after 3 years as a business reporter at the San Dieg
Ms. Katherine Harvey is cofounder of Bare Bones, a San Diego based health-food company offering a full menu of protein-infused products including ready-to-use bone broth and instant bone broth beverage mixes.
With a background in Journalism, Katherine leapt into the food industry in 2015 after 3 years as a business reporter at the San Diego Union-Tribune. Katherine was awarded the Small Business Administration Business Journalist of the Year award in 2015, the same year she left journalism to run Bare Bones with husband Ryan Harvey.
Bare Bones quickly became one of the top innovators in the bone broth industry, by pushing the limits of how to deliver bone broth to consumers, with a focus on maximum convenience and quality. In 2016, Katherine and Ryan published The Bare Bones Broth Cookbook, featuring 125 recipes for making and cooking with the latest food trend that's taking the culinary and wellness communities by storm: bone broth.
Soon after, Bare Bones’ ready-made broths and Instant Beverage Mix filled the shelves of more than 800 retail stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, California Costco Wholesale warehouses, along with Amazon online.
The small, husband-and-wife-run team put family and wellness first, spending free time cooking at home, reading and rewatching Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock and being active and enjoying the outdoors with 3-year old son Ansel.
Katherine’s words to live by are “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”.
Mr. Eli Faraggi is an award-winning entrepreneur who carries with him a unique 13 years entrepreneurial story from an unanswered need he heard about to a collaboration with renowned research institutions that led to 6 clinical trials,US feasibility study and Corporation with IFF.
Inno-Bev Ltd. is an Israeli Food-Tech company and is one of
Mr. Eli Faraggi is an award-winning entrepreneur who carries with him a unique 13 years entrepreneurial story from an unanswered need he heard about to a collaboration with renowned research institutions that led to 6 clinical trials,US feasibility study and Corporation with IFF.
Inno-Bev Ltd. is an Israeli Food-Tech company and is one of the world’s first company's specializing in the development of dietary supplements, functional beverages that address the since of Chronobiology, Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms.
The main cycle that we live by is called the circadian rhythm, or more commonly known as the "biological clock". This is an internal clock that has a constant cycle, nearly 24 hours long, which includes sleeping and waking phases. Naturally and universally, during the after lunch hours between 1pm till 4pm, a “sleep gate” is opened in our bodies as the systems slow down and decrease their rhythms. Its professional name: Post Lunch Dip.
P.L.D is embedded our biological clock , universally during the after lunch hours between 1pm till 4pm, a “sleep gate” is opened in our bodies, as the systems slow down and decrease their rhythms, blood pressure is decreased, blood glucose fluctuations rises and we have a mild drop of temperature. Naturally P.L.D. has huge economic and safety implications. Lost productive time in the American workforce alone is estimated at over 136 Billion Dollars annually. Global car accidents rise significantly at noontime. Work safety and customer service are impaired.
Inno-Bev has invested 10 years of significant and concerted effort developing the market and the scientific research supporting WakeUp Bio Waker™ botanical formula that counteract fatigue throughout the day better and longer then caffeine with no increase in heart rate or blood pressure not without any tolerance over time.
Mr. Dave Behringer is a award-winning innovator, research and development executive, Innovation Thought Leader, engineer, and certified professional chef with a 25+ year track record of delivering technology fueled 'Game Changing' innovation across packaging, product, processing and cost savings initiatives for large corporates and start-
Mr. Dave Behringer is a award-winning innovator, research and development executive, Innovation Thought Leader, engineer, and certified professional chef with a 25+ year track record of delivering technology fueled 'Game Changing' innovation across packaging, product, processing and cost savings initiatives for large corporates and start-ups. Mr. Behringer is CEO of Pilot Lite Ventures USA, which is a global organization that identifies, validates and commercializes breakthrough innovation across industries for Fortune 500 corporations.
Mr. Behringer was the Chief Technology Officer for 915 Labs, the manufacturer of Microwave Assisted Thermal Sterilization and Pasteurization equipment and packaging. The patented technology allows packaged foods companies to make great tasting, natural, nutritious, additive free packaged food products. Dave also spent 25 years as a R&D leader at Kraft Foods, responsible for R&D strategy, emerging science and technology, disruptive Innovation, packaging Innovation, strategic partnerships and open Innovation. He has had a hand in launching multiple $100M+ award winning market successes including Kraft Fat Free Salad Dressings, ‘Innovation of the Year’ Back to Nature Natural and Organic Brand, packaging formats such as stick pack for Crystal Light and patented Peel & Seal recloseable packaging for Chips Ahoy & Oreo.
Ms. Wendy Behr is a Food and Beverage Innovation, Sustainability, and Productivity Consultant enabling companies to create and scale great tasting products with optimal Supply and Gross Margin solutions.
She is a founding member of Tuft’s Nutrition Council with an advisory role to the Dean of the Friedman School and the Director of the USD
Ms. Wendy Behr is a Food and Beverage Innovation, Sustainability, and Productivity Consultant enabling companies to create and scale great tasting products with optimal Supply and Gross Margin solutions.
She is a founding member of Tuft’s Nutrition Council with an advisory role to the Dean of the Friedman School and the Director of the USDA HNRCA shaping strategy to maximize policy, education, and research. She is member of the Nutrition Entrepreneurship Program mentoring students on essentials of innovation. As a member of the Campaign Committee raising student emergency funds for COVID19 Impact.
Before starting her consulting practice, Concept to Commercialization, Wendy held a number of R&D, CSR, Packaging Innovation, and Global Supply Chain roles at Keurig Dr Pepper, The WhiteWave Foods Company, Diageo plc, Givaudan Flavors, and Kraft Foods. Wendy started her career in R&D with Kraft Foods, holding both US and Canadian roles in product development and engineering, before moving to Givaudan Roure Flavors, where she was the manager of the Meat & Savory Business Unit and Culinary Creations. At Diageo, Wendy established 3 technical innovation and supply centers in NA and Panama supporting Diageo’s brand innovation and manufacturing portfolio. Wendy joined WhiteWave Foods leading R&D, establishing the CSR function, and building a state-of-the-art LEED Gold Certified Technical Innovation Center for NA’s fastest growing food company driving growth of Silk, So Delicious, and Vega Plant Based, Horizon Organic, International Delight and SToK Coffee products. Most recently, she led Coffee R&D and Packaging Innovation for Keurig Dr Pepper driving coffee brand innovation, supply chain optimization and setting their 2025 sustainable packaging strategy for over 125 brands.
Wendy graduated from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tuft’s University with a Master’s in Nutrition Science and Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Wendy currently lives in Denver, Colorado where she enjoys cycling, hiking, cooking, and getting lost in a good book.
Mr. Andy Judd is an experienced marketing leader focused on building exceptional teams and go-to-market models that build brands and businesses. He has led teams across brand marketing, insights, e-commerce, digital and social media, and creative services from large strategic consumer goods enterprises to emerging high-growth brands.
Andy
Mr. Andy Judd is an experienced marketing leader focused on building exceptional teams and go-to-market models that build brands and businesses. He has led teams across brand marketing, insights, e-commerce, digital and social media, and creative services from large strategic consumer goods enterprises to emerging high-growth brands.
Andy currently serves as CMO to Yasso, a leading frozen Greek yogurt company. Prior to Yasso, Andy was the CMO to ONE Brands, which is one of the fastest growing protein bar in the US. Prior to ONE, he was VP Marketing for the Boulder Brands business unit of Pinnacle Foods leading all marketing functions of a high growing portfolio of plant-based and gluten free brands. He previously led the management of the So Delicious brand at WhiteWave, where he also spent time transforming the organic and non-dairy yogurt business into one of the fastest growing yogurt companies in the US. Prior to joining WhiteWave, he served as Category Director for ice cream, iced coffee, blended beverages and value added milk portfolio at Saputo Dairy Foods and Dean Foods. Mr. Judd started his post MBA career at Campbell’s Soup Company where during his seven‐year tenure at Campbell’s, he led marketing of the Campbell’s iconic R&W condensed soup brand, Campbell’s kids portfolio, the development of Hispanic marketing, and the acquisition of Wolfgang Puck.
Mr. Jeremy Vandervoet is the CEO & President at Little Secrets, LLC. Mr. Jeremy Vandervoet has 15 years of experience within CPG / food & beverage, having held several leadership positions across marketing and strategy including leading Nestle's $700MM chocolate portfolio and $300MM sugar confectionary portfolio.
Ms. Christina Finkel is a former VP of Marketing at Danone, and she has been tasked with managing communications and marketing efforts for Ka-Pop!, the rapidly growing snack chip brand.
With more than 15+ years of consumer packaged goods experience, Christina is no stranger to building brands. She has dedicated her career to working with b
Ms. Christina Finkel is a former VP of Marketing at Danone, and she has been tasked with managing communications and marketing efforts for Ka-Pop!, the rapidly growing snack chip brand.
With more than 15+ years of consumer packaged goods experience, Christina is no stranger to building brands. She has dedicated her career to working with brands big and small across General Mills, Unilever, WhiteWave Foods and Danone, transforming them into consistent success stories with market leading growth. Christina received her Bachelors from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Carlson School of Management) and her MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (Center for Brand and Product Management).
Dr. Gary Fulcher is an innovative researcher and advisor known in the academia and food industry for his accomplishments in cereal research and their applications in food and medical fields. Dr. Fulcher was the General Mills Land Grant Chair in Cereal Chemistry &
Technology, as well as the Head of Department of Food Science at University o
Dr. Gary Fulcher is an innovative researcher and advisor known in the academia and food industry for his accomplishments in cereal research and their applications in food and medical fields. Dr. Fulcher was the General Mills Land Grant Chair in Cereal Chemistry &
Technology, as well as the Head of Department of Food Science at University of Manitoba.
Dr. Fulcher has held frequent advisory roles in approximately 160 major international food and beverage manufacturing companies, not including government or NGO agencies. Most of the advisory activities related to grain and grain product processing, food safety issues, and patent development work or legal support in disputed patent infringement cases. Companies include most major global beverage, bakery, starch, protein, flavor, and fiber processors.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fulcher held various positions such as: Director of Scientific
Affairs at Brennen Medical, Director of Milling at Lost Lake Lodge, Adjunct Professor at Dept of Biochemistry, Schools of Medicine, at University of Ottawa, Senior Research Scientist and Head Grain Quality Laboratory at Plant Research Center of Agriculture Canada, as well as Senior Editor of CEREAL CHEMISTRY.
Dr. Fulcher is the author and co-author of over 190 scientific publications and book or book chapters, in areas including applications of whole grains/ seeds, starches, functional ingredients such as oat beta-glucan fiber.
In addition, Dr. Fulcher has been very active in various boards, including: Chair of Board for Grains for Health Foundation; Member of Canadian Obesity Network at NSERC Centre of Excellence; Academic Advisor for Food Structure and Function Division at American Oil Chemists Society; Member of Whole Pulse Expert Advisory Committee at Pulse Canada; Founding Member of Center for Biorefining at Department of BioProducts and BioSystems Engineering, University of Minnesota; Board Member of Food Processing HR Sector Council Ottawa; Advisory Board member at Manitoba Food Development Centre; Founding Member at Institute for Grains and Health Research.
Ms. Suzy Zeng has worked for several Fortune 500 companies including Kraft, PepsiCo, General Mills, and Dean Foods for over 20 years, and for the past 10 years as an executive in Fortune 500 companies, including Vice President of business development and innovation for The Whitewave Foods/Danone Company.
Ms. Zeng has broad and diverse lead
Ms. Suzy Zeng has worked for several Fortune 500 companies including Kraft, PepsiCo, General Mills, and Dean Foods for over 20 years, and for the past 10 years as an executive in Fortune 500 companies, including Vice President of business development and innovation for The Whitewave Foods/Danone Company.
Ms. Zeng has broad and diverse leadership experience encompassing innovation, business development, executive board management, joint-venture formation, and U.S.-Asia importing and exporting business. She led the innovation and product launches of numerous products in various food categories across retail, as well as food services and eCommerce across various categories. Most recently, she established new businesses through exporting 50+ products to key markets in Asia. She also enabled the formation of a China joint-venture with Mengniu.
Ms. Zeng is currently the President of Z-Choice International, dedicated to identifying and matching supply and demand for U.S. and Chinese small and medium sized companies seeking growth opportunities. She is the founder of the FIEAC North American Food & Health Innovation Executive Advisory Council. She is also an Executive in Residence at Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.
Ms. Zeng graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities with a Master Degree in Food Science and Nutrition, and completed the Executive Business Innovation Program at IMD Business School in Switzerland. She holds several U.S. patents and serves on the Board of Directors for Global Chamber Denver and Colorado Business Women. She is the current Chairman of the Board for Chinese American Association of Rocky Mountain Region.
Ms. Cathryn Olchowy is a food industry professional with 25 years experience driving growth through working for, and consulting with, large and small food companies, with 150+ brands under her belt. Her unique cross-functional experience, including positions within R&D, innovation, marketing research, marketing, and sales provide the abil
Ms. Cathryn Olchowy is a food industry professional with 25 years experience driving growth through working for, and consulting with, large and small food companies, with 150+ brands under her belt. Her unique cross-functional experience, including positions within R&D, innovation, marketing research, marketing, and sales provide the ability to lead innovation efforts effectively across organizations, as well as provide a unique vantage point to identify opportunities that others don't see.
As a Brand Director at Kraft Foods she led the launch of new product categories, as well as ran base businesses such as Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
As a Partner and Managing Director at Sterling-Rice Group, she led the innovation and culinary practices that developed strategy and new products for Fortune 500 food companies (Frito Lay, Kellogg's, Quaker Oats), foodservice companies (Noodles & Co, Einstein's), and successful start-ups (Noosa Yoghurt, Perky Jerky).
Dr. Ali Besharat is Associate Professor of Marketing and Co-Director of the Consumer Insights and Business Innovation Center (CiBiC) at Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. His research includes two main domains: “Marketing Communications” and “Judgment and Decision Making”. His research in consumer behavior provides importa
Dr. Ali Besharat is Associate Professor of Marketing and Co-Director of the Consumer Insights and Business Innovation Center (CiBiC) at Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. His research includes two main domains: “Marketing Communications” and “Judgment and Decision Making”. His research in consumer behavior provides important insights into innovative efforts related to branding, product development, and marketing communications. Dr. Besharat’s scholarly work has been published in many prestigious Marketing journals as well as popular media outlets, including Time, CNN Money, Yahoo!, Business Insider, The Week, WalletHub, 9NEWS, Denver Post, Fox31, among others.
Dr. Melissa Archpru Akaka is Associate Professor of Marketing and Co-Director of the Consumer Insights and Business Innovation Center (CiBiC) at Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. Her research investigates consumer-centric innovation and collaborative entrepreneurship within dynamic business ecosystems. She also studies ho
Dr. Melissa Archpru Akaka is Associate Professor of Marketing and Co-Director of the Consumer Insights and Business Innovation Center (CiBiC) at Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. Her research investigates consumer-centric innovation and collaborative entrepreneurship within dynamic business ecosystems. She also studies how consumption experiences and journeys create value and lead to innovative outcomes. Dr. Akaka’s scholarly work has been published in a variety of academic journals, and her paper titled “Innovation through Institutionalization: A Service Ecosystem Perspective” was recognized for being “highly cited” (in the top 1%) by Thompson and Reuters.
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