Research and Innovation in the Chocolate Lands

Professional Education with a University Accent

Discussing education for chocolate professionals, Penn State Emeritus Professor Greg Ziegler and CacaoLab Executive Director Claudia Delbaere share lessons learned from teaching generations of students in established institutions, as well as the constraints that the ever-changing supply chain imposes on chocolate manufacturing and the mastery of confectionery formulation. Learn more about educational opportunities at CacaoLab: https://www.cacaolab.be/ [https://www.cacaolab.be/] Sign up for the upcoming PSU Short Chocolate Course June 22-26, 2026: https://web.cvent.com/event/d930b4b6-9877-4b62-8bd4-df82b22bd1d9/summary [https://web.cvent.com/event/d930b4b6-9877-4b62-8bd4-df82b22bd1d9/summary] Connect with our guests via LinkedIn: Claudia Delbaere https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiadelbaere/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiadelbaere/] Greg Ziegler https://www.linkedin.com/in/grgryrzglr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grgryrzglr/]

Labor in sugar cane

Cornell University Professor Alex M. Nading, a medical anthropologist, joins host Carla Martin to discuss the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes (CKDnt) among Nicaragua's sugarcane plantation workers. Find Dr. Nading's book via Duke University Press: https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-kidney-and-the-cane [https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-kidney-and-the-cane] ; or in a library near you: https://search.worldcat.org/ [https://search.worldcat.org/]

USA Cacao: A New Origin?

Hawai'i meets Puerto Rico in this discussion of cacao production in the United States! Dr. Viviana Medina of V.M.R. Consulting and Dave Elliott of O'ahu Resource Conservation and Development Council join host Jose Lopez Ganem. Connect with our guests via LinkedIn: Vivana Medina https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianamedina/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianamedina/] Tickets for the HCCA Conference in Hawaii July 10-12, 2026: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hawaiichocolateandcacaoassociation/2172522 [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hawaiichocolateandcacaoassociation/2172522] Engage Oahu RC&D's programing here: https://oahurcd.org/ [https://oahurcd.org/]

Numbers, Networks, and Narratives in Specialty Coffee

Emory University Professor Peter Roberts, an economic sociologist, joins Carla to discuss the commodification of specialty coffee producers and the industry's obsession with a narrative of supply and demand. Connect with Dr. Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-roberts-51105374/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-roberts-51105374/] Order Dr. Robert's book from Oxford University Press: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/from-supply-and-demand-to-numbers-networks-and-narratives-9780198871460?cc=us&lang=en& [https://global.oup.com/academic/product/from-supply-and-demand-to-numbers-networks-and-narratives-9780198871460?cc=us&lang=en&] ; or find it in a library near you: https://search.worldcat.org/ [https://search.worldcat.org/]

Research and Innovation in the Chocolate Lands

Zurich University of Applied Sciences Professor Tilo Hühn describes his lengthy career in food technology innovation and the ways in which Switzerland remains a center of leadership in education and entrepreneurship in chocolate. Connect with Dr. Huhn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilohuehnprocessdesign/?locale=en [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilohuehnprocessdesign/?locale=en] Learn more about ZHAW's course, "The Science and Art of Chocolate": https://www.zhaw.ch/en/lsfm/continuing-education/detail/course/cas-the-science-and-art-of-chocolate [https://www.zhaw.ch/en/lsfm/continuing-education/detail/course/cas-the-science-and-art-of-chocolate]