Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. Today’s guest is Arah Tan, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at OTG Management—a leading foodservice company operating in high-traffic venues like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Airports. In this episode, we dig into the unique challenges of airport food operations. Arah shares how OTG navigates complex logistics, vendor contracts, and the unpredictable nature of disruptions—from hurricanes to global pandemics. She brings a unique lens as someone who started in restaurant operations and climbed into supply chain leadership, making this conversation especially insightful for those curious about the intersection of hospitality, logistics, and innovation in constrained environments. Host and Guest Social Media Links: David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Arah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arahtan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arahtan/] Timestamps * 00:00:00  00:01:17 – David introduces the podcast and Arah’s role at OTG * 00:02:09 – Overview of OTG’s operations and Arah’s responsibilities * 00:04:13 – How OTG operates both national and proprietary food brands in airports * 00:07:14 – Security and logistical barriers to airport food supply * 00:09:09 – Arah’s career journey and how she got into supply chain * 00:13:05 – The COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in supply chain strategy * 00:16:20 – Complexity of managing supplier relationships across locations * 00:20:07 – Leveraging vendor flexibility while meeting brand requirements * 00:22:07 – Impact of airport type and seasonality on supply chain demands * 00:25:21 – Economic conditions and their effect on travel and food sales * 00:27:08 – Preparing for disruptions and maintaining resiliency * 00:30:13 – Operations experience informs better supply chain decisions * 00:33:01 – Importance of food safety and proper packaging in airport delivery * 00:34:09 – Arah’s vision for technology and transparency in the next decade * 00:36:05 – Sourcing locally and partnering with community vendors * 00:37:00 – Arah’s pick for best airport food: Bobby’s at LaGuardia 00:39:23 – Reflections on motherhood’s role in shaping leadership I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more:  👉 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors] #SupplyChain #FoodService #AirportLogistics #HospitalityIndustry #SupplyChainInnovation #OTGManagement #DavidMaloni #FarmToFork #FoodSupplyChain #ArahTan #AirportOperations #TravelIndustry #RestaurantLogistics #FoodTech

On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S. We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next. Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following: * David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/] * Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/]  * Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ [https://cooperakaushi.com/]  Timestamps: * 00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet * 01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi * 03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different? * 06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business * 10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life * 13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf * 15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef * 17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today * 22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry * 25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion * 29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets * 32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production * 36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition * 45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste * 49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef * 50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef * 52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms * 53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper Akaushi I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]#BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions. In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]https://datumfs.com/ [https://datumfs.com/]Connect with Tom Healy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/]Episode Timestamps: * 00:00 | Preview * 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table * 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities * 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs * 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results * 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs? * 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle) * 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters * 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America * 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted * 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities * 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty * 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands * 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy * 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more:  https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]

Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential. During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with Wiggs: https://www.starfish-network.com/ [https://www.starfish-network.com/]info@starfish-network.com [info@starfish-network.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/]Timestamps: * 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation * 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks * 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission? * 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology * 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology * 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability * 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust * 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions * 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM * 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions * 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains * 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems * 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 * 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204 * 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks * 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more:  https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]

Welcome to Farm to Fork!  In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology. Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve. Connect with David:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect With Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/]https://www.capitalspring.com/ [https://www.capitalspring.com/]Timestamps 00:00 – Preview 01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader 02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time 03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities 06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators 10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies 14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations 19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal 24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits 27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences 30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges 34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising 37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next 39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.  Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]