Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni

• Feeding Millions on the Move: Arah Tan Talks Supply Chain, Inflation, and Innovation

  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/Arah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arahtan/ Timestamps00:00:00 00:01:17 – David introduces the podcast and Arah’s role at OTG00:02:09 – Overview of OTG’s operations and Arah’s responsibilities00:04:13 – How OTG operates both national and proprietary food brands in airports00:07:14 – Security and logistical barriers to airport food supply00:09:09 – Arah’s career journey and how she got into supply chain00:13:05 – The COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in supply chain strategy00:16:20 – Complexity of managing supplier relationships across locations00:20:07 – Leveraging vendor flexibility while meeting brand requirements00:22:07 – Impact of airport type and seasonality on supply chain demands00:25:21 – Economic conditions and their effect on travel and food sales00:27:08 – Preparing for disruptions and maintaining resiliency00:30:13 – Operations experience informs better supply chain decisions00:33:01 – Importance of food safety and proper packaging in airport delivery00:34:09 – Arah’s vision for technology and transparency in the next decade00:36:05 – Sourcing locally and partnering with community vendors00:37:00 – Arah’s pick for best airport food: Bobby’s at LaGuardia00:39:23 – Reflections on motherhood’s role in shaping leadershipI’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#SupplyChain #FoodService #AirportLogistics #HospitalityIndustry #SupplyChainInnovation #OTGManagement #DavidMaloni #FarmToFork #FoodSupplyChain #ArahTan #AirportOperations #TravelIndustry #RestaurantLogistics #FoodTech

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  40:38
• Inside the Cattle Business with Aaron Cooper of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi

  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/Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ Timestamps:00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different?06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper AkaushiI’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#BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

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  55:46
• Trump Tariffs with Tom Healey, CPG and Foodservice International Supply Chain Executive and Datum Advisor

  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://datumfs.com/Connect with Tom Healy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/Episode Timestamps:00:00 | Preview01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results10:07 | 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 Matters20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the InnovatorsI’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

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  31:28
• Innovating Food Supply Chains with Wiggs Civitillo Founder of Starfish Networks

  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/Connect with Wiggs:https://www.starfish-network.com/[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission?00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 20400:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 20400:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-upI’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

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  45:20
• Future of Foodservice & Franchising with Jim Balis from Capital Spring Partners

  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/Connect With Jim:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/https://www.capitalspring.com/Timestamps00:00 – Preview01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn MoreI’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

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  41:19

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