Podcast

Markets to Menus by ArrowStream

Business, Management

Join David twice a month, for just 30 minutes, as he delivers a concise exploration of the commodities that move global markets and local kitchens—followed by a discussion with leading food-supply-chain experts who add practical context, best practices, and solutions to today's challenges and opportunities.

Episodes
62
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
32 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
1 week ago

Episodes

62 episodes, newest first

  1. Less Beef, Smarter Supply Chain

    Season 1, Episode 10

    Show notes

    This week on Markets to Menus, ArrowStream Senior Commodity Analyst John Goodwin joins me to break down the good news around corn supplies, consumers shifting from beef to chicken, and a mixed outlook for winter energy spending.

    Then we shift gears to supply chain best practices with the Restaurant Partners Procurement (RPP) team. Kristen Brooks is Divisional President at Buyers Edge Platform and President of RPP. She’s joined by Vice President of Supply Chain Alex Herrero, category management lead Daryl Still, and Director of Business Development Ryan Cox. They share how smaller brands can tap into big-brand purchasing power, why being a “customer of choice” matters more than ever, and one action every operator can take on Monday.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/ Kristen Brooks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-brooks-b9727790/ Alex Herrero:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-herrero-b67ba2169 Daryl Still:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-still-235a518/ Ryan Cox:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-cox-93204043/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    37 min
  2. Agile Suppliers, Table Ready

    Season 1, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Welcome back to Markets to Menus! This week we've got a packed episode covering both the big-picture markets and what suppliers are actually seeing on the ground. First, I sit down with John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, to break down the latest on corn and the tightening pork supply outlook. We also cover the key economic factors you should be watching right now, including 10-year bond yields hitting a 24-year high.

    Then we shift over to the supplier side with ArrowStream's SalesStream team, Ryan Marshall and Nick Hummer, alongside Chris Geiger, Vice President of Sales at Agrosuper, one of the world's largest protein suppliers. They share the latest trends they're seeing from suppliers across the food supply chain. They also talk about how better data and visibility are helping suppliers stay agile in a challenging environment.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/ Chris Geiger:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-geiger-a28a1517/ Ryan Marshall:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjmarshall0324/ Nick Hummer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hummer-16a07a4/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    36 min
  3. Elections, Energy, and Lee's Comeback

    Season 1, Episode 8

    Show notes

    This week on Markets to Menus, David Maloni has a jam-packed episode lined up. First, he's joined by John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, to dig into the numbers moving the food supply chain right now: diesel prices, feed costs, and yes, even how the midterm elections could ripple through the markets.

    Then David shifts gears and sits down with Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. Ryan has a fascinating story. He traded in a career as a private equity executive to jump headfirst into the restaurant industry, and he shares what that leap taught him about running a beloved chicken brand.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/ Ryan Weaver:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjweaver/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    33 min
  4. Better Beef, Smarter AI

    Show notes

    Welcome to Markets to Menus. This week, John Goodwin joins host David Maloni to break down what's shaping up to be a more encouraging picture for beef supplies, a softer table egg market, and the latest movement in coffee. They dig into the resumption of cattle imports from Mexico and what a bottom in beef production could mean heading into the back half of the year, why egg demand is still working its way back after those record grocery-store prices, and what's pulling coffee back down to earth after its summer run.

    David is then joined by John Davie, CEO and Founder of Buyers Edge Platform and CEO of CollectivIQ, for an in-depth conversation on AI and what it means for the future of the industry. John walks through the four divisions of Buyers Edge, why he built CollectivIQ as an "AI consensus" engine that queries every leading model at once, and how the company's new digital direct reports are helping operators do more with less. It's a candid look at where AI is taking food service — and one practical piece of advice for anyone who feels like they're falling behind.

    Connect with our Host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/

    John Davie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-davie-5788a18/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    34 min
  5. Corn, Beef, Golden Corral's Mission?

    Season 1, Episode 6

    Show notes

    On this episode of Markets to Menus, I'm joined by ArrowStream Senior Commodity Analyst John Goodwin to break down the challenges facing this year's corn crop — including what the latest Pro Farmer Crop Tour yield estimates could mean for an already historically tight balance sheet — and to unpack the Trump administration's latest move to lower ground beef prices. We dig into whether suspending the out-of-quota tariff on beef imports for 90 days will actually move the needle, who stands to benefit, and why seasonality may matter more than the headline. We also get into the wheat market and the escalating disruptions in the Black Sea.

    Then I sit down with Telly Smith, Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Distribution at Golden Corral, who shares how the iconic buffet brand not only survived COVID but came out the other side stronger than ever. Telly walks us through his 35-year journey from washing dishes in high school to leading the supply chain, what makes Golden Corral's service-driven culture so special, how his small team manages more than 700 SKUs and hundreds of millions in spend, where he sees the food service supply chain heading, his advice for smaller and emerging chains, and the remarkable philanthropic work the brand does for military families and veterans.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst, ArrowStream: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/

    Telly Smith, Senior Vice President, Purchasing & Distribution, Golden Corral: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telly-smith-9568b216/

    Call to Action

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    32 min
  6. Hormuz Watch, Restaurant Reality Check

    Season 1, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Welcome back to Markets to Menus. This episode breaks down what's happening across the food supply chain — from the global commodity markets all the way down to your bottom line. First, I'm joined by John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, for a read on what's moving the markets right now: an update on the Strait of Hormuz and its ripple effects on fuel and fertilizer, why sugar prices came roaring back to life, and what you need to know about tightening chicken supplies. Then we switch gears with Brian Foster, President of Back Office at Buyer's Edge Platform, for a candid look at how independent restaurants are holding up in 2026 as food and labor costs keep climbing — plus practical, ready-to-use best practices operators can put to work today, including how AI is starting to level the playing field for smaller operators.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/

    Brian Foster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-foster-0361b119/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    32 min
  7. Bacon, Beef, & Brinker

    Show notes

    Welcome back to Markets to Menus. In this episode, David Maloni is joined by John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, for a discussion on the latest developments in the grain and oilseed growing season, an analysis of last week's USDA cattle inventory report, and an outlook on pork bellies ahead of what may be their strongest week of the year. Following that conversation, David sits down with James Butler, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy Officer, and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Brinker International, to discuss the company's significant growth at Chili's, the strategies behind building a supply chain capable of scaling with that growth, and his perspective on where the food supply chain is headed. This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, the industry's leading commodity research and forecasting platform, combining over 40 years of expertise with cutting-edge AI.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/James Butler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmbutler83/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here: https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    33 min
  8. Grains, Dairy & Data

    Season 1, Episode 3

    Show notes

    In this episode of Markets to Menus, we start with John Goodwin from ArrowStream for a market update on the latest USDA data moving dairy and grain markets, along with the geopolitical forces still shaping commodity volatility. We break down softer dairy markets, firmer pork, weakness in chicken and beef cutouts, and why recent gasoline and diesel lows may not fully reflect the tighter supply-demand picture underneath.

    Then I’m joined by Jeff Dorr, Division President – SaaS at Buyers Edge Platform, the parent company of ArrowStream, for a conversation on the evolution and outlook of the foodservice supply chain. Jeff walks through how technology, data, and AI are becoming more visible and actionable for operators, distributors, and manufacturers—and why the future of AI in foodservice has to be tied directly to business outcomes.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/Jeff Dorr:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedorr

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    24 min
  9. Scarce Cattle, Smart Supply

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Welcome back to Markets to Menus. In this episode, our host David Maloni is joined again by John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, to break down the latest moves across commodity markets, including the ripple effects of the Iran-U.S. conflict, fuel market pressure, cattle supply tightness, Brazil weather impacts, and what those developments could mean for foodservice buyers.

    Later, David sits down with Megan Posenato, Vice President of Supply Chain and Quality Assurance at NAYA, a fast-growing Middle Eastern fast-casual brand rooted in Lebanese recipes and family tradition. Megan shares what she learned helping scale Shake Shack’s supply chain from roughly 40 to 500 U.S. locations, what she is building now at NAYA, and why inventory visibility, supplier relationships, forecasting, technology, and strong teams are essential for emerging restaurant brands.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Connect with our guests:

    John Goodwin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/Megan Posenato:https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-posenato-68150748https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-posenato-68150748NAYA:https://www.eatnaya.com/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    26 min
  10. Commodity Chaos, AI Calm

    Show notes

    Welcome to the first episode of Markets to Menus. Today I’m joined by John Goodwin to break down the latest commodity market developments, including the ongoing Iran–U.S. conflict, the implications of El Niño on global agriculture, and the emergence of New World screwworm cases in the United States. We discuss how geopolitical tensions, weather-driven volatility, and livestock health concerns could impact key food commodities ranging from grains and sugar to beef and dairy.

    Later, I’m joined by Buyers Edge Platform AI leaders Ari J.Y. McShane, Kyle Stamm, and Jack Huffman to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the foodservice supply chain. We discuss the differences between traditional analytics and AI, the importance of high-quality data, emerging use cases for operators and procurement teams, and how restaurant organizations can begin preparing for an AI-driven future.

    Connect with our host:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Connect with our Guests:

    John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/
    Ari J.Y. McShane : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-j-y-mcshane-36a0ba32/Kyle Stamm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstamm/Jack Huffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-huffman/

    This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.

    Find out more about us here:

    https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/

    32 min
  11. Firm Markets, Funky Consumers

    Show notes

    In this episode, I break down the latest moves across the commodity markets, and we’re continuing to see firming conditions in several key areas. The Datum FS Commodity Index moved higher again, soybean oil climbed to six-month highs, and dairy markets strengthened with cheese and butter both trading higher on solid volume. In proteins, chicken markets are rising even with year-to-date production up, egg prices have doubled since our last episode, and pork bellies hit 11-week highs. Beef remains a major story — year-to-date slaughter is down sharply, and the latest annual cattle report shows the smallest U.S. herd since 1951, with inventory down year over year and herd rebuilding expected to be slow, especially with drought in the Southern Plains.

    I’m then joined by Jonathan Maze, Editor-in-Chief of Restaurant Business Magazine, to talk about the consumer and the foodservice industry. As he puts it, the consumer is “weird” right now — very price sensitive, yet still spending on delivery and rushing to try viral menu items. We discuss how social media is accelerating trends and driving sudden traffic swings, while heavy discounting continues as the industry works through ongoing traffic challenges. Looking ahead, Jonathan says one of the biggest trends to watch is beverages, as younger consumers shift away from traditional meal patterns and restaurants push harder into drink innovation to capture more occasions.

    Connect with our host:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Connect with our Guest:

    Jonathan Maze's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmaze/

    Click here to find out more:

    https://datumfs.com/

    13 min
  12. Inflation Signals

    Season 1, Episode 8

    Show notes

    In this episode, I review what’s changing across major commodity markets. Even though the Datum FS Commodity Index is still trading near two-year lows, I’m starting to see inflation creep back into several areas. I call out crude oil moving higher, the dollar being higher (not ideal for commodities), and grain markets staying generally rangebound. The clearest standout on the ag side is soybean oil, which I note is up 20% year over year and at a five-month high this week, with biodiesel demand as a major driver.

    I also run through proteins and dairy. In dairy, I mention cheese blocks higher, barrels kind of flat, and butter sharply higher—while also noting cheese and butter are still down materially year over year. On proteins, I cover table eggs jumping $0.27/dozen this week, chicken markets firming (breasts and wings at multi-week highs), pork output up year over year with a cutout that’s been sideways but down month over month, and beef output down year over year with choice and select cutouts higher versus last year. I flag chicken breasts as moving through key technical resistance levels, and I close with consumer sentiment improving per the University of Michigan reading, along with a reminder that inflation can show up all at once—so staying close to the data matters.

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    6 min
  13. 2026 Market Reset

    Season 1, Episode 7

    Show notes

    Welcome to The Commodity Kitchen Podcast, and happy New Year. In this episode, 2026 Market Reset, I walked through what’s setting the tone for markets as we head into the new year. Grain markets are generally rangebound with some firmness in soybean meal, and soybean oil is still up about 9% year over year due in part to biofuel demand. In dairy, cheese blocks are steady while butter is down 7.9% on the month, marking some of the lowest non-COVID prices of the last decade and creating real contracting opportunities. Crude was a little firmer, while diesel and gasoline prices continue to edge lower.

    On proteins, eggs have been hit hard—down 61% over the last month—while chicken output is up 4.3% year over year, keeping markets in check. Pork output is up short term but expected to be fairly tepid for the year, and beef production is down 5.2% with trim firming and the rib complex unusually weak. I also flagged the potential Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs and China’s new 55% tariff on beef once quotas are filled, both of which could add confusion and tighten imported lean beef supplies in the U.S. as we move further into 2026.

    Connect with our host:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    8 min
  14. Markets & Mistletoe

    Season 1, Episode 6

    Show notes

    In this episode of Commodity Kitchen, I walked through the latest commodity trends, noting that our food-weighted index has fallen below prior-year levels for the first time in nearly two years. Energy markets remain a tailwind with gasoline now at four-year lows, while grains and soybean oil continue to show weakness. Coffee prices are easing after tariff exemptions on Brazil and Vietnam, and dairy markets are sharply lower year over year due to abundant milk supply. Protein markets remain mixed, with chicken output running higher, pork values supported, and beef production down more than 4% year to date — a key driver behind the recent surge in cattle futures.

    I was joined by Pedrom Rejai of Elevate Growth Partners, who explained how tariffs and retaliation are disrupting global food trade, pointing to a 96% collapse in U.S. beef exports to China as licenses expire and Australia steps in to fill the gap. We discussed how the almond industry successfully diversified export markets after the 2018 trade war and why that model is critical today. Pedrom also outlined best practices for navigating international sourcing, including leveraging USMCA exemptions, tightening documentation on processed foods, and investing in traceability and supplier diversification to build long-term supply chain resilience.

    Connect with out host:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    Connect with out Guest:

    Pedrom Rejai's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedromrejai/

    19 min
  15. Markets on the 50-Yard Line

    Season 1, Episode 5

    Show notes

    In this episode of The Commodity Kitchen Podcast, David Maloni and Gerry Dalton break down the key commodity market drivers for the week ending December 6, with a focus on grains, dairy, proteins, and macroeconomic signals influencing market conditions. While energy markets and the U.S. dollar remain relatively rangebound, several important shifts are emerging beneath the surface—particularly in soybeans and soybean oil, dairy supply fundamentals, chicken production, and U.S. beef imports.

    The hosts examine changing supply dynamics across major protein categories, review recent USDA data showing a month-over-month decline in the U.S. milk cow herd, and discuss the Trump administration’s decision to ease beef import tariffs. They also highlight signs of ongoing consumer pressure, including increased discounting and weakening labor data, and explain how recent softness in the U.S. dollar could provide support for commodity prices.

    Connect with our hosts:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    10 min
  16. Cattle Pull Back, Milk Surges: Key Market Moves Ahead of Thanksgiving

    Season 1, Episode 4

    Show notes

    In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, we break down major moves across cattle, dairy, grains, and protein markets. Live cattle and feeder cattle futures—after hitting record highs—have now pulled back to levels last seen in July, though they remain historically elevated. September milk production surged 4% year over year, and the milk cow herd climbed 2.5%, marking its biggest increase in decades. Grain markets continue to firm, with nearby soybean futures reaching their highest price since June 2024, supported by tighter-than-expected soybean supplies and increasing demand tied to biofuel mandates.

    We also analyze key protein dynamics: chicken output is running about 3% above last year, with whole birds holding steady at $1.05/lb; beef cutouts have begun drifting lower but remain higher year over year; and lean/fat trim prices continue moving in opposite directions due to limited government production data during the shutdown. Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride both expressed confidence in strong chicken demand for 2026 despite today’s lower prices. Tune in to hear the full discussion and understand how these trends may shape commodity decisions heading into the holiday season.

    Connect with out hosts:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    10 min
  17. Meat and Dairy Thrillers

    Season 1, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Welcome back! We open with a couple of Halloween scare stories before diving into markets: cheese is around recent highs (discussed near $1.80/lb) with a long-run support near $1.50/lb that hasn’t held below for long over the past 10–15 years; we’re not especially bullish on cheese here. Butter remains around the 1.60 level and relatively rangebound despite holiday demand.

    On proteins, retail beef prices in September rose 14.7% YoY to a record high, likely starting to curb consumption, while pork (+1.6% YoY) and chicken (+1.5% YoY) present better value. We also flag a potential resumption of Mexican cattle imports (no date yet) that could help beef supplies in 2026. Give the full episode a listen for our take on price floors, value spreads across proteins, and what these developments could mean in the weeks ahead.

    Connect with out hosts:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    12 min
  18. Markets Under Pressure: Dairy Down, Tariffs Rising

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    In this episode, we take you through the latest movements across food, energy, and agricultural markets. The Datum FS Commodity Index is down 6% month over month, driven largely by steep declines in dairy and poultry. We unpack what’s behind the sharp drop in chicken breast, wing, and tender prices, the continued weakness in butter, and the broader trends putting pressure on nearly every major commodity. You’ll also hear our thoughts on how these shifts compare to past market lows and what might signal a turnaround.

    We also zoom out to the bigger picture—how government shutdowns, renewed tariff discussions with China, and record corn harvest expectations could reshape the landscape for U.S. producers and global trade. From rare earth mineral tensions to multi-year lows in grains and oilseeds, we explore the forces at play and what they could mean for feed costs, pricing stability, and market confidence heading into the end of the year.

    Connect with out hosts:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    10 min
  19. Big Herd, Low Prices: This Week in Commodities

    Season 1, Episode 1

    Show notes

    In this first episode of The Commodity Kitchen Podcast, we dive into the latest moves across the commodity markets. From the sharp drop in chicken prices to ongoing weakness in dairy and record cattle herds, we break down what’s driving these shifts. We also touch on feed costs, seasonal production changes, and government policies shaping the outlook. Our goal is to help you make sense of the trends that matter most right now.

    Connect with out hosts:

    David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

    Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/

    Click here to find out more:
    https://datumfs.com/

    11 min
  20. Feeding Millions on the Move: Arah Tan Talks Supply Chain, Inflation, and Innovation

    Show notes

    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/

    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

    #SupplyChain #FoodService #AirportLogistics #HospitalityIndustry #SupplyChainInnovation #OTGManagement #DavidMaloni #FarmToFork #FoodSupplyChain #ArahTan #AirportOperations #TravelIndustry #RestaurantLogistics #FoodTech

    41 min