Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Music
Comedy
Religion & Spirituality
History
Society & Culture
News
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Loading...
0:00 / 0:00
Podjoint Logo
BZ
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/f6/7a/e9/f67ae943-67a5-af33-db22-e2dc0dbbb4cb/mza_10495233062489225136.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
The Food Professor
Michael LeBlanc, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois
224 episodes
2 days ago
Join Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax with host Michael LeBlanc as they look at the hot issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries. We'll discuss proprietary industry and consumer food related research, check out fresh new ideas and talk about half baked strategies. © 2020-2025 M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Show more...
Management
Business,
News,
Business News,
Politics
RSS
All content for The Food Professor is the property of Michael LeBlanc, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Join Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax with host Michael LeBlanc as they look at the hot issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries. We'll discuss proprietary industry and consumer food related research, check out fresh new ideas and talk about half baked strategies. © 2020-2025 M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Show more...
Management
Business,
News,
Business News,
Politics
Episodes (20/224)
The Food Professor
Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, on Tariffs, Trade & the Future of Food Innovation
In this summer bonus episode, Michael LeBlanc speaks with Brian Choi, Managing Partner and CEO of The Food Institute,at the SIAL Food Innovation show in Toronto about transforming a legacy brand into a digital-first food media and data powerhouse. From tariffs and geopolitical trade risks to the future of food innovation, Brian shares candid insights on resilience, leadership, and opportunities in health-focused ingredients and nutraceuticals. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of food, global trade, and consumer behaviour.
Show more...
2 days ago
19 minutes 45 seconds

The Food Professor
Pine-Covered Perfection: Moosbrugger’s Dieter Heidegger on Global Austrian Award-Winning Cheese
Live from the SIAL Canada food innovation show, Michael talks with Dieter Heidegger of Moosbrugger, about Austria’s gold medal-winning, pine-covered cheese and the company’s journey from small-scale beginnings to global recognition. Dieter shares how tradition, innovation, and sustainable farming set Moosbrugger apart, and offers candid insights on how current global trading shifts are reshaping the global food industry.
Show more...
1 week ago
17 minutes 45 seconds

The Food Professor
Butter Believe It: Shruti Priya Agarwal & Akshay Kalekar Stir Up the Market with Whipdd
In this flavorful episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael sits down with Shruti Priya Agarwal and Akshay Kalekar, the entrepreneurial duo behind Whipdd, a bold new brand of clean-label flavoured butters. From a garlic butter experiment in India to listings in Whole Foods across Canada, Shruti and Akshay share their journey of innovation, grit, and taste. Discover how this innovative startup is spicing up the Canadian dairy aisle and aiming for foodservice and global expansion.
Show more...
2 weeks ago
20 minutes 51 seconds

The Food Professor
Bananas, Business & A Better World: Meet Tamara Al Dip & Yazeed Yasin, Co-Founders of NanaShake, winners of the SIAL Canada CPG pitch competition in Toronto
In this feel-good (and tastes great!) episode of The Food Professor Podcast, we welcome Tamara Al Dip and Yazeed Yasin, Co-Founders of NanaShake, winners of the SIAL Canada pitch competition in Toronto. They share their incredible journey from health-conscious parents to successful CPG entrepreneurs disrupting the frozen dessert aisle with “smoothie on a stick” pops made from upcycled bananas.
Show more...
3 weeks ago
22 minutes 14 seconds

The Food Professor
The Bulldog Behind the Brand: Sauce Boss Pierre-Olivier Drouin on Building Quebec's Firebarns
In this fiery episode of The Food Professor Podcast, we’re joined at the SIAL Canada food innovation show in Toronto by Pierre-Olivier Drouin, Co-Founder of Firebarns, the Quebec-based hot sauce and condiment sensation. From banker to barbecue boss, Pierre-Olivier shares his entrepreneurial journey, the story behind their beloved bulldog CEO, and the secret to sauces that deliver flavour first, heat second. We explore Firebarns' explosive U.S. growth, product innovation, and how influencer marketing fuels their spicy success.
Show more...
1 month ago
20 minutes 45 seconds

The Food Professor
Decoding Canada's Culinary Culture with Laura Brehaut, National Post Food Reporter: SIAL Summer Bonus
In this episode, we're joined by National Post food reporter Laura Brehaut for a deep dive into the evolving world of food journalism. Laura shares her unique path into culinary storytelling, her passion for reporting on Canadian food innovation, and the trends she's watching—like the rise of GSP-1s, protein alternatives, and AI in journalism. It's a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about the intersection of culture, food, and storytelling.
Show more...
1 month ago
23 minutes 42 seconds

The Food Professor
Retail, Riesling, and Relationships: Ed Madronich, President of Flat Rock Cellars on Building a Brand That Lasts
In this special summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael sits down with Ed Madronich, President of Flat Rock Cellars, live from the Ontario Craft Wineries Conference. Ed shares his journey from wine lover to winery leader, revealing how authenticity, passion, and unpretentious storytelling have built a brand beloved by customers and retailers alike, including Costco. It's a masterclass in wine, retail, and customer connection from a true industry innovator.
Show more...
1 month ago
16 minutes 10 seconds

The Food Professor
Seeds of Change: Keith Currie, President at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on the Future of Farming: SIAL Summer Bonus
In this special summer bonus episode recorded live at SIAL Toronto, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome Keith Currie, President at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. Representing over 190,000 farmers, Keith shares insights on agriculture's overlooked economic power, trade challenges, climate policy, and the importance of succession planning. From carbon pricing to Canada's ag-tech leadership, this candid conversation offers a powerful reminder: agriculture is not just our past—it's our competitive future.
Show more...
1 month ago
29 minutes 30 seconds

The Food Professor
From Farm to Gold: Chantal Van Winden’s Camelina Oil Wins SIAL Innovation 2025: Summer Bonus Episode
In this summer bonus episode, The Food Professor Podcast spotlights Chantal Van Winden, CEO of Olimega and winner of the 2025 SIAL Innovation Gold Medal, for her buttery, omega-3-rich camelina oil. Co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois are also joined by Joanne McArthur, President of Nourish, who offers an insider’s view on the innovation awards and the judging process. Discover why this 100% Canadian product is turning heads in retail, food service, and health-conscious kitchens across the globe.
Show more...
1 month ago
23 minutes 59 seconds

The Food Professor
Smokin Jon's BBQ: Summer SIAL Food Innovation Show Bonus Episode
In this sizzling summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael interviews Chef Jonathan, co-founder of Smokin Jon’s BBQ & Company. Live from the SIAL show floor, they dive into how Jonathan turned a backyard COVID project into a growing Atlantic Canadian food brand. From smoky maple sauces to Cuban-inspired rubs, Jonathan shares his journey, insights on scaling in a tight retail market, and the blood, sweat, and sauce behind his entrepreneurial success.
Show more...
2 months ago
20 minutes 11 seconds

The Food Professor
BBQ Legends, Bureaucracy & Back-to-School with guests Texas Monthly's Daniel Vaughn & Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle in the Hot Seat
In this sizzling season five finale(ish), Michael and Sylvain dig into food trends, politics, and smoked meats. They discuss Canada’s controversial supply management bill, the Competition Bureau’s lawsuit against DoorDash, and the disruptive influence of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on McDonald's results and the fast food industry in general. Then, it’s a double feature with Daniel Vaughn, Texas Monthly’s Barbecue Editor, sharing insights on the legendary Top 50 BBQ Joints list, and Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle, who brings fresh data on back-to-school shopping behavior. Finally, Sylvain talks about the top stories of the season, and what stories we'll be watching over the summer. Don't forget to tune in all summer for fresh, new interviews all summer! We'll be back on the mic together late August.
Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes 56 seconds

The Food Professor
Vince Sgabellone from Circana Dishes on Dining Trends, Pepper Predicament, and Aluminium, America & Grocery Shopping Trends
In this episode, with an interview recorded live at the SIAL Food Innovation Show, Michael and Sylvain unpack major retail and food trends, including tariff turmoil, supply management politics, and pepper shortages. Then, Vince Sgabellone, Food Service Industry Analyst at Circana Canada, joins to explore the future of dining. From the explosion of global cuisine to shifting consumer habits and Gen Z’s love for delivery, Vince shares the data-backed trends transforming the food service landscape. Insightful, flavorful, and future-focused!
Show more...
2 months ago
44 minutes 42 seconds

The Food Professor
Brisket, Buc-ee’s & Big Ideas plus Spilling the Tea Tariff & guest Tonia Jahshan of Sipology Steeps Up Global Growth
Recorded live at the SIAL Canada Food Innovation show in Toronto, this episode features a powerful interview with Tonia Jahshan, Founder & CEO of Sipology, who shares her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to tea & matcha empire. Co-host Sylvain Charlebois checks in from Texas A&M, where he's leading a top agribusiness program—and makes his first visit to iconic roadside mega-store Buc-ee’s! The hosts also dig into tea tariffs, Texas Monthly's new Top 50 BBQ list, wrapping up bread price-fixing case, and Prime Minister Carney’s mandate letter & AG. A steeped episode you won't forget!
Show more...
2 months ago
54 minutes 11 seconds

The Food Professor
Canada's Food Inflation Crisis, Ag Minister an Animal Farm Fan, Selena Gomez Oreos, and Craft Wine Innovation, Resilience and Opportunity with Dan Sullivan from Rosehall Run Vineyards
In this episode of The Food Professor podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois dive deep into Canada's mounting food inflation crisis and explore the thriving Ontario wine industry with special guest Dan Sullivan, co-founder and head winemaker at Rosehall Run Vineyards in Prince Edward County recorded live at the Ontario Craft Wineries Conference in Niagara Falls.
Show more...
3 months ago
53 minutes 46 seconds

The Food Professor
New Liberal Cabinet & Ag Minister, Newfoundland Sugar Tax Fail, Cricket Bankruptcy Bugs Sylvain, and guest Adam Grogan, President & COO, Maple Leaf Foods
In this episode of The Food Professor podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois discuss the new Liberal cabinet and interprovincial trade deals before interviewing Adam Grogan, President and COO of Maple Leaf Foods. Grogan shares insights on the company's transformation into a CPG powerhouse, sustainability goals, and plant-based protein ventures. The hosts later debate sugar taxes in Newfoundland and the government-funded cricket farm in London that recently entered receivership.
Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 45 seconds

The Food Professor
Sylvain says "Howdy" to Texas A&M, Canadian Food Sentiment Index No. 2, and from Farm to Global Table: Gilles Froment, International Dairy Federation President and Lactalis Canada SVP
In this episode of The Food Professor podcast, Sylvain Charlebois interviews Gilles Froment, Senior VP of Government Relations at Lactalis and President of the International Dairy Federation live at SIAL Canada. They discuss global dairy trends, sustainability challenges, and the future of the industry. The episode also features Sylvain's announcement about joining Texas A&M University, insights from the Canadian Food Sentiment Index, and food inflation concerns affecting Canadian consumers and Tim Horton's has breakfast with Ryan Reynolds.
Show more...
3 months ago
57 minutes 32 seconds

The Food Professor
Live from SIAL Show in Toronto: Canada’s Post-Election Food Policy, Trade Barriers & Exports and guest Martin Lavoie, President & CEO of Groupe Export Agroalimentaire Québec
In this jam-packed episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois report live from the SIAL Food Innovation Show in Toronto, offering insights into global food trends, trade disruptions, the political fallout from Canada’s post-election landscape and Canada’s evolving agri-food export landscape. They’re joined by Martin Lavoie, President & CEO of Groupe Export Agroalimentaire Québec-Canada, for a candid discussion about export strategies, interprovincial trade barriers, and shifting global markets. Plus, reflections on Michael Medline’s upcoming Sobeys departure and rising opportunities for Canadian grocers.
Show more...
3 months ago
59 minutes 38 seconds

The Food Professor
Canada's Missing Agri-Food Election Agenda, RoundUp for Roundup and Jake Karls, Co-Founder & Chief Rainmaker, Mid-Day Squares
In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois tackle Canada’s upcoming election and the lack of agri-food policy across platforms, surging cocoa prices, the glyphosate phase-out, and renewed controversy over food dyes in Canada. Then, they’re joined by Jake Karls, Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares, live from the Ontario Craft Wineries Conference, to discuss scaling a bold snack brand, building a chocolate factory, and innovating through crisis. Insightful and high-energy!
Show more...
4 months ago
54 minutes 2 seconds

The Food Professor
Canada’s Food Inflation Spikes, Investors & Innovators with Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of  VegTech™ Invest
In this jam-packed episode, The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois and co-host Michael LeBlanc explore soaring food inflation, shifting consumer sentiment, and Canada’s evolving food policy landscape before welcoming Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest. Elysabeth shares her unique perspective on public market investing in food innovation, the growing influence of GLP-1 drugs, and the geopolitics of food security. It’s a compelling conversation that blends economics, public policy, and ESG investing in the plant-based and alternative protein sectors.
Show more...
4 months ago
51 minutes 19 seconds

The Food Professor
North American Trade Lawyer Mark Warner on Tariffs, Trade & Trump: A Global Food Fight Begins
In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois tackle the escalating global tariff war with expert guest Mark Warner, a leading trade lawyer. The trio unpacks the legal, economic, and geopolitical implications for the food sector. Plus, Sylvain receives the Charles III Coronation Medal, sharing a touching moment of recognition. Add in news on packed lunches and food safety panic, and it’s a lively, informative conversation you won’t want to miss.
Show more...
4 months ago
59 minutes 22 seconds

The Food Professor
Join Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax with host Michael LeBlanc as they look at the hot issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries. We'll discuss proprietary industry and consumer food related research, check out fresh new ideas and talk about half baked strategies. © 2020-2025 M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.