Next Bite 2024: The Food Fight Podcast Live from Rome

Next Bite 2024 embodies a new era in the food industry—a space where leaders, innovators, and activists are not just discussing change but making it happen. From regenerative farming and resilient business practices to forward-thinking legislation and food technology, these conversations represent the seismic shift needed to reimagine a global food system. As our guests rally for transformation, the message is clear: the future of food lies in shared action, relentless innovation, and a commitment to the planet.

Key Themes and Insights:

Facing the Food System Reality
Kicking things off, Richard Zaltzman, CEO of EIT Food, doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges: the food system is in urgent need of reinvention. Climate change is no longer a distant worry; it's right here, shaping our everyday reality. Zaltzman speaks to a crowd ready for action, framing Next Bite as more than an event—it’s a rallying ground for ideas and innovations that will drive us toward a fair, resilient, and net-zero food system. With every conversation, the stakes are clear: reinvent or face the consequences.

The New Wave of Regeneration and Open Ecosystems
Sera Roversi of Future Food Institute brings fresh energy to the concept of “regenerative” practices, calling for open ecosystems where innovation thrives beyond institutional silos. Roversi champions the use of Living Labs—collaborative spaces where farmers, students, policymakers, and tech innovators come together to test real-world solutions. At Next Bite, the message is clear: sustainable change isn’t just about new products; it’s about creating systems that bring everyone to the table, making the future of food a shared responsibility.

One Health, One Future: Resilience Beyond Profit
Anya Gandhi from the Net Zero Institute introduces the concept of “One Health,” which connects the health of people, animals, and ecosystems in a single, interdependent system. Gandhi doesn’t just talk sustainability; she frames it as a smart, strategic business move. Embracing regenerative practices isn't a “nice to have”—it’s essential for companies to survive in an unstable world. By going green now, businesses can avoid being blindsided by future regulations and supply chain disruptions. The takeaway? Sustainability isn’t just a duty; it’s a lifeline.

Rethinking Food from the Ground Up with the Big Food Redesign
Reniera O'Donnell of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation lays down the challenge: the food industry must overhaul its entire approach, from soil to shelf. The foundation’s Big Food Redesign initiative encourages companies to embrace circular economy principles, designing products that actively improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact. O'Donnell is here to shake things up, pushing the industry to think beyond short-term fixes and create products that don’t just sell but serve the planet’s long-term health.

From Conflict to Collaboration: Plant-Based Policy Breakthroughs
Marie Louise Lendal of Think Tank Frej shares an inspiring story of unity across political divides. In Denmark, Lendal orchestrated a landmark agreement between agricultural and vegetarian organizations to secure government funding for plant-based initiatives. The result? A groundbreaking plant-based food action plan that stands as a testament to the power of finding common ground. Lendal’s message resonates: real change happens when we set aside labels and work toward shared goals that serve both rural and urban communities.

Future Foods: Innovating Beyond the Plate
Tony Hunter, known for his food futurist perspective, takes us into the world of food tech that’s rewriting what we know about “feeding the planet.” Hunter shares insights on technologies like plant molecular farming and cellular agriculture, showing how they can produce high-quality proteins without taxing natural resources. For Hunter, these advances aren’t just about innovation—they’re about building resilience, ensuring food security, and designing a future where food production aligns with ecological sustainability. His outlook? The future of food is brighter, greener, and powered by science.

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