Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators, the podcast where decades of industry expertise meet the future of the food supply chain. I'm David Maloni, your host, and with over 40 years in the food production, distribution, and operations sectors, I've seen the industry evolve. But now, it's time to push the boundaries of innovation further.
Every other week, join me as I sit down with pioneers from the past, the game-changers of today, and the visionaries shaping the future of our field. Together, we'll explore new ideas, technologies, and strategies that can revolutionize how we farm, produce, move, and serve food to the world.
I invite you, our listeners, to be a part of this journey. If you know someone or have a topic in mind that aligns with our mission, please reach out. Your input matters, and it could be the spark that ignites the next big breakthrough in the food supply chain.
For more insights and to connect with my consultancy, visit www.DatumFS.com. Thank you for tuning in. Together, let's drive innovation and transform the way we nourish our communities
Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Inside the Foodservice Supply Chain with Meal Ticket CEO Wink Jones
In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Wink Jones, co-founder and CEO of Meal Ticket, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in the foodservice supply chain. We dive into Wink's journey from being a professional kayaker to leading an innovative SaaS company that’s transforming how data is used across the industry. Together, we unpack the complexities of outdated systems, the hurdles of data normalization, and how Meal Ticket’s tools are enabling distributors, suppliers, and operators to thrive. We also explore the critical role of human relationships in this highly data-driven sector and how AI and technology are reshaping the future of foodservice distribution. It’s a fascinating conversation about the balance between technological innovation and the human touch that keeps this industry unique. Don't miss this insightful look into the future of food supply!
Connect with the Host:
David Maloni’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
Connect with our Guest:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wink-jones-ba58b0/
Connect with Datum FS:
https://datumfs.com/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Guest Wink Jones
00:43 - Why Personal Connection Remains Key in Foodservice
01:14 - Tackling Data Challenges and Normalization Issues
03:05 - Technological Upgrades and ERP Transformations
04:06 - Wink’s Transition from Kayaker to Tech Leader
06:32 - Breakdown of the Foodservice Supply Chain
09:56 - Managing Slim Margins and the Role of Rebates for Distributors
13:24 - Balancing Technology Integration with Human Relationships
16:05 - Manufacturer Struggles with Data Visibility
20:10 - Leveraging AI to Solve Data Issues
24:06 - How Meal Ticket’s Tools Support the Supply Chain
29:07 - Shifts in Supply Chain Leverage Post-COVID
31:19 - Future Innovations: Robotics and Tech in Distribution
37:08 - Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement
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