In this episode of Sipping Success, host Casey Haakinson interviews Jamie Valenti- Jordan, the CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services Incorporated. Jamie shares his extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, from his early career at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods to founding Catapult. He discusses the importance of innovation in food production, the challenges of scaling new products, and his commitment to supporting emerging and scaling brands.
Key Topics Discussed:
- 1:00 Min - Jamie’s Background: Jamie's journey from an internship at General Mills to his roles at Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods, and eventually founding Catapult Commercialization Services.
- 3:00 Min - Founding Catapult: The creation of Catapult as a consultancy to provide technical and operational solutions for food and beverage companies, leveraging a network of experienced professionals.
- 6:00 Min - Challenges and Innovations in the Food Industry: Jamie discusses the lack of long-term R&D in large food companies, the role of technological innovation in overcoming food production challenges, and the need for collaboration between industry and academia.
- 12:00 Min - Catapult’s Team and Operations: An overview of Catapult's diverse team, including product developers, engineers, marketers, and quality experts, and how they support clients in bringing new products to market.
- 15:00 Min - Future of Food Innovation: Trends in plant-based products, the importance of sustainable food production, and Jamie’s work with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
Conclusion:
Jamie Valenti-Jordan’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in the food and beverage industry. His commitment to innovation and support for emerging brands highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in food production. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Jamie and explore the resources available through Catapult Commercialization Services and the IFT.
