The Future of Food: Expert Predictions Special
February 5, 2026
In this special edition of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, we present a comprehensive look at the future of food through the lens of 17 industry experts. As host Katy Jones continues her return to the series, this curated compilation episode dives into the most pressing predictions for 2026—from the rapid adoption of Generative AI to the "Chemical Awakening" redefining food safety protocols. It is a strategic roadmap designed to help professionals navigate a landscape of shifting consumer habits and high-pressure supply chain demands.
Trustwell reConnect On-Demand is here! 🖥️
If you work in the food industry, you know that staying ahead of regulations is a constant battle. That’s where Trustwell reCONNECT On-Demand comes in.
We recently hosted our annual virtual summit, bringing together hundreds of industry experts to discuss the future of food safety, traceability, and compliance. Now, you can access the entire library of sessions, featuring actionable insights from brands like Taco John's and Wawa, covering everything from FSMA 204 compliance to quality management and supply chain resilience.
Don't miss out on the strategies you need to lead your team. Access the complete reCONNECT On-Demand library for free by visiting: trustwell.com/reconnect
As we look toward the food industry landscape of 2026, the traditional "business as usual" model is being dismantled by rapid technological shifts and evolving consumer values. This special compilation episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork features a diverse panel of 17 experts breaking down the critical pillars of change, beginning with an AI revolution that is moving from a mere buzzword to a fundamental business necessity. While our host Katy Jones continues to lead the series, this episode focuses on a master curation of industry foresight, highlighting how Generative AI is becoming mandatory for maintaining efficiency as traditional search methods die out in favor of specific internal models. Simultaneously, a massive shift in consumer "wallet share" is underway, with individuals redirecting spending toward high-quality, transparent food products and a rising "Food as Medicine" movement that seeks natural sources to treat or prevent ailments.
The industry is also bracing for significant logistical and human challenges, including a "delivery pendulum" swing in which restaurants bring delivery back in-house to regain control over food safety and the guest experience. While innovations like drone delivery and automated freshness inspections promise to disrupt last-mile logistics, the contributors emphasize that technical solutions alone are not enough. There is an urgent call for "Human-Centered Leadership" to navigate the mental demands of the industry and prevent burnout amid mounting economic and regulatory pressures. Furthermore, a new "Chemical Awakening" is forcing professionals to master toxicology as deeply as microbiology to address growing concerns over additives. Ultimately, the contributors agree that organizations translating complex "tech-speak" into simple, transparent communication will be the ones to win lasting consumer trust in this transformative era.
Trustwell reConnect On-Demand is here! 🖥️
If you work in the food industry, you know that staying ahead of regulations is a constant battle. That’s where Trustwell reCONNECT On-Demand comes in.
We recently hosted our annual virtual summit, bringing together hundreds of industry experts to discuss the future of food safety, traceability, and compliance. Now, you can access the entire library of sessions featuring actionable insights from brands like Taco John's and Wawa, covering everything from FSMA 204 compliance to quality management and supply chain resilience.
Don't miss out on the strategies you need to lead your team. Access the complete reCONNECT On-Demand library for free by visiting: trustwell.com/reconnect
Connect with the team:
👉 Katy Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyjonespr/
👉 Trustwell: https://www.trustwell.com
👉 Kate Piche on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katepiche
👉 Vera Petrova Dickinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vera-petrova-dickinson/
👉 Russ Hawkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/
👉 Dr. Wesam Al-Jeddawi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesam-al-jeddawi-phd-foodscience/
👉 Jeff Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-86119bb2/
👉 Tony Ellsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellsworth-crossing/
👉 Steven Foster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendfostermn/
👉 Lisa Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajayneharris/
👉 Danny O'Malley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-o-malley-2638573a/
👉 Meredith Sandland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-sandland/
👉 Pippin Wallace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippin-wallace-9490b813/
👉 Jill Stuber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-stuber/
👉 Jeremy Schneider on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneiderjeremy/
👉 Laura McCready on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mccready/
👉 Sharon Beals on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skkb/
👉 Steve Warwick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wtc/
You can also listen to our podcast here:
👉 Apple - https://apple.co/47afWXM
👉 Spotify - https://bit.ly/4lIA1KP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3YpdUQW
👉 Fame Host - https://foodtechtalk.co
The industry is also bracing for significant logistical and human challenges, including a "delivery pendulum" swing in which restaurants bring delivery back in-house to regain control over food safety and the guest experience. While innovations like drone delivery and automated freshness inspections promise to disrupt last-mile logistics, the contributors emphasize that technical solutions alone are not enough. There is an urgent call for "Human-Centered Leadership" to navigate the mental demands of the industry and prevent burnout amid mounting economic and regulatory pressures. Furthermore, a new "Chemical Awakening" is forcing professionals to master toxicology as deeply as microbiology to address growing concerns over additives. Ultimately, the contributors agree that organizations translating complex "tech-speak" into simple, transparent communication will be the ones to win lasting consumer trust in this transformative era.
Trustwell reConnect On-Demand is here! 🖥️
If you work in the food industry, you know that staying ahead of regulations is a constant battle. That’s where Trustwell reCONNECT On-Demand comes in.
We recently hosted our annual virtual summit, bringing together hundreds of industry experts to discuss the future of food safety, traceability, and compliance. Now, you can access the entire library of sessions featuring actionable insights from brands like Taco John's and Wawa, covering everything from FSMA 204 compliance to quality management and supply chain resilience.
Don't miss out on the strategies you need to lead your team. Access the complete reCONNECT On-Demand library for free by visiting: trustwell.com/reconnect
Connect with the team:
👉 Katy Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyjonespr/
👉 Trustwell: https://www.trustwell.com
👉 Kate Piche on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katepiche
👉 Vera Petrova Dickinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vera-petrova-dickinson/
👉 Russ Hawkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/
👉 Dr. Wesam Al-Jeddawi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesam-al-jeddawi-phd-foodscience/
👉 Jeff Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-86119bb2/
👉 Tony Ellsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellsworth-crossing/
👉 Steven Foster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendfostermn/
👉 Lisa Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajayneharris/
👉 Danny O'Malley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-o-malley-2638573a/
👉 Meredith Sandland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-sandland/
👉 Pippin Wallace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippin-wallace-9490b813/
👉 Jill Stuber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-stuber/
👉 Jeremy Schneider on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneiderjeremy/
👉 Laura McCready on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mccready/
👉 Sharon Beals on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skkb/
👉 Steve Warwick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wtc/
You can also listen to our podcast here:
👉 Apple - https://apple.co/47afWXM
👉 Spotify - https://bit.ly/4lIA1KP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3YpdUQW
👉 Fame Host - https://foodtechtalk.co
Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights From Farm to Fork is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
Check out our three most downloaded episodes: