This week, we unwrap our thoughts on the rapid rise of GLP-1 drugs and the ripple effect they’re having on the food industry. As these medications suppress appetite and cut down on the relentless mental chatter many people feel about food, what happens to the classic patterns of eating—and, by extension, to the businesses that rely on them?

Lucy shares personal anecdotes about the sensory and habitual aspects of eating, above and beyond simple hunger. At the same time, Amy draws parallels to the emotional journey faced by those who’ve had gastric surgery.

Together, we highlight why this drug-fuelled drop in cravings—especially for calorie-dense snacks—will likely prompt fast and creative adaptation by manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants.

The episode also examines the ethical nuance: GLP-1 drugs are readily accessible to those who can afford them, but is this tech-driven appetite control just the next “celebrity fad” or a real tool for public health? And what about unintended consequences, like fibre-deficient diets or rising consumer inequalities?

We also talk practicalities for food developers: it’s time to rethink portion control, boost fibre, and perhaps get creative with “healthier treats.”

We round things off by reminding us that food isn’t just fuel—it’s social, emotional, and deeply human. Whether you’re ready or not, the intersection of pharma and food is here, and this episode helps you get a grip on what’s coming next.

Timestamps:

00:01:15: GLP1 Drugs and the Food Industry

00:01:30How GLP1 Drugs Work

00:03:59 Appetite, Food Noise & The Human Side

00:06:53 Broader Societal Implications

00:09:56 Demographics & Accessibility

00:13:32 What Does It Mean for Food Businesses?

00:17:01 Product Innovation & The Future of Treats

00:21:48 Wrapping Up & Call to Action

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In this episode Lucy reveals how her 21 years in the food industry have shaped her approach to consultancy.

She shares her passion for the process side of product development, highlighting how her expertise in stage gate processes and stakeholder engagement distinguishes her consultancy services from others.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the key differences between interim roles and consultancy, emphasising the creative liberties and strategic advantages consultancy offers.

A key theme is identifying and addressing business problems rather than rushing to implement presumed solutions.

Both hosts stress the value of consultants in providing a broader market perspective, connecting networks, and introducing best practices to optimise product development and launches and Lucy’s stories and advice offer business owners and aspiring consultants a practical guide to navigating the dynamic food industry.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Transition into consultancy and its perks

00:01:27 - Understanding the role of a product development consultant

00:02:52 - The varied nature of consultancy work

00:05:11 - Lucy’s passion for the process side of product development

00:09:07 - Day-to-day examples of consultancy work

00:14:31 - Differences between interims and consultants

00:18:17 - What businesses should consider when hiring a consultant

00:21:32 - Challenges and rewards of being a consultant

00:24:06 - Building and utilising your network

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

This episode isn’t just a look back—it’s an acknowledgement of the growth, grit, and guts it takes to show up week after week, and voice the truths of working in the food industry.

We start by revisiting how Oh For Food’s Sake came to life, born out of a lockdown networking call and a shared desire to make sense of their own journeys in the industry.

We recount the clueless early days, the process of finding their voices, and the systems (and occasional bloopers) that kept them going.

The conversation gets real about consistency, the joy of connection, and why talking out loud about the hard stuff makes such a difference—both for themselves and their listeners. We dig into the episodes that mattered most to them—like their miniseries on neurodiversity—and reflect on how sharing their struggles with burnout, resilience, and failure opened up powerful conversations.

We don’t shy away from the ugly bits, from tech struggles to self-doubt, but underline how these real-life hurdles strengthened their friendship and resolve.

The episode also features a big reveal: Lucy shares her decision to step away from the podcast, a choice informed by her own need to focus on wellbeing, family, and reigniting her creativity in other ways.

The conversation around this change is deeply honest, showing both the difficulty in letting go and the importance of living what you preach—making brave decisions for your happiness. Amy shares her excitement (and nerves) about what’s next for the podcast, alongside heartfelt appreciation for the journey so far.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In this episode, we focus on a critical aspect of career development—owning your own growth.

We begin by highlighting the necessity of taking personal responsibility for professional development. Reflecting on our experiences, we stress that waiting for employers to offer training opportunities can hold you back. Instead, we urge listeners to look beyond current roles and consider the long-term skills and knowledge required in an evolving food industry.

We explore the idea that personal development isn't just about career advancement but also about enriching your entire life. We share inspiring stories of individuals who found personal passion projects that sparked professional growth, illustrating that career advancement can be achieved through unconventional pathways.

We discuss how to manage time effectively for personal development amidst busy schedules. We emphasize scheduling time for learning and leveraging available resources, such as online courses, podcasts, and industry events, which often come at no cost. We also discuss the role of mentors and networking in paving new ground in career journeys.

A unique segment of the episode tackles the emotional side of professional growth, reminding listeners that nobody is coming to rescue them—success is about creating one's opportunities.

We conclude with encouraging words to embrace self-investment and the profound effects it can have on propelling careers forward.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction and the episode's focus on owning growth

[00:01:13] Reflection on personal development in different work environments

[00:01:44] Proactive career ownership and frustration with waiting for employers

[00:04:33] Realities of the changing food industry landscape and future proofing skills

[00:06:02] Importance of carving out time for personal growth

[00:07:17] Personal development's impact beyond career into life and family

[00:16:15] Encouragement to embrace personal passions for professional upliftment

[00:20:52] Practical steps to take charge of personal development

[00:22:33] Closing thoughts on self-investment and career acceleration

Links and Resources:

https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/2023/10/26/self-coaching-for-career-success-affordable-strategies-to-thrive/

https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/pdp

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In today's episode, we encourage food industry professionals to rethink their approach to LinkedIn.

We acknowledge the reluctance many feel towards posting and engaging on the platform, aiming to dispel these fears.

Lucy shares how she began using LinkedIn during her time in recruitment and how it has been pivotal for her business ventures.

Amy discusses the importance of nurturing your LinkedIn presence, even when you're not actively searching for a new job.

LinkedIn is a vital networking tool that enables you to stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and product launches.

Amy also offers detailed advice on enhancing your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out, including the use of approachable and genuine language and Lucy shares Gary Vaynerchuk's $1.80 strategy for engaging meaningfully with industry content.

We conclude by challenging listeners to take actionable steps towards building their LinkedIn presence by engaging more, sharing posts, and expanding their network connections.

Timestamps

0:00:00 – Introduction and the quick mention of LinkedIn's benefits

0:01:36 – Discussion on how LinkedIn is more than just for job searching

0:02:18 – Personal experiences with LinkedIn

0:03:52 – Insight into the underutilisation of posting on LinkedIn

0:05:25 – The importance of personal branding and interaction on LinkedIn

0:06:15 – Utilising LinkedIn as a beneficial time investment

0:07:09 – Tackling fears of posting and the power of just starting

0:08:26 – Strategic commenting on posts to build visibility

0:09:49 – How to make your LinkedIn profile stand out

0:14:25 – Inspired tips for engaging content creation

0:17:17 – Exploring different post ideas and behind-the-scenes content

0:18:51 – Recognising personal achievements and lessons on LinkedIn

0:21:40 – Strategic networking and nurturing relationships on LinkedIn

0:27:18 – Encouraging listeners to challenge themselves on LinkedIn

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

Healthy and sustainable product development is more challenging than ever, and in this episode, we break down the complexities faced by food professionals today.

We begin by noting the fluctuating definitions of "health" and how these affect consumer expectations and product development. As we highlight, developing products that not only meet these expectations but also taste good is no easy feat.

The conversation delves into a recent poll conducted by Lucy, revealing taste and consumer acceptance as top concerns, closely followed by ingredient costs—underscoring the intricate balance of consumer demands and financial pressures developers face.

Lucy discusses historical shifts, like gradual salt reductions, to illustrate how consumer palates can be adjusted over time.

We also explore the regulatory landscape and its minimal impact on current product innovation, while Lucy introduces the role of AI and advanced technologies in optimising product formulations and extending shelf life.

For developers in the field, they're encouraged to push boundaries with new ingredients, expand supplier relationships, and embrace collaborative industry efforts to drive health-focused innovations forward.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview

[00:01:14] Challenges in Developing Healthy Products

[00:03:20] Consumer Perception and Product Acceptance

[00:05:20] Poll Insights on Product Development Barriers

[00:07:35] Importance of Ingredient Innovation

[00:08:04] Role of Regulations in Product Development

[00:09:38] Taste vs. Health - Consumer Challenges

[00:17:19] Navigating Commercial Realities

[00:22:17] Future Technological Advancements

[00:26:22] Tips for Product Developers

[00:28:23] Closing Thoughts and Sign Off

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In this engaging episode, we set the stage by highlighting the food industry's growing need for accessible and accurate lifecycle analysis tools.

Together with our guests, we explore the journey started by Lucy's initial work on lifecycle projects and discuss the complexities of LCA processes, emphasising the transformation required to perform these at scale.

Will Telford discusses the importance of providing chefs and product developers with the right tools to quickly assess the environmental impact of their products, using Point 74's Recipe Professor as an example.

David Moore shares insights from Compleat Food Group's collaboration with Point 74 and sustained, illustrating the shift from cumbersome data collection to the seamless integration of sustainability metrics into everyday decision-making.

The discussion touches on the broader implications for the food industry, including the need for cross-industry alignment on sustainability standards and the role of government in facilitating these changes.

Throughout the episode, we balance a sense of urgency with optimism, encouraging listeners to embrace innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in the quest for a more sustainable food future.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting

00:01:22 - Guests Introduction and Background

00:02:19 - Lucy's Journey into Lifecycle Analysis

00:03:08 - Point 74's Role in Transforming LCA

00:06:03 - David Moore on The Complete Food Group's Strategy

00:09:30 - Challenges of Ingredient Sustainability

00:14:44 - Technological Solutions and Industry Alignment

00:23:36 - Empowering Chefs and Product Developers

00:27:41 - Future of Sustainability in Food Industry

31:17 Food Data Transparency Initiative Progress

36:01 Seasonal, Local Food Benefits

38:05 Incentivizing Sustainable Food Practices

42:53 Unexpected Rise to ESG Leadership

46:20 Integrating Retail Systems Challenges

48:13 Sustainability vs. Competition Barriers

50:34 Episode Conclusion

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In this engaging conversation, we dissect the concept of trends, distinguishing between short-lived fads and long-term shifts in consumer behaviour.

We share historical examples like the cranberry craze initiated by Delia Smith and current trends like bubble tea, demonstrating how some ideas blossom into massive trends while others fizzle out.

Mushroom products and edible packaging emerge as points of intrigue regarding their future in mainstream food markets.

We also delve into the tools and techniques that can make trends less daunting and more beneficial.

Lucy introduces the 5C's checklist (Consumer, Context, Cost, Compatibility, and Compliance) and suggests establishing a dynamic trends pyramid in your workspace.

We stress the importance of understanding insights—the 'why' behind trends—and how technology and AI can aid in monitoring the evolution of market shifts.

Throughout the episode, we maintain our trademark blend of humour and honesty while providing listeners with practical strategies to navigate the complex world of food trends effectively.

Timestamps

00:00 Understanding Trends vs. Fads

04:51 Exploring Micro Trends in Bubble Tea

07:13 Functional Health's Trending Impact

11:05 "Revolutionizing Food Product Development"

13:38 Evaluating Edible Packaging's Viability

18:08 Menopause and AI-Sustainability Insights

19:30 Structured Team Idea Wall

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://micro-search.co.uk/