Quality Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the world of food technology with James Slater, R&D Director UK at Puratos. Slater outlines the complexities of food production, sharing how innovations such as machine learning optimisation are reshaping the industry. He discusses an intriguing AI project that helps to mix powders; and the journey towards using machine learning in product design. Slater also explains how AI can enhance process parameters, not only improving product quality but also unearthing deep-rooted procedural issues.

In this episode, Dominic Howson, a CIO in the waste management industry, joins Maxime in a discussion on the role of technology, including AI and data analysis, in improving waste recycling processes. He emphasises the importance of using a combination of technologies to tackle the challenges of waste composition, sorting, and recycling. Howson shares his vision of being a leading innovator in the industry and highlights the need for a practical approach in leveraging technology to make the business more efficient. He also talks about his experience as a judge in a competition for future CIOs and highlights the value of networking and learning from peers as a successful way to develop your business.

Mandy van den Broek is an owner of a risk management company focused on the food industry. As an external specialist she keeps track of all innovations within the market to integrate them in the best way for her clients. In this episode, Mandy describes how blockchain technology increases the focus on supply chain transparency and traceability, and how the use of artificial intelligence makes a big difference in identifying potential issues in production. She also highlights the importance of thorough preparation when it comes to implementing AI, because it comes with risks.

In this episode Maxime has two guests: managing director Bram de Vrught and deep learning engineer Teun Keusters, both from Qing Engineering. They discuss the specific challenges in the food industry, such as the growing demand for high-quality food and the shortage of labour. They also take a closer look at the technologies that are tackling these challenges, and explain how Vision AI and machines are pushing the industry forward.

In this episode, we zoom in on the cocoa industry. Ensuring safe cocoa products is not easy, because a lot can happen during the production process. It starts in the cocoa farms: they are situated in tropical countries with different geographical influences. After that comes transportation, storage, production, etcetera. How does the cocoa industry control the products’ quality during all those stages? And what kind of technological systems do they use to do that?

What is vertical farming? And can it change the food industry altogether? In this episode, expert Thea-Isabella Otto explains how vertical farming can deliver high-quality products for the food industry, targeted towards specific dietary requirements and on a low footprint. The industry faces a lot of challenges, however, like technological efficiency, shortage in people and lacking the right legislation.

Host Maxime talks with Miguel Stevens, an auditor in food safety and quality management systems. Stevens explains about how he got into the role and what his job entails. Because of his decades of experience, Stevens gives us a unique overview on the evolution of the quality assurance industry. He discusses the increase in automation and the use of technology - like x-ray and visual control - to improve safety and quality. And he makes an important remark: it’s not only up to companies to ensure the food quality, we should all have a look at our own refrigerator too!