Matt Eastland and Lukxmi Balathasan present the Food Fight, a new series from EIT Food examining the biggest challenges facing the food system, and the innovations and entrepreneurs looking to solve them.
The Food Fight
In the season 6 finale of the Food Fight podcast, we revisit the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and urgent themes shaping our food future. From personalised nutrition and the regenerative farming movement to the hidden climate cost of a potato chip, host Matt Eastland brings together lessons and voices from across the season to highlight where transformation is happening - and where it must continue.
Whether you’re a policymaker, food innovator, grower, or conscious consumer, this is the essential guide to where food is heading next.
Mentioned Episodes:
The Power of Nutrition for Lifelong Health with Dr. Federica Amati
Next Bite 2024: The Food Fight Podcast Live from Rome
Next Bite 2024 Achieving a Net-Zero Food System
Next Bite 2024: Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System
Next Bite 2024: Healthier Lives Through Food
The Regenerative Rollercoaster: Embracing Failure To Fuel the Future of Farming
Breaking Free: How to Remove Fossil Fuels from Our Food System
Soil is the foundation of life on Earth: 95% of our food depends on healthy soils, yet nearly one-third of agricultural land worldwide is degraded. As climate change and unsustainable farming practices put even more pressure on soil ecosystems, urgent solutions are needed. Enter LILAS4SOILS, a five-year project funded by Horizon Europe, designed to restore soil health through carbon farming and Living Labs across the Mediterranean.
What happens to the coffee grounds once your morning cup is finished? For decades, coffee waste has been discarded, contributing to landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. But what if coffee could be transformed into something valuable? In this episode, The Food Fight Podcast speaks with Kacper Kossowski, co-founder of EcoBean, a company that is tackling coffee waste with innovative technologies that transform it into sustainable, high-value ingredients.
Could 3D printing be the future of food? While 3D printing has transformed design and manufacturing, its impact on the food industry is only just beginning. Revo Foods uses 3D printing technology to redefine the texture, taste, and sustainability of plant-based seafood and whole-cut proteins.
In this episode, Robin Simsa, CEO and founder of Revo Foods, shares his journey from biotech researcher to food-tech pioneer and discusses how his company is tackling one of the biggest challenges in the alternative protein industry - texture and mouthfeel. From developing plant-based salmon fillets to creating “Prime Cut” alternatives that don’t replicate animal products but stand on their own, Robin explores the next evolution of plant-based foods.
The global food system is at a crossroads. While food and agriculture serve as economic backbones for many nations, they are also the leading contributors to biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity. How do we transform this system to serve people and the planet better?
In this episode, Andrew Bovarnick, Global Head of Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), joins hosts Matt Eastland and Lucy Wallace to discuss how governments, corporations, and farmers can work together to drive meaningful change.
Farming is undergoing a transformation, driven by climate change, water scarcity, and technological innovation. With rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increasing water shortages, growers are facing unprecedented challenges. But can digital agronomy and AI-powered solutions help?
In this episode, we sit down with Darryn Keiller, founder and CEO of WayBeyond, to explore how data-driven farming, predictive analytics, and AI are revolutionising agriculture. Darryn shares insights on how precision irrigation, real-time climate modelling, and automated pest management are helping farmers optimise production, conserve resources, and prepare for the future.
2025 is set to be a year of radical change in the food system. From the expansion of regenerative agriculture to the rise of AI-driven food innovation, key trends are shaping the future of what we eat. In this episode, Matt Eastland is joined by food trends expert Ed Bergen and Michelin-trained chef Estefania Simon-Sasyk to explore the biggest shifts happening in food.
Top 5 food trends to watch in 2025 - https://www.eitfood.eu/blog/5-food-trends-2025
With consumers increasingly demanding to know the origins of their food and regulators tightening their focus on sustainability, transparency is no longer optional, it’s essential. Joined by Ofir Ardon of AgriTask and Maxine Roper of Connecting Food, Matt Eastland unpacks how innovative technologies like blockchain, AI, and digital twins make supply chains more transparent, efficient, and sustainable.
Join us in this special docu-episode of the Food Fight Podcast as we dive deep into the intersection of space technology and food security with Max Gulde, CEO of Constellr. Discover how innovative satellite technology is being harnessed to tackle one of humanity's biggest challenges: climate change.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, Matt Eastland sits down with Justine Reichman, the dynamic founder of Next Gen Purpose and host of Essential Ingredients. They delve into Justine’s journey from a chance meeting in a hair salon to building a platform that educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs in the food sustainability space.
In a world where only 3% of investment goes to women-led businesses, programs like Girls Go Circular are changing the narrative. This groundbreaking initiative equips girls aged 14-18 with digital, entrepreneurial, and green skills, empowering them to close the gender gap in STEM and innovation. In this episode, Matt Eastland is joined by Solène Moutier, Laura Borge, and alumna Daniela Garcia Moreno to discuss how the program is fostering diversity, confidence, and creativity.
The food system accounts for 15% of global fossil fuel use, but where does that energy really go? In this episode, Matt Eastland speaks with Anna Lappé to break down the invisible dependence of our food systems on fossil fuels—and the solutions to fix it. From production to processing, packaging to disposal, every step in our food supply chain is tied to energy-intensive practices, most of which rely on fossil fuels. Anna emphasises that these dependencies are ecological, political, and economic risks we can no longer ignore.
Learn how we can move away from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, why regenerative agriculture holds the key to restoring food and climate resilience, and why ultra-processed foods must be part of the conversation. This is not about technological silver bullets; it’s about systems change and collective action that prioritises people, nature, and a fossil-free future.
For further conversation around Fossil Fuels, listen now Anna's 'Fuel To Fork' Podcast Series - https://tabledebates.org/fueltofork
Failure: a word that often carries stigma, yet it’s the bedrock of regenerative farming. In this rollercoaster of an episode, Matt Eastland, Sarah Langford, and Patrick Holden delve into how farmers' mistakes, missteps, and failures are reshaping agriculture for a sustainable future. Together, they explore the emotional and practical challenges of failure: the lost crops, the economic pressures, and the lessons that only hard-earned experience can teach.
What if the food you eat could reshape your health, transform the planet, and empower communities?
From groundbreaking microbiome research to leveraging artificial intelligence for personalised nutrition, our panel of experts bring their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in food systems. Together, they paint an exciting picture of a future where technology, collaboration, and creativity converge to revolutionise what and how we eat.
In this instalment of the Food Fight Podcast, recorded live at Next Bite 2024, Matt Eastland invites leading voices from across the food sector to discuss transformative approaches to building fair and resilient food systems. From grassroots innovation to systemic policy shifts, this episode explores how collective action, innovative tools, and education can drive meaningful change in the agri-food landscape.
The food system is at the heart of the global climate crisis, responsible for nearly a third of greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode, recorded live at Next Bite 2024, Matt Eastland and a panel of innovators, change makers, and researchers explore the multifaceted journey toward achieving a net-zero food system.
Join us live from the pulse of Next Bite 2024 in Rome, where EIT Food Fight brings together the visionaries rewriting the future of food. In this special episode, Matt Eastland dives deep with leaders who are breaking down the status quo and rallying the industry to think bigger, move faster, and collaborate harder. This isn’t just another conference; it’s a call to action for anyone committed to a world where the food system works for people and the planet. From regenerative practices to tech-powered transformations, this episode captures the pivotal conversations that define the road ahead.
In this special documentary episode, we take a deep dive into the global crisis threatening one of the world’s most beloved treats: chocolate. Cocoa Swollen Shoot Viral Disease (CSSVD) is decimating cocoa crops in West Africa, endangering the livelihoods of millions of farmers and pushing up the price of cocoa to unprecedented levels. Gianpaolo Rando, co-founder of SwissDeCode, breaks down how innovative rapid testing technology could be the solution to save cocoa trees, stop the spread of disease, and secure the future of chocolate.
In this episode of The Food Fight Podcast, our host Matt Eastland welcomes Pete Russell, the founder of Oooby, a groundbreaking platform reshaping the future of small-scale farming. As traditional food systems become unsustainable and disconnected from local producers, Oooby offers a decentralised solution that empowers farmers and reinvigorates community-based food supply chains.
Pete shares his entrepreneurial journey, from importing frozen pastries to realising his role in the problem of mass-produced food, and ultimately founding Oooby. The platform’s mission? To help small-scale farmers reclaim market share and thrive in an industry dominated by big corporations.
In this episode of our docu-series, Sylvie Chin, CEO and Co-Founder of ClearCO2, discusses the importance of terminology and carbon credits. She shares insights on building a sustainable future, challenges faced by startups, and how ClearCO2 helps small businesses can lower their carbon footprint.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland dives deep into the world of alternative seafood with pioneers Deniz Ficicioglu, co-founder of Betta Fish, and Sina Albanese, co-founder of Koralo. These innovators are reshaping the seafood industry by developing plant-based and microalgae-based seafood alternatives, addressing some of the most critical environmental and ethical issues facing the oceans today. From overfishing to habitat destruction, Deniz and Sina share how their work is paving the way for a more sustainable and nutritious future.
In this episode of our docu-series, host Matt Eastland delves into the transformative world of the food industry, focusing on the rise of alternative proteins. Joined by Dr. Peter Klosse, aka the Taste Professor, we explore the critical challenges of replicating the taste and texture of traditional foods with new plant-based and algae-derived alternatives. With a passion for flavour at the forefront, we explore what truly makes our favourite meals unforgettable.
In this exciting kickoff to series 6 of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland sits down with renowned nutritionist, public health advocate, and author Dr. Federica Amati. Dr. Amati shares her invaluable insights into how nutrition is a powerful tool for enhancing our health across all stages of life. Drawing from her latest book, Everybody Should Know This, she delves into the science behind eating for lifelong health and explains why food choices matter more now than ever.
The Food Fight Podcast is back next week for Season 6! Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode.
Our host, Matt Eastland, reflects on the highlights of Season 5 of The Food Fight Podcast, from discussions on farming roots to regenerative agriculture and sustainability innovations. Explore the world of automated pizza robots and the art of tasting Kraft chocolate with a flavour expert, and don’t miss our interview with ex-Love Islander and TikTok influencer Farmer Will Young. Meet EIT Food’s new CEO, Richard Zaltzman, and celebrate the entrepreneurs and technologies shaping a better food future.
Inspired by Andy Cato's awakening to agriculture's impact, Wildfarmed adopts practices like crop diversity and minimal chemical usage, promising environmental sustainability and profitability. Join co-founder Edd Lees and The Food Fight Podcast’s host Matt Eastland as they dive into regenerative farming's potential to reshape agriculture.
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Food Fight podcast, where Dr. Bill Rawls, author of "Unlocking Lyme” and “The Cellular Wellness Solution", shares his journey of overcoming chronic illness using food and plants. After facing the limitations of modern medicine, Dr. Rawls delved into alternative treatments and discovered a path to wellness. Join our host, Matt Eastland, as we explore the impact of dietary choices and the potential of using natural remedies to address chronic health issues.
To mark International Women's Day (IWD), The Food Fight podcast host Matt Eastland welcomes Dr. Shima Barakat and Dr. Maarten van der Kamp for a timely conversation on gender equality and women leadership within the food industry. With the 2024 IWD theme being "Inspire Inclusion,” join Matt, Shima, and Maarten to celebrate the fifth anniversary of WE Lead Food – a training programme and network to support women leaders and entrepreneurs in the food sector.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, Matt Eastland delves into the world of chocolate and its sustainability issues. The European chocolate market, valued at 42 billion euros in 2022, is growing rapidly. Spencer Hyman, co-founder of Cocoa Runners, shares insights on craft chocolate and ethical production practices. As consumers question the environmental impact of chocolate, the discussion explores how to enjoy chocolate sustainably.
Get 15% off your Cocoa Runners Virtual Tasting Kit with offer code: eitcr15
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland is joined by EIT Food’s new CEO, Richard Zaltzman. At the heart of Richard’s approach is the concept of regenerative leadership, which can create the culture for tackling systemic issues within the food system. In a wide-ranging conversation, Richard describes his personal journey to agrifood leadership and what he views as the biggest challenges in the food system. Looking to the future, he discusses transformative ideas and novel business models, and how everybody can be part of this journey.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland welcomes back Ben Ebbrell, co-founder of Sorted Food, to discuss the importance of online food communities and their role in improving our food. They explore how social media can serve as a source of consumer and product insights, and how AI software can be used to harness these insights and create better food products. Tune in to learn more about the potential of harnessing online communities' power to improve our food.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland explores the world of robotics and automation in the food industry. Joined by Jonah Bliss, founder of Curbivore and writer for OttoMate, they discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating robots into the food industry. From robot deliveries to automated vending machines, they delve into the exciting possibilities and the impact on the future of food.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland explores the intersection of food systems and climate change. He highlights the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and how food finally took centre stage as a solution to the climate crisis. With food and agriculture responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, the conference dedicated a full day to address these issues. Special guest Dhanush Dinesh, Chief Climate Catalyst at Clim-Eat, joins the conversation to share insights on food systems transformation under climate change and creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Matt Eastland welcomes author, speaker, and food futurist Tony Hunter to discuss the future of food. With the current challenges in our food system, such as feeding a growing population and adapting to climate change, Tony provides insights and cutting-edge research on how we can sustainably address these issues. Drawing on his three decades of experience in the food industry, Tony emphasises the potential of agri-food tech to offer solutions for feeding the global population in a healthy and sustainable way. Tune in to gain a roadmap into the future of food and discover the opportunities that lie ahead.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, host Matt Eastland speaks with Ciara Byrne, founder and co-CEO of Green Our Planet. They talk about the importance of involving young people in growing their own produce and how to increase access to fresh and healthy food for everyone. Tune in to learn more about empowering students to cultivate their own food, and don't miss the exciting opportunity for schools to participate in the Garden Connect program for free, thanks to a generous giveaway from Green Our Planet.
As we move into 2024, a dynamic blend of food trends and cutting-edge technologies are changing how we eat. Join Matt Eastland, along side Ben Ebbrell (Co-founder of Sorted Foods) and Matthew Kessler ('The Feed' podcast host), as they explore the potential impact of these changes on how we perceive, create, and enjoy food throughout this year and beyond.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, hosts Matt Eastland and his guests, Fleur Passmann and Hein van Es from Verdify, discuss the importance of personalised nutrition and recipe plans. Fleur, who is not only the COO of Verdify but also a registered clinical dietitian, explains why tailored nutrition is crucial for individuals. They delve into the challenges of creating personalized nutrition plans and recipes and how AI technology can revolutionise the process.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, hosts Matt Eastland and Lucy Wallace explore the topic of measuring sustainability in the food industry. They are joined by Ethan Solovyev, the Chief Innovation Officer at HowGood, a research company with a comprehensive database on food product sustainability.
In this episode of the Food Fight podcast, hosts Matt Eastland and Lucy Wallace explore the issue of food waste and the challenges within the food supply chain. They are joined by Antony Yousefian today, Vice President of Climate and Circularity at Wiliot, who explores the staggering statistic that over a third of the food we produce never reaches our plates, amounting to more than 1 billion tons of wasted food globally each year.
Welcome to a new Season of the Food Fight podcast! In this episode, our host Matt Eastland welcomes farmer and influencer Will Young. Will, known for his adventures on Love Island and the popular TikTok account @FarmerWill, discusses the shortage of young people choosing farming as a career and the importance of encouraging more young farmers. He shares his experiences as a sheep farmer in Buckinghamshire and how he uses his platform to educate others about farm life. Tune in to hear why Will believes farming is a vital profession for the future.
In this mini episode of the Food Fight Podcast, Julius Rono, project manager at SNV in Kenya, discusses the efforts being made to improve water and food systems across the globe in preparation for COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. SNV is a global development organisation focused on lifting rural communities out of poverty and building resilience against climate change. Rono highlights the challenges of degraded land and shrinking water sources, emphasising the importance of sustainable management of food and water systems in cooling the earth.
In this mini-episode of the Food Fight Podcast, we talk to Katie McCoshan, Policy and International Engagement Manager at the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU). Katie discusses the importance of food systems and how they will be a key topic at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. FOLU aims to transform food systems by addressing issues of climate change, environment, nutrition, health, and farmer livelihoods.
In this mini-episode of the Food Fight Podcast, Ignacio Gavilan, Senior Director of Food Systems Partnerships at the Global Food Banking Network, discusses the urgent need to address the broken food systems that are leaving millions of people without access to food. Gavilan highlights the staggering amount of food that is lost or wasted, accounting for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emission
In this mini-episode of the Food Fight Podcast, Glindys Virginia Luciano, the Strategic Network Engagement Manager at the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPard), discusses the important role that young professionals play in building healthy and equitable food systems. YPard is a youth-led organisation that provides a platform for young professionals interested in food systems to network, do policy work, and elevate their voices.
In this mini-episode of the Food Fight podcast, we talk to Robert E. Jones, Vice President of Global Public Affairs for Mosa Meat and President of Cellular Agriculture Europe. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050 and meat consumption expected to rise, the traditional methods of meat production are unsustainable. Jones us through the need for innovative solutions like cultivated meat to meet the growing demand while minimising environmental impact.
It’s been over a year since our FutureFoodMakers released their #MenuForChange - six clear action points the sector needs to address for a sustainable food system. For the last episode of series 4, we checked in with Júlia Montoliu and Chloé Dorin (two of our youth food system representatives) to hear about their journey so far and plans for prompting a positive change in our food system. Stay tuned for Series 5 coming soon!
Owner of Grand Farm and Vermigrand, Alfred Grand, talks to us about the importance of soil health and how his companies employ earth worms to regenerate soils.
Luca Fichtinger, Co-Founder of Kern Tec, highlights the huge opportunity in the food industry for repurposing wasted side streams, and explains how his startup is creating novel products from surplus fruit pits.
Jochem Bossenbroek, CEO of Verdify, highlights the role that artificial intelligence can play in personalised nutrition – enabling people to make better food choices.
Coffee is close to many people’s hearts, but the coffee industry needs fixing. Deforestation, water scarcity and poverty are among the issues associated with coffee’s global supply chain. This poses the question: can we reinvent our coffee production processes to make them totally circular? To discuss the future of coffee – and positive changes already happening – Matt is joined by Kane Statton (Head of Coffee at Kiss The Hippo) and Juan Medina (CEO & Co-Founder of Kaffe Bueno).
HAI TECH LTD is developing a solution for monitoring the health of crop roots in vertical farms. The technology could help farmers to reduce wastage, predict crop yields and increase profitability within this emerging sector of agriculture. To find out more, EIT Food’s Matt Eastland is joined by HAI TECH LTD’s Diego Corona, Andrea Izquierdo and Vasileios Tsormpatzoudis.
Stefan Wilhelm of the Bayer Foundation and Lisa Jordan from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation join EIT Food’s Matt Eastland, following the EVPA Annual conference in Brussels. They discuss how food system solutions are supported by a range of philanthropic finance mechanisms, and the opportunities to invest in positive change.
Can Lewandowski, Co-founder of Crafting Futures, talks to us about the issue of single-use plastics and how his company is attempting to change consumer habits through systems change and material science innovations.
Nathalie Berezina, Founder and CEO of Norbite, describes their unique approach of turning plastic waste into sustainable goods with their insect-based biorefinery.
Marc Bolard, Co-Founder of Nasekomo, highlights how using sustainably farmed insects across our food system, could be an efficient way of solving the worlds protein dependency.
It’s that time of the year again! Matt is back with Ed Bergen (Senior Analyst for Food & Nutrition at FutureBridge) and Sam Newman (Senior Enterprise Account Executive and ‘Chief Cheese Officer’ at TasteWise) looking back on the past year to predict the trends we can expect to see in our food system throughout 2023 and beyond.
Hélène Saurais, Co-founder and Head of Marketing at Inoqo, highlights the environmental issues of grocery shopping and how they have created a solution to help retailers measure the impact of their products.
Matt is joined by TikTok Chef MealsbyMitch, and Head of Customer Relation and Business Development at Gander, Stacey Williams, who are sharing all their grocery saving tips so you can keep your bills low and stomachs full.
Antonella Maggioni, Co-Founder and CEO at Agrow Analytics, highlights the global issue of water scarcity and how they designed a solution to optimise farming productivity and help farmers monitor their water use.
Both fish farms and wild capture fisheries understand the importance of sustainable production, but will it ever be possible to have a fully circular system where we use 100% of the fish we catch or farm? Thor Sigfusson (Founder and Chairman of Iceland Ocean Cluster) and Emil Linfors (Aquaculture Innovation Researcher at the University of Norway) highlight the issue of waste in aquaculture and provide insight into how we could fix our production methods to utilise all of our unwanted fish.
Jens Juul Krogshede, CEO and Co-Founder of Nabofarms, highlights how city centres can be used to grow fresh and sustainable crops to feed local communities.
As our population grows, innovators are turning their attention to sustainable ways of feeding the world. One new solution emerging is Algae! But could this micro plant be the answer our food system is looking for? Isaac Berzin, the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of VAXA, and David Bassett, the Secretary General for the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform, join Matt Eastland to discuss this unloved material and the impact it could have on our planet.
Sebastian Schultheiss, Managing Director of Computomics, teaches us all about plant breeding and how they are streamlining the industry with their new hybrid plant prediction technology.
Is there an urgent need for us to look at fish farming with fresh eyes and fresh ideas? Matt Eastland is joined by Dan Watson (CEO and Co-Founder of SafetyNet Technologies) and Tony Chen (CEO and Co-Founder of Manolin) to discuss whether the fishing industry needs change and how their new technologies are helping usher in a new era of responsible farming.
Sushma Shankar, Co-Founder of Deep Planet, discusses vineyard care and how their new technology is helping to increase sustainability at the farm level.
After a busy summer, The Food Fight Podcast is back! In June 2022, EIT Food held the Future of Food conference in Brussels. In today’s episode, we will be hearing pitches from the conference by talented young Europeans involved in the Skills4TheFuture Project, which is empowering youth entrepreneurs to innovate in the agrifood sector and to develop solutions for a future-fit food system