Fresh Take with IDDBA

What will the deli of 2030 look like? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, host Kat Shanahan sits down with fresh perimeter strategist Luke Abbott to explore how retailers can begin designing the next generation deli today. Luke shares why future delis will need to operate at two speeds: fast enough for convenience and slow enough for discovery. He discusses how grab-and-go, global flavors, predictive ordering, and employee training (and more) can all help retailers meet changing shopper expectations. The conversation also looks at the role of hospitality in the future of fresh. Luke explains why technology should help associates spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time connecting with shoppers, sharing product knowledge, and building relationships. From practical changes retailers can make today to bigger opportunities ahead, the conversation offers a look at how the deli can remain relevant, differentiated, and valuable through 2030 and beyond. Fresh Take with IDDBA drops new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Learn more about IDDBA and explore resources for the dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice industries at IDDBA.org.

What habits help leaders continue to grow throughout their careers? In this Test Kitchen episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan welcomes back Jody Barrick, Founder of Perimeter Partners, fresh industry executive, and IDDBA chair, for a conversation about the leadership habits that have shaped her more than 40 years across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and executive leadership. Jody shares why some of her biggest growth came from stepping outside her comfort zone, how curiosity keeps leaders from falling behind, and why good leadership sometimes means resisting the urge to jump in with an answer. She reflects on learning from other leaders, taking on stretch assignments, being less critical of yourself, and recognizing that professional development does not have to be separate from the work you do every day. The conversation also looks back on Jody's year as IDDBA chair and the people who have helped shape her career. Her advice for leaders at every stage: stop waiting for things to slow down, keep asking questions, and remember that you may be more ready for the next opportunity than you think. Have a question or an idea for Fresh Take with IDDBA? Reach out to us at [email protected]. Learn more about IDDBA, our education programs, and member resources at iddba.org.

What happens when you stop asking consumers to notice products and start helping them notice the people behind them? In this Executive Aisle episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan sits down with Suzanne Fanning, Chief Marketing Officer at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and incoming IDDBA Chair of the Board, for a conversation about marketing, innovation, leadership, and the opportunities ahead for the dairy, deli, and bakery community. Suzanne shares the story behind Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Born to Dairy campaign and explains why the team moved away from traditional commodity marketing to put real farmers, personalities, humor, and authentic stories at the center. She discusses what the campaign's response and national recognition can teach fresh departments about connecting shoppers with the people behind their food and why trust may be one of the most valuable ingredients a brand can build. The conversation also explores AI and the importance of moving beyond the hype to find practical applications that deliver real business results. Suzanne looks ahead to new Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin initiatives and reflects on the role collaboration, experiences, and developing the next generation of leaders will play in the industry's future. To close the conversation, Suzanne offers advice for emerging leaders: stay curious, challenge assumptions, experiment, and never lose sight of the people who make your success possible. Are you an industry professional with insights, innovations, or best practices to share? We are always looking for guests to join the conversation. Reach out to us to be considered for a future episode. To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, visit: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership Check out Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Born to Dairy campaign: https://www.wisconsindairy.org/borntodairy/ Enjoy this fun local news coverage of the campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0RnUp1GTBA

How can retailers help shoppers say yes to premium products? In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Michael Sadler of Forever Cheese about how retailers can move beyond price competition and make the value of specialty products clear. Building on his 2026 What's in Store Live session, "Premium for the People: Top Shelf on Every Shelf," Michael shares lessons from specialty coffee and cheese about inviting customers in rather than overwhelming them. He explains how occasion-based merchandising, clear packaging, cross-merchandising, education, and store-level champions can reduce hesitation at the shelf. They also discuss how retailers can build demand beyond the holiday season, communicate product stories in lower-labor departments, and take a fresh look at displays through the eyes of a shopper who knows nothing about the category. Listen in to learn: • Why premium products need a different strategy than commodities • How to merchandise by occasion rather than only by product attributes • How to reduce friction in the shopper's decision • How product stories can remain intact from producer to shelf • What department managers can do now to improve their displays Fresh Take with IDDBA releases new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Have an idea for a future episode or a topic you would like us to explore? Reach out to the IDDBA team. Watch or listen to more episodes: https://www.iddba.org/podcast Learn more about IDDBA: https://www.iddba.org

Test Kitchen - Influence, Trust, and the Skills of Modern Leadership with Suzanne Sherry What skills do modern leaders need to build trust, gain buy-in, and move ideas forward? In this Test Kitchen episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Suzanne Sherry, an instructor with the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development, about influence, trust, and the skills of modern leadership. Suzanne explains why the best influencers allow themselves to be influenced and why strong partnerships are essential to effective leadership. She also discusses how to frame ideas around what matters most to your audience, give direct feedback before frustrations begin to build, and recognize your natural reactions when work becomes chaotic. The conversation also previews the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program, taking place September 15–17, 2026, on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Participants will have opportunities to practice influence, collaboration, framing, and other skills they can begin using when they return to work. Learn more about the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program as well as the potential for member scholarships here: https://www.iddba.org/education/certifications/leadership-certificate-program Are you an industry professional with insights, innovations, or best practices to share? We are always looking for guests to join the conversation. Reach out to us to be considered for a future episode.