Feeding the future with fibre

Sarah Ludmer is a strategic global food systems leader connecting her passion to make a positive impact with the top and bottom line. Sarah brings deep experience to the role of Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer at WK Kellogg Co, where she is responsible for shaping the company’s sustainability, wellbeing and regulatory agenda as well as oversees consumer affairs. She ensures the entire WK Kellogg Co leadership team works together to advance the company’s sustainable business strategy – Feeding Happiness – embedding doing good with good business outcomes across the organization. Sarah joined Kellogg in 2014 and most recently served as the Senior Director of Wellbeing and Regulatory, working on a variety of nutrition marketing, environmental and regulatory initiatives that helped shape the Company’s growth portfolio. Prior to joining Kellogg, Sarah managed regulatory and nutrition for both pet and consumer goods at Del Monte Foods and worked for 10 years as a clinical dietitian. She currently serves on the ILSI U.S. and Canada Governance Committee and is a Board Member for the Center for Food Integrity.

Giuseppe has strategic oversight of Danone's EMEA categories, including plant-based. With a PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry and 28 years of experience across FMCG, health, and nutrition, he is recognized for his ability to bridge cutting-edge science, consumer understanding, and technological innovation. Giuseppe plays a pivotal role across Danone's Dairy, Plant-Based, and Specialized Nutrition portfolios, driving product design, sensory experience, clinical research, and nutrition communication. A passionate advocate of fiber and plant diversity as driving forces shaping the future of food, Giuseppe leads teams that explore how plant matrices, fermentations, and nutrient synergies—including fiber microbiome interactions—can unlock healthier, more sustainable diets.

Matt Mahan wears many hats, working across finance, operations, production, and sales as the business continues to grow. Much of what he’s learned has come in real time - addressing issues as challenges arise and building systems along the way. Like all small businesses, Date Lady's structure demands frequent mid-flight rebuilds, with each stage requiring new skills and adjustments. His approach is practical and steady, focused on solving problems, supporting and growing the team, and looking for new opportunities.

Alan Scholnick is on a mission to advance health and wellness by reinventing the date so you can rely on the genius of nature to fuel your everyday excellence. As a long distance runner (with a sweet tooth) who couldn't digest nor wanted to ingest those lab-made, synthetic gels, Mr. Scholnick turned to the Medjool date, an ancient fruit wonder, to bring you the future of fueling. These energy packs are setting the standard for on-the-go food integrity and nourishment. Prior to the launch of datefix, Mr. Scholnick has had a successful career in aviation, real estate and finance.

With over 20 years of experience in the international food industry, Dr. Antje Jungclaus is a passionate advocate for science-based nutrition communication. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the University of Kiel and a PhD in Food Sciences from the University of Nottingham. Since joining BENEO in 2002, she has helped shape the communication of the nutritional and prebiotic benefits of functional fibres worldwide. With strong scientific depth and regular engagement within the scientific community, she is dedicated to translating complex nutrition science into clear, credible and meaningful consumer benefits for the food industry.

Emma Schofield provides expert analysis and insights on ingredients, additives, health and wellness trends, labelling regulations, emerging developments in food technology and science, with a focus on their impact on new product development. As part of Mintel’s global food and drink analyst team, she spent nearly a decade delivering tailored projects for leading food/beverage clients. With >10 years’ prior experience in UK retail and manufacturing NPD, her work enables food industry organisations to better connect with B2B and B2C consumers, shaping communication strategies and future-focused innovation. Emma holds an MSc in Food Science from the University of Reading,

Scott is a microbiologist with over three decades of consumer product innovation experience in health and wellness. Formerly, he was head of R&D and VP of Marketing for the Nutraceutical Corporation and later Nature’s Way. Scott’s latest venture is Vine To Bar, the first mainstream prebiotic dark chocolate with meaningful levels of fiber and polyphenols for gut and heart health, where he serves as President.  He is also the COO of Well Vine, the key ingredient in Vine To Bar.  As an avid outdoorsman and scientist, he believes that combining the best of nature and science is the key to a healthy and sustainable future.

Ed currently serves as the Managing Director of Vine to Bar, overseeing all aspects of the brands growth. In this capacity he directs Marketing communications across the paid, earned and owned landscape; key distribution partnerships to drive Sales in both the retail and on-line space; and key Operational needs. Ed has been with the brand since its inception, having led the development of the brand’s naming, visual identity and positioning. Prior to Ed’s involvement with Vine to Bar, he was a VP Marketing at the Coca-Cola Company and principal of two independent ad agencies.

Amanda Sains is the VP of Marketing at Joolies, where she has helped build the brand from the ground up into a nationally recognized name. As the company’s first employee, she has led marketing, innovation, and sales efforts that helped grow Joolies into a multi-million dollar business with distribution across major retailers nationwide. Known for blending creativity with commercial strategy, Amanda brings a modern, consumer-first approach to a traditionally overlooked category. She is passionate about the better-for-you space, brand storytelling, and creating products that feel as good as they taste. Amanda is based in Long Beach.

Michelle Platt is the co-founder of Jam Pack’d, the first functional fruit spread with collagen protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and no added sugar. After spending the last decade building and writing for a health and wellness-focused website, Michelle saw an opportunity to reinvent a category that had changed very little despite major shifts in nutrition and consumer preferences. Michelle’s professional background also includes work in law and education.

After 30 years as a copywriter and creative director helping build brands like Sabra, Pringles, and Heineken, it was time to build our own. From the packaging and website to the advertising campaign, I’ve worked with Michelle to bring everything I’ve learned about branding and consumer storytelling to Jam Pack'd.

Fernanda Covarrubias is Tate & Lyle’s Global Marketing Manager for Fibres, bringing more than a decade of experience across applications science, innovation, product management, and regulatory. Since joining in 2014, she has combined deep technical expertise with strategic marketing to clearly communicate the health, functional, and sensory benefits of fibre. With a Master’s in Food Engineering and a Diploma in Commercial Strategy, she translates complex science into compelling insights and tools for commercial teams—helping customers create healthier, great tasting products and advancing Tate & Lyle’s purpose of transforming lives through the science of food.

Annia Laposse partners with customers across Latin America to turn science into practical solutions that drive product innovation. She helps brands unlock the full value of Tate & Lyle’s sweeteners and fibres, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights that deliver meaningful consumer benefits. Previously, Annia spent 12 years in R&D at Unilever Mexico, working on brands like AdeS, Maizena and Knorr, and gaining deep expertise in formulation, industrial processes and consumer understanding. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Diploma in Mexican Gastronomy, reflecting her belief in uniting flavour and health.

Jacob is a food science professional who is enthusiastic about food safety and global health. He currently oversees the food safety and quality system at both MicroDried fruit, vegetable, and dairy dehydration facilities. His academic background includes graduate research in pre-harvest and post-harvest antimicrobial treatments in fruits and vegetables.

Global Audience & Content Editor
FoodNavigator

Nicholas Robinson has an extensive background in food & drink journalism, covering the industry for a range of leading titles over the years prior to a brief stint in the luxury lifestyle sector where he headed a superyacht media title.

Editor-in-chief
FoodNavigator

Jess Spiring is editor-in-chief at FoodNavigator, leading its global editorial teams and shaping the long-term vision of the brand. With nearly 25 years in journalism, Jess now focuses on driving agenda-setting coverage across the food and beverage industry, from innovation and regulation to sustainability and consumer trends.