Empowering Food Developers: Inside IFST’s Innovation Toolkit

In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Susan Arkley, a seasoned food industry expert with over three decades of experience. Susan shares her transformative journey with the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), from struggling to connect due to logistical hurdles to becoming a key player in driving innovation and community building within the industry. We explore the creation of the IFST Innovation Group during the pandemic, its impact on product developers, and the launch of the game-changing Innovation Toolkit in 2023. Susan also dives into the importance of blending academic theory with hands-on industry experience to deliver real value. She shares actionable insights on risk management, product development, and the power of cross-department collaboration. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, Susan’s advice will empower you to embrace new tools, revisit the fundamentals, and connect with like-minded professionals through IFST’s resources.