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Transforming the Frozen Food Industry: Oliver Thomas on Sustainability, UPF, and Balancing Parenthood
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In this episode of Marketing vs The World, host Abbie Dando is joined by Oliver Thomas, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager at Nomad Foods, to delve into the frozen food industry and discuss Nomad Foods' mission to serve the world better food. They also tackle the challenges of sustainability, the misconceptions surrounding ultra-processed foods, and how to manage a demanding corporate career while raising a young family.
In this episode, Abbie and Oliver discuss:
Oliver Thomas’s Background
- His journey from studying politics and media to starting his career in PR.
- Transitioning from agency roles at Bottle PR and Three Monkeys to in-house roles at Lidl GB and Nomad Foods.
- How his diverse experience shaped his role at Nomad Foods, where he leads the corporate affairs function.
Transforming the Frozen Food Industry
- Nomad Foods’ mission to serve the world with better food through its iconic brands like Bird's Eye, Goodfellas, and Aunt Bessie’s.
- Addressing common misconceptions about frozen food and how the industry has evolved.
- Efforts to make the Goodfellas pizza range 100% non-HFSS and the importance of healthy food innovation.
Sustainability Initiatives at Nomad Foods
- The “Move to Minus 15” initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions by lowering storage temperatures from -18°C to -15°C.
- Collaborative efforts with industry partners to implement sustainable practices.
- How sustainability is embedded into the company’s strategy and communicated to stakeholders.
Misconceptions About Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)
- The flawed narrative around UPF and why processing doesn’t always equate to unhealthy.
- How Nomad Foods is educating consumers and policymakers on the nutritional benefits of frozen foods.
- The challenge of communicating complex food science to the public and debunking myths.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
- Oliver’s experience of becoming a father and managing his career with a one-year-old at home.
- The importance of setting boundaries to ensure quality family time amidst professional demands.
- Practical tips for new parents on creating a balanced life, such as establishing non-negotiable family time.
Mental Health in the Workplace
- The evolving conversation around mental health, especially for men in corporate roles.
- How businesses can create a supportive environment and provide resources for employees.
- The importance of recognising and discussing everyday mental health challenges.
Key Takeaways From This Episode
- Embrace Frozen Food: Consider frozen food as a sustainable, healthy, and convenient option that can reduce food waste.
- Champion Sustainability: Advocate for sustainable practices within your industry and align them with your company’s strategy.
- Separate Processing from Health: Understand that processing doesn’t always mean unhealthy; focus on the nutritional content of food.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Talk About Mental Health: Encourage open discussions about mental health and create safe spaces for these conversations in the workplace.
What You’ll Get from This Episode
This episode offers an inside look into the frozen food industry’s sustainability efforts, insights into balancing a corporate career with parenthood, and an understanding of the misconceptions around ultra-processed foods. Whether you’re interested in food innovation or looking for tips on work-life balance, this episode has something for everyone.
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Share Your Thoughts
We’d love to hear your feedback! Share this episode with colleagues and friends, and let us know your thoughts on the frozen food industry and balancing work with personal life in the comments.
Tune in next time for more inspiration and education with a very special episode of Marketing vs The World. See you in two weeks!
Marketing Vs The World is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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