Dig In: How Great Data Can Uplift a Category

My Food Job Rocks | 5 March 2026

Adam interviews Caroline Cotto, the Director of NECTAR at Food System Innovations. They discuss Caroline's journey from Renewal Mill to her current role, the importance of sensory studies in the plant-based food industry, and the initiatives of Food System Innovations, including the Nectar Initiative and the Tasty Awards.

They also explore the integration of AI in food science, collaborations with Stanford, and the impact of balanced proteins in the market. The conversation emphasizes the need for consumer education and storytelling in promoting alternative proteins.

Also, we mention the 2nd Annual TASTY Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at The Hibernia in San Francisco.

This year's theme is dairy, and we're celebrating the most delicious alternative dairy products as determined by thousands of real consumers through blind taste tests. The evening will feature the award unveilings, an exclusive keynote by co-founder of Salt & Straw co-founder Tyler Malek, and a curated tasting experience with award-winning products in unique, chef-crafted dishes.

Guests can join 300 food industry leaders, innovators, and tastemakers for an unforgettable evening where exceptional taste meets food innovation.