ENTERTAINMENT

Who’s the next Anthony Bourdain?

Anthony Bourdain enabled us to traverse the globe and glimpse into the heart of numerous cultures from the comfort of our homes. His passing has indeed left an indelible void in the culinary world. In today's diverse media landscape, it's challenging to envision the necessity for a single voice to represent global food culture. Currently, I observe many individuals creating impressive platforms, yet there's a noticeable absence of that personal touch that unites us through food.

Should I possess the means to reinvent his show, I would envision Jessica Nabongo or Stephen Satterfield at the helm. Jessica Nabongo's achievement of visiting every country on Earth is remarkable, and her engagement with local communities and culinary perspectives, having been exposed to such incredible cultures, would be fascinating to witness.

Stephen Satterfield's 'High on the Hog' adeptly bridges the divides, illustrating the interconnectedness of food, culture, and community, drawing us all closer. Anthony Bourdain possessed a unique capacity to connect with people both in person and through the screen, profoundly impacting countless lives.

Rest in peace to the GOAT, Tony Bourdain.

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EDUCATION

Certification

To become Upcycled Certified®, companies must follow a six-step process: submit an interest form, determine the audit scope and complete a service agreement, sign a license agreement, undergo a product/ingredient evaluation, market the certification, and comply with annual renewal and ongoing compliance requirements. This process ensures products meet the Upcycled Food Association's standards for reducing food waste by utilizing otherwise discarded ingredients. For detailed steps and requirements, visit the Upcycled Food Association's certification page.

ENTERTAINMENT

Rappers are taking over a new Industry

Trill Burgers, co-owned by rapper Bun B, has made waves in Houston's culinary scene, known for its exceptional burgers. The brick-and-mortar spot has evolved from a pop-up to a popular kiosk at NRG Stadium. Its acclaim soared after being dubbed the "Ultimate Burger Spot" by Good Morning America.

E-40, a renowned Bay Area rapper, has extended his entrepreneurial reach beyond music into the food industry with his brand "Goon With The Spoon". This venture showcases his innovative approach, offering unique food products like pre-packaged sausages and burritos in partnership with Kinder's Meats. These products stand out for their inventive flavors, including Philly cheesesteak and teriyaki pineapple chicken.

Styles P, a member of The LOX, has been making strides in the health and wellness space with his juice bar, Juices For Life. Established in 2011, the venture aims to bring healthier food options to underserved communities in New York, addressing the issue of food deserts.

EDUCATION

Coaching & Training

Excellent food safety practices start with people who uphold standards, policies, and procedures. At AQR, we want to help our clients develop a food safety culture by coaching and training staff on foundational food safety principles. Partner with AQR to elevate your people and culture.

ENTERTAINMENT

Snoop vs Walmart

Snoop Dogg and Master P are embroiled in a legal battle with Walmart and Post Consumer Brands, accusing them of sabotaging their venture into the breakfast cereal market with Snoop Cereal. Launching under Broadus Foods, they aimed to establish the first Black-owned cereal company in the U.S., symbolizing a significant step towards ownership in an industry long dominated by others. The lawsuit alleges that after refusing to sell their company, Post and Walmart conspired to prevent their cereal from reaching store shelves, marking a contentious fight against corporate maneuvers to maintain market control and a quest for equitable representation in the grocery sector.

ENTERTAINMENT

Billion dollar bottle service for celebrities

Celebrities are increasingly entering the high-end spirits market, launching premium liquor brands. Mark Wahlberg, Kendall Jenner, and Ryan Reynolds are among those whose brands are gaining popularity. The demand for luxury spirits is rising, with tequila sales particularly booming. Celebrities utilize their fame and resources to promote these brands, sometimes even participating in promotional tours. George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila, sold for $1 billion, sets a high standard in the industry. Other spirits like Dwayne Johnson's Teremana Tequila and Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin are also performing well. However, the competitive market has led to some brands struggling.

The high-end spirits market is seeing significant celebrity involvement. Ryan Reynolds sold Aviation Gin for up to $610 million. Jay-Z's payout for a majority stake in D’USSÉ to Bacardi is reportedly around $750 million. These figures underscore the lucrative potential of celebrity-backed liquor brands in a booming luxury spirits market. However, the competitive landscape also presents challenges, as not all celebrity ventures succeed.

EDUCATION

Internal Auditing

This internal auditing training is a 2-hour self-paced, online course that introduces internal auditing best practices and processes for food plant inspections. Whether you’re completely new to internal auditing and want to create a strong foundation or looking for a refresher, you will learn everything needed to be a key contributor to your audit team.

In this course, certified GFSI auditors will lead you in internal auditing training focusing on the fundamentals of internal auditing to give you a solid understanding and prepare you for external audits. You can expect to learn about auditing best practices through interactive quizzes and real-world examples.