Food & Beverage
Neogen Analytics: Transforming Food Safety with Industry Veteran Leadership
2024-11-26
Under the guidance of an experienced industry veteran in data technology, Neogen Analytics is at the forefront of helping food and beverage manufacturers maximize the benefits of food safety management platforms. David Hatch, Vice President of Digital Solutions Marketing at Neogen Corporation, has spent three decades in various data technology environments, with the last six and a half years dedicated to the food and beverage industry. This expertise laid the foundation for the development of Neogen Analytics.

Journey to Success

In January 2018, Hatch and his colleagues joined forces with microbiology doctoral candidates from MIT who had innovative ideas for rapid pathogen diagnostics. This led to the launch of Corvium, a software firm focused on automating food safety testing workflows and analytics. Their partnership became a crucial component of Neogen's operations after its acquisition of Corvium in February 2023.Through his early work with the team, Hatch quickly realized the impact of data and technology on food safety. Since becoming part of Neogen and having access to global resources, he has been excited about the platform's development and the achievements for its users.In this industry, where lives are at stake every day, the sense of purpose drives Hatch and the Neogen team to continuously innovate and refine their platform.

Data-Driven Impact

Neogen Analytics offers a cloud-based digital platform that streamlines food safety testing workflows and time-to-information. The software enables various food safety applications to operate within it. For example, the environmental monitoring application digitizes and automates programs, while the product testing program helps customers manage risk and quality objectives. The system connects Neogen's testing devices to the platform, ensuring unified data delivery to any internet-connected browser device.This modular approach allows customers to transition from outdated methods like spreadsheets and paper to an automated digital system, reducing the time it takes to access information and enabling quick action on issues.

Visualizing Data for Food Safety Professionals

One of the platform's standout features is its ability to visualize data. When users log in, they are greeted with a dynamic map of their facility using their engineering drawings or digital photos. This clear and intuitive representation of test points and their statuses has become a beloved component of the program. It conveys information in a way that is accessible to food safety professionals who may not be as tech-savvy as financial analysts.

Auditing and Confidence Building

Audits play a vital role in maintaining food safety standards. When a third-party auditor sees a company's command and control over its food safety data, it makes a strong impression. One customer even turned their laptop to show an auditor a map of the entire floor plan, demonstrating their organization and control over food safety processes. Presenting data in an organized manner not only facilitates audits but also builds confidence among food manufacturers.

Integration and Sustainability

The platform is built to be open and integrative, allowing customers to connect data from their existing testing devices, third-party laboratories, and other data sources. Neogen's integration engine can handle data in any format, meeting the diverse needs of its clients.With the growing emphasis on sustainability, the company is helping customers analyze data and discover efficiencies in their production processes. For example, a large meat producer reduced waste and energy consumption by identifying the root causes of scrapped production runs. This led to improved production yield and reduced environmental impact.As Neogen Analytics continues to evolve, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is on the horizon. The platform is already designed to track trends and patterns in food safety data, enabling proactive detection of potential issues before they lead to production disruptions.Neogen Analytics has a robust platform that empowers customers to take control of their food safety processes. The company is committed to leveraging technology and data to drive positive outcomes in food safety and contribute to a healthier and safer world."This is what excites me. Neogen shares this vision and has allowed me to lead the messaging and launch of these initiatives globally," said Hatch.
Former Lion Asia Dairy MD Elected Foodbank Australia Chair
2024-11-26
Former managing director of Lion Asia Dairy, Duncan Makeig, has achieved a significant milestone by being elected unopposed as the Chair of the Board at Foodbank Australia. This transition comes as he succeeds the outgoing Independent Chair, Tony Froggatt. With his extensive experience in legal and corporate governance, spanning 30 years across various senior leadership positions in Australia and the United States at companies like Heineken-Lion, PepsiCo, China Road, and Tricon Restaurants (Yum! Brands), along with his agricultural background as Director of Wirrabilla Pastoral, Makeig brings a unique blend of skills to the role.

Impact and Vision

Having served on the Foodbank Australia Board since the beginning of 2023, Makeig has witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact that Foodbanks have across the nation. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO, Brianna Casey. Together, we aim to build on Tony's legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in both city and country communities across Australia." This vision reflects his determination to make a positive difference and ensure that Foodbank Australia continues to thrive.

Outgoing Chair's Legacy

Outgoing Chair, Tony Froggatt, completed a successful nine-year tenure. During this time, he played a crucial role in building awareness of and trust in Foodbank. His efforts fostered closer collaboration among members of the food relief sector, leaving a lasting impact. As he steps down, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "It has been a privilege to serve as the Foodbank Australia Chair. I have enjoyed the experience and found great purpose in working alongside my colleagues on the board to help so many Australians. I wish Duncan well in this next chapter of Foodbank's ongoing commitment to helping those in need."

CEO's Perspective

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, also shared her thoughts on the announcement. She emphasized Tony's leadership over the past decade, stating, "His leadership has left a legacy on the food relief sector in this country. His unwavering commitment to supporting those in need has laid strong foundations for Duncan to build on as we strive for an Australia without hunger. Under his guidance, we have grown to where we are today, and we are excited to see what the future holds."Makeig's appointment as Foodbank Australia Chair marks a new chapter in the organization's history. With his diverse experience and vision, he is well-positioned to lead Foodbank Australia towards greater achievements and continue its vital work in providing food relief to those in need across the country.
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Pure Dairy's Appointing of Andrew Wellington as Chief Commercial Officer
2024-11-26
Pure Dairy has made a significant move by appointing Andrew Wellington as its newest chief commercial officer. With an extensive background spanning over 20 years in the dairy and food-processing industries, Wellington brings a treasure trove of expertise in operational leadership, market expansion, and supply chain optimisation.

"Pure Dairy's Strategic Leadership Move with Andrew Wellington"

Andrew Wellington's Journey in the Dairy Industry

Andrew Wellington has been deeply immersed in the dairy industry since his early childhood. Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria, his career began with driving milk tankers. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future in the dairy sector. He then completed a cadetship with Murray Goulburn and pursued a degree in Food Technology at Melbourne University.Over the years, he held various leadership positions across Australia and New Zealand. At Open Country Cheese, he served as the general manager of Operations before the company rebranded as Open Country Dairy. Here, he took on the role of group projects manager, overseeing national plant integration and capital projects. At Thermaflo NZ, he served as the technical director, specializing in plant design. Most recently, he was the CEO at Union Dairy Company, where he managed large-scale operations with a focus on driving efficiency and innovation.

Pure Dairy's Growth and Future Plans

Pure Dairy has built a remarkable reputation as international thought leaders in the dairy industry by servicing partners in 72 countries with end-to-end custom solutions. As of 2025, they will be pouring their intellectual capital into their very own production facility. This new, state-of-the-art $100M Victorian plant is set to provide Australian businesses with a competitive edge in the rapidly changing international market.The executive chairman of Pure Dairy, Adrian Josephson, emphasizes Andrew Wellington's ability to consolidate the work of their multidisciplinary teams. With real-time data from their international offices and network of partners, they need a leader who can quickly grasp the big picture and make timely pivots. In today's dynamic international market, such skills are crucial.For example, the EU exports are currently facing challenges due to the Red Sea shipping crisis, and US-China tariff hikes are on the horizon. However, there are significant opportunities for quality Australian dairy. Wellington is excited to lead Pure Dairy into this new era and make the most of these opportunities.

Wellington's Vision and Excitement

Wellington expressed his inspiration at being able to put all his accumulated knowledge to use. With an international network of partners, big data, and a multi-disciplinary team, Pure Dairy has a proven track record of capitalizing on any opportunity. As they open their own production facility next year, the potential is truly remarkable.He believes that this is a great time to be part of Pure Dairy and contribute to its continued growth. His diverse experience and insights will play a vital role in shaping the company's future and taking it to new heights.
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