Facing Reality: Transforming Food Systems with KM ZERO’s Beatriz Jacoste

Join FoodTech Junkies host Sharon Cittone in conversation with Beatriz Jacoste, CEO of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub and one of Spain’s leading voices in the transformation of global food systems.From her early passion for gastronomy to the helm of KM ZERO, Bea shares how innovation, collaboration, and grounded leadership are reshaping how we produce, distribute, and value food.Together, they explore the shifting landscape of food innovation, from overhyped narratives to real impact, touching on frugal innovation, food security, lessons from Latin America, and how corporations are recalibrating toward resilience and purpose.This episode is a candid look at where the food industry stands today, what needs to change, and why the next era of transformation must be rooted in empathy, equity, and pragmatism.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Setting the stage for food system transformation00:34 - Meet Beatriz Jacoste, CEO of KM ZERO and one of Spain’s leading voices in food innovation01:33 - Bea’s personal journey: from gastronomy to food systems and innovation06:22 - Inside KM ZERO: mission, ecosystem, and global impact09:22 - The state of food transformation: from hype to hard truths13:22 - Innovation and resilience: confronting systemic challenges19:46 - Lessons from Latin America: frugality, equity, and community28:05 - Shifting corporate strategies: from storytelling to substance39:46 - The role of gastronomy and culture in shaping the future of food44:00 - Lightning Round: overhyped trends, global insights, and favorite food memories47:08 – Conclusion: key takeaways and call to action This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sharoncittone.substack.com