The Future of Convenience

Convenience food is having a moment, and not the microwaved, mystery‑ingredient kind. From robotic kitchens to AI-powered vending machines, three industry trailblazers say we’re entering a new era where speed, quality, and authenticity finally sit at the same table. Dan Munford is joined by co-host Harry Milloff and speak with Jesper Østergaard, CEO of Reitan Convenience Denmark (7‑Eleven) and food innovator Jane Carroll, better known online as Jane Foodie.

Watch the video version of this special episode: https://www.globalconvenience.com/features/the-future-of-food-in-convenience-robotics-real-food-and-the-race-for-relevance/

With special guests:
Jesper Østergaard, CEO of Reitan Convenience Denmark (7‑Eleven) and food innovator Jane Carroll, better known online as Jane Foodie

Hosted by:
Dan Munford and Harry Milloff

Rutter’s has been named the 2025 ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ and it didn’t get there by playing it safe. In this episode, Chris Hartman and Philip Santini share how a family business founded in 1747 is redefining foodservice, entertainment, and dayparts through its groundbreaking 1747 Bar & Lounge concept. From legislation-driven opportunity to fearless innovation, this conversation offers a blueprint for what’s next in global convenience retail.

With special guests:
Chris Hartman, VP of Fuels Marketing and Development, Rutter's and Philip Santini, Senior Director of Foodservice and Bar Strategy, Rutter's

Hosted by:
Harry Milloff, CEO, The Mosely Group and Anthony Wysome, Chair, Insight Research Artificial Intelligence Round Table.

Related Links:
See Rutter's competition entry profile, photos, and video: https://www.globalconvenience.com/best/entries-25-2/rutters-milton-usa/

Martin Stilloff of Q8 pulls back the curtain on how they reinvented its service station network into one of Europe’s most sophisticated digital food platforms. From building the country’s largest pizza brand from the ground up to using data, modular kitchens, and rapid testing to scale at speed, Stilloff explains how disciplined experimentation is driving real growth.

Listen to “The Spotify of Food”: Q8 Denmark + Noahs from September 2024: https://www.globalconvenience.com/features/revolutionizing-food-on-demand-at-q8-with-noahs-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-convenience/

With special guest:
Martin Stilloff, Strategy and Innovation Food Manager, Q8

Hosted by:
Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munford

HR expert Laura Varn and Atteni’s Greg Hull explore how people, not technology, remain the true differentiator in today’s evolving convenience landscape. From frontline training to leadership development to customer experience, they share insights on what it takes to build strong cultures in an increasingly competitive industry. The conversation highlights why investing in people is the key to delivering consistency, loyalty, and long-term success.

With special guests:
Laura Varn, Owner, Laura Varn & Associates, and Greg Hull, Managing Director of Retail and Hospitality, Attensi

Hosted by:
Carolyn Schnare and Dan Munford

Is AI a threat or an opportunity for retail? Retail innovation expert Kate Ancketill breaks down the realities, showing how brands can blend human ingenuity with AI tools to meet rising customer expectations and thrive in a fast-changing marketplace.

With special guest:
Kate Ancketill, Expert in Innovation and Founder and CEO, GDR Creative Intelligence

Hosted by:
Carolyn Schnare and Anthony Wysome