SNEED-CAST Presented by Sneed Coding Solutions

Introducing The SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop & Celebrating Fifty Episodes!

Order the SNEED-JET Titan Tabletop here: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers/products/sneed-jet%C2%AE-titan-tabletop-printer
Welcome to the milestone 50th episode of SNEED-CAST, where the team celebrates two years of engaging conversations, innovative products, and inspiring business stories. Hosted by Quentin, this special edition brings together co-hosts Alexa and Santos to introduce the groundbreaking SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer, designed to fill a critical gap in printing solutions for growing businesses. This episode also features highlights from the past episodes, expert advice from entrepreneurs, and some fun moments that showcase why SNEED-CAST has become a favorite among small business owners.
Timecodes:  00:00 - Welcome to the 50th Episode: 00:08 - Introducing the SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer 02:05 - Ideal Users for the Titan Tabletop Printer03:15 - Key Features Overview07:10 - Design Matters10:07 - Customer Success and Stories18:05 - Scaling to Retail Advice27:00 - Industry Expert Clips40:26 - Fun SNEED-CAST Moments47:00 - Thank You to the Community

Industry Update: RFK Jr.'s Food Dye Ban, Trade Tensions, and Rising Costs Rocking America

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer. Learn more: sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers
Thanks for joining us for another episode of SNEED-CAST; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from RFK Jr.’s plan to phase out artificial food dyes from the U.S. food supply, to how small businesses are grappling with the impact of rising import costs from China. We’ll also dive into how U.S. consumer confidence has plummeted amid ongoing trade tensions, and examine how inflation is cooling, yet Americans are stepping up spending in anticipation of tariff impacts. Finally, we’ll look at how funding cuts are threatening to deepen the hunger crisis, as more families rely on food banks due to rising living costs.  
 
Articles: 
1) RFK Jr. Plans to Phase Out 8 Artificial Dyes from U.S. Food Supplywww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22939291/rfk-jr-plans-to-phase-out-8-artificial-dyes-from-us-food-supply?
2) Small Businesses Dependent on Chinese Imports Are Feeling More Desperatewww.foodmanufacturing.com/home/news/22939789/small-businesses-dependent-on-chinese-imports-are-feeling-more-desperate?
3) U.S. Consumer Confidence Plummets to Covid-Era Low as Trade War Stokes Anxietywww.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22939891/us-consumer-confidence-plummets-to-covidera-low-as-trade-war-stokes-anxiety?
4) U.S. Inflation Cools and Americans Step Up Spending as They Brace for Tariff Impact  www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22939994/us-inflation-cools-and-americans-step-up-spending-as-they-brace-for-tariff-impact?
5) Funding Cuts Threaten to Deepen Hunger Crisis as Rising Costs Send More Families to Food Bankswww.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22940037/funding-cuts-threaten-to-deepen-hunger-crisis-as-rising-costs-send-more-families-to-food-banks?
 

The Impact of Tariffs & Small Format Cans in The Craft Brewing World with Jessica Infante

The latest episode of SNEED-CAST dives deep into the complexities of the craft beer industry, featuring insights from Jessica Infante, Managing Editor at Brewbound. Hosted by Alexa and Quinton, the conversation covers significant challenges facing brewers today—from the impact of tariffs on aluminum prices to evolving packaging trends like small cans and their appeal to Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike.  
Time codes: 
00:00 - Introduction  00:31 - The Haziness of Aluminum Tariffs  02:48 - Challenges with Aluminum Supply During the Pandemic  04:25 - Craft Brewers Grappling with Tariff Volatility  10:23 - The Rise of Small Cans  17:45 - Gen Z’s Drinking Preferences  18:51 - The Decline of Craft Beer Sales  23:20 - Direct-to-Consumer Shipping  29:29 - Alcohol and Health Conversations  33:06 - Spring Beer Favorites  

Rethinking EPR: Impacts and Challenges for Packaging and CPGs with Lisa McTigue Pierce

Lisa McTeague Pierce, Executive Editor at Packaging Digest, explores Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its impact on the packaging and CPG industry in a recent episode of SNEED-CAST. EPR shifts packaging waste management costs from consumers to producers, but Pierce highlights its early-stage flaws, including inconsistent state regulations, consumer cost burdens, and missed recycling opportunities. She discusses state-specific legislation, like Oregon's framework, and compares global initiatives such as Europe’s Green Dot. Pierce critiques EPR’s inefficiencies while suggesting alternatives like bottle bills and closed-loop recycling systems. This insightful discussion offers valuable recommendations for navigating evolving sustainability legislation.

Turning Heritage into Hustle with Florence Dennis of Flows Tasty Treats

What does it take to turn a childhood snack into a Costco brand? Florence Dennis, founder of Flo's Tasty Treats, shares her journey on SNEED-CAST. From her roots in Ghana and Liberia to breaking into major retailers, Florence discusses creating her signature roasted corn and peanuts, building an African snack box, and her 3-year persistence to land on Costco shelves. She also talks about balancing entrepreneurship with her role in education, her $1M scholarship fund goal, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Plus, get a sneak peek at Flo’s new flavors and Walmart expansion plans! Don’t miss this inspiring episode!
Chapters: 
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction  01:19 - A Mission to Celebrate African Heritage Through Food 02:33 - Childhood Roots in Roasted Corn and Peanut Snacks  04:07 - Shifting Perceptions of African Cuisine08:07 - Balancing Entrepreneurship and Education Advocacy10:35 - Overcoming Initial Business Challenges  14:17 - Breaking Into Costco19:18 - Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs24:25 - The Give Back Program25:55 - What’s Next for Flo’s Tasty Treats28:31 - Closing Remarks

Industry Update: Tariff Wars, USDA Cuts, Fishermen Abuse and more!

Thanks for joining us for another episode of SNEED-CAST; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from the possible implementation of 200% retaliatory tariffs, the impact of Trump’s trade war on Kentucky’s bourbon industry, recent convictions for pandemic-era food fraud, and a lawsuit against canned tuna producer Bumble Bee over labor abuse allegations. We’ll also discuss the USDA’s decision to end a program connecting farms with schools and its suspension of food deliveries to food banks. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at these pressing issues.
Articles: 
1) Trump Threatens Retaliatory 200% Tariff on European Wine After EU Proposes American Whiskey Tariffwww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935946/trump-threatens-retaliatory-200-tariff-on-european-wine-after-eu-proposes-american-whiskey-tariff?2) Kentucky Bourbon Makers Fear Becoming 'Collateral Damage' in Trump's Trade Warwww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935668/kentucky-bourbon-makers-fear-becoming-collateral-damage-in-trumps-trade-war?3) Minnesota Jury Convicts Alleged Ringleader of Massive Pandemic Food Fraud Scheme on All Countswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22936510/minnesota-jury-convicts-alleged-ringleader-of-massive-pandemic-food-fraud-scheme-on-all-counts?4) Indonesian Fishermen Sue Bumble Bee, Say the Canned Tuna Giant Knew of Abuse in Its Supply Chainwww.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/news/22935898/indonesian-fishermen-sue-bumble-bee-say-the-canned-tuna-giant-knew-of-abuse-in-its-supply-chain?5) USDA Ends Program that Helped Schools Serve Food from Local Farmerswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935959/usda-ends-program-that-helped-schools-serve-food-from-local-farmers?6) USDA halts millions of dollars worth of deliveries to food bankswww.politico.com/news/2025/03/19/usda-halts-deliveries-food-banks-trump-00239453
Time codes:
00:53 - 200% Tariffs3:50 - Bourbon Tariff Blowback6:23 - Pandemic Food Fraud8:33 - Fishermen Abuse10:51 - USDA Ends Program13:12 - USA Halts Food Bank Program
 

The Evolution of Barcodes and the Future of Scannable Technology with David Holliday

Barcodes have been a silent workhorse of the retail and supply chain industries for decades. But as businesses face increasing demands for efficiency, traceability, and consumer transparency, barcodes are undergoing a revolutionary transformation. On this episode of SNEED-CAST, Alexa takes a deep dive into the world of barcode technology with David Holiday, creator of PackagingNews.net and an industry expert with over 30 years of experience in product and packaging innovation.David provides a fascinating origin story of barcodes, starting with their initial patent in the 1950s, exploring the evolution from simple designs like the bullseye barcode to the now iconic UPC code. He explains how barcodes not only revolutionized retail checkout processes but became indispensable in inventory management and global supply chains. David also highlights the rise of more sophisticated technologies, like 2D barcodes and RFID, and their implications for e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment.  
Chapters  00:00 - Introduction  02:17 - The Origin of Barcodes  7:02 - Barcodes Transform Retail and Supply Chains  08:47 - Barcodes in the Digital Age  12:28 - Sunrise 2027 & 2D Barcode Technology 17:29 - SNEED-JET® Freedom 41 Ad 18:11 - Challenges in Transitioning to New Barcode Systems  22:14 - RFID and Digimarc Innovations  31:37 - Regulatory and Global Supply Chain Challenges  35:35 - Final Advice for SMBs & Packaging Professionals  39:58 - Closing Thoughts  
  For more insights from leaders in the packaging and supply chain world, be sure to subscribe to SNEED-CAST.

Industry Update: Tariffs, Tax Cuts, and Bird Flu Profits: What’s Really Happening Behind the Headlines?

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Infinity. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-infinity-printers/products/sneed-jet-infinity
Thanks for joining us for another episode of SNEED-CAST; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from tariffs targeting Canada, China, and Mexico causing disruptions across the industry, to the Trump administration's announcement to cut 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts, to increased tariffs on aluminum and steel affecting small and independent brewers, to states considering eliminating taxes on groceries, and finally, are egg giants profiting from this bird flu outbreak? 
 
Articles: 
1) Businesses Scramble to Contain Fallout from Trump's Tariffs on Canada, China and Mexicowww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22935067/businesses-scramble-to-contain-fallout-from-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-china-and-mexico?2) Trump Administration Says it's Cutting 90% of USAID Foreign Aid Contractswww.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22934552/trump-administration-says-its-cutting-90-of-usaid-foreign-aid-contracts?3) Trump Administration Announces New Tariffs on Aluminum and Steel www.brewersassociation.org/government-affairs-updates/trump-administration-announces-new-tariffs-on-aluminum-and-steel/4) Groceries Around the Country Remain Expensive. That's Why More States Want to Stop Taxing Themwww.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22935083/groceries-around-the-country-remain-expensive-thats-why-more-states-want-to-stop-taxing-them?5) Are Egg Producers Inflating Prices During the Bird Flu Outbreak to Boost Profits?www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22934648/are-egg-producers-inflating-prices-during-the-bird-flu-outbreak-to-boost-profits?premTime codes:
00:49 - Tariff Scrambles03:28 - USAID Cuts6:42 - Aluminum and Steel Tariffs9:37 - Tax on groceries12:47 - Egg Price Hike

Navigating The Manufacturing and Packaging Industry as a Woman with Meghan Ziemba

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/sneed-jet-titan-printers/products/sneed-jet%C2%AE-titan-tabletop-printer
Welcome to another episode of the SNEED-CAST! In this episode , we talk to Meghan Ziemba, host of the Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast!
Time codes:
00:00 - Intro00:29 - Meghan's Background4:44 - Getting started in the Manufacturing Industry8:06 - The Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast13:02 - Favorite Sector16:52 - How to bring more women to the Industry21:08 - SNEED-JET® Titan Tabletop Ad23:01 - Challenges women face in the industry26:50- Unique skills women bring to the industry

SNEED-CAST Industry Update - Episode 50 Special!

This episode of SNEED-CAST is brought to you by our SNEED-JET® Titan  Printer. Learn more: https://sneedcoding.com/collections/frontpage/products/sneed-jet-titan-printer 
Thanks for joining us for our 50th episode of SNEED-CAST Industry Update; the show where we’re keeping you up to date with the ever changing world of manufacturing, processing, packaging, coding and so much more. Today Alexa is joined by Ken, Santos, and Quinton to discuss what it's like being in the industry and their favorite stories from the 50 episodes of Industry Update! After that -  we’ll be discussing topics ranging  from he Trump administration's renewed push to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and its proposal to eliminate junk food from the SNAP program. Additionally, we’ll examine the potential economic impact of mass deportations on the U.S. economy and the consequences of shutting down USAID for both domestic and international organizations and individuals.  
Articles: 
1) Trump Steps Up 2018 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum- www.foodmanufacturing.com/packaging/news/22933056/trump-steps-up-2018-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminum?
2) Trump Officials Want to Ban Junk Food from SNAP- www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22933788/trump-officials-want-to-ban-junk-food-from-snap?
3) How Deporting Millions of Immigrants Would Shock the U.S. Economy- www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/news/22933685/how-deporting-millions-of-immigrants-would-shock-the-us-economy?
4) The USAID Shutdown Is Upending Livelihoods for Nonprofit Workers, Farmers and Other Americans- www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22933914/the-usaid-shutdown-is-upending-livelihoods-for-nonprofit-workers-farmers-and-other-americans?