Food Industry Executive publishes reporting built on the experience of people who run food and beverage operations. Many of the most useful insights come from leaders who can’t speak publicly without risk to their company, their customers, or their career. This policy explains how we protect sources who speak with us anonymously.
Who we interview
Our operator reporting features people who work at food and beverage manufacturers: plant, operations, HR, technology, finance, and executive leaders. We confirm each source’s identity and role before publishing their insights, even when we don’t name them.
How we describe anonymous sources
We identify anonymous sources only in general terms, such as their role, industry segment, company size range, and region. For example: “a VP of operations at a mid-size bakery manufacturer in the Midwest.” We never publish a source’s name, employer, or plant location without their permission.
What we remove
Before publication, we remove or generalize details that could identify a source or their company, including exact headcounts, plant locations, specific dates, customer names, and unusual circumstances. When a source shares costs or results, we report them as ranges or combine them with other sources’ figures.
Agreement before the interview
We confirm the terms of attribution in writing before each interview: named, anonymous, or named for some parts only. If terms change, we confirm the change in writing. A source may withdraw their contribution at any time before publication.
Reviewing quotes
Anonymous sources may review their quotes and the description used for them before publication on request. Editorial decisions remain with Food Industry Executive.
How we handle interview records
Interview notes and recordings are stored securely and accessed only by the editorial staff working on the story. We do not share source identities or interview content with advertisers, sponsors, vendors, or any affiliated company, and we do not use them for sales, marketing, or recruiting.
Independence from sponsors
Sponsors and advertisers have no role in selecting sources, shaping operator stories, or reviewing them before publication. Operator stories do not name vendors or products.
If we receive a legal demand
We will not voluntarily disclose a source’s identity. If we receive a legal demand for source information, we will notify the source where permitted and seek to protect their confidentiality to the extent the law allows.
Questions
To share your experience or ask about this policy, contact us at [email protected].Â
