Ricardo is an expert in quality and research at BY Foods, and his passion lies in honey. He is dedicated to detail and driven by curiosity. Besides his work with us, he has made significant academic contributions. For example, he wrote a thesis on Portuguese monofloral honeys. With precision and passion, Ricardo explores lesser-known types of honey and maintains high scientific standards. Below, he shares his story and explains what inspired him to pursue this fascinating research.

Ricardo’s story in his own words

I am always searching for something new and unknown. As a child, I was curious about everything. A simple toy would often become more than what it was designed to be. Because of this curiosity, I decided to become an academic researcher.

In 2016, I contributed to the study of Portuguese monofloral honeys, such as Carob, Arbutus, Squaw Mint, and Thyme. These honeys had not been studied before. I followed EU protocols to evaluate their physical and chemical parameters. These included color, pH, acidity, humidity, electrical conductivity, ash content, HMF, diastase, reducing sugars, and phenol and flavonoid contents.

From 25 samples, I confirmed 21 as monofloral. Using these samples, I compared 13 different protocols. To complete the study, I also tested honey’s microbicidal effects on microorganisms. Finally, I performed multidimensional scaling analyses (MDS) to rank the honeys and evaluate their unique properties.

You can read my thesis here.

Get to know the rest of our team

Now that you’ve met Ricardo, why not learn more about the rest of our team? Visit our Meet Our Team page and discover the passionate individuals behind BY Foods.

What makes virtual trade shows work?

What makes virtual trade shows work? Since March last year, trade shows have been racing to reinvent themselves. The pandemic disrupted their very purpose, forcing businesses to rethink how they connect, network, and close deals. This raises an important question: are traditional trade shows, as we knew them before 2020, becoming obsolete?

Suddenly, virtual trade shows emerged as the new normal, enabling businesses to continue despite the lack of physical proximity. While some may embrace the remote way of life, others long for the personal connections of the past. In the pastry business, lockdowns and quarantines severely disrupted operations. Retail sales helped mitigate the fallout, but virtual trade shows still provided new leads and deals—perhaps fewer, but sufficient to keep us going.

The role of exhibitor support

A key factor in determining what makes a virtual trade show work is the level of exhibitor support provided by organizers. Miguel, our sales manager, has shared some valuable insights into what makes these events worthwhile.

The most significant difference lies in the support exhibitors receive. Successful virtual trade shows assist exhibitors in setting up their booths and organizing meetings and contact lists. Digital platforms prioritize brand content, so exhibitors need help to maximize their impact. However, not all exhibitors are familiar with the platforms used, making tutorials and live sessions essential. While some organizers actively provide this support, others adopt a more hands-off approach, leaving exhibitors to navigate the process alone.

Simplifying the exhibitor experience

Trade shows that reduce the workload for exhibitors are especially appreciated. For instance, some events compile and share organized lists of visitors who expressed interest but didn’t manage to schedule a meeting or send an email. This feature acts as a digital business card collection tray, streamlining follow-ups and maximizing opportunities.

Analytics and tracking: a virtual advantage

One surprising insight from virtual trade shows is the shrinking of the industry’s informal connections. In traditional trade shows, regular visitors and friends often dropped by unplanned. Now, virtual events create more precise and intentional interactions. Advanced analytics tools reveal exactly who has visited a booth, allowing exhibitors to track interest and follow up confidently.

This added layer of data provides a significant advantage, as businesses can better understand their audience and measure engagement with concrete metrics.

A hybrid future

As Miguel points out, virtual trade shows cannot fully replace the in-person experience. However, they serve as a valuable addition to the industry. When the pandemic finally subsides, these platforms will allow businesses to expand their reach by attending both physical and virtual events.

In the end, what makes a virtual trade show work is its ability to combine convenience with functionality, enabling businesses to adapt and thrive even in challenging circumstances.

A look back at 2020: lessons, challenges, and resilience

A look back at 2020 brings one word to mind: unprecedented. The expression “stranger than fiction” fits perfectly. In my view, it was the longest year in memory. It felt packed with surreal events that seemed too bizarre to be true. Yet, it was undeniably real. At the same time, it flew by. From our first lockdown in March to the holiday season, days blurred into a monotonous haze of remote work and social distancing.

Few of us escaped 2020 unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some suffered Zoom fatigue. Others saw their health or the health of loved ones impacted. This year left a mark on everyone. However, as we reflect, 2020 also offers valuable lessons we should carry forward.

A world in turmoil

Taking a closer look back at 2020 reveals how fragile our world truly is. Foreign affairs captured our attention with concern. We saw authoritarianism rise, free speech face attacks, fake news spread, and a cascade of events unfold beyond our control. These issues sparked global unease, as a Pew Research Center study highlights. It explores how people in 14 countries viewed the state of the world during this extraordinary year.

2020 was more than a difficult year. It was the result of unresolved problems building up over time. Financial vulnerabilities, environmental crises, and undervaluing community connections all became painfully clear. To ensure the sacrifices of this year are meaningful, we must address these pressing issues.

BY Foods: resilience amidst adversity

For BY Foods, a look back at 2020 highlights resilience. The food service industry faced unprecedented challenges, including decreased footfall and dramatic channel shifts. Retail, however, surged and offered some relief. Despite the difficulties, we managed to expand our team.

We welcomed two more members to our team: Ricardo, who now leads our independent Quality Control department. and Marta, propelling our Marketing Department forward with her strategic insights and operational expertise. Downtime encouraged creativity, enabling us to develop new operational pipelines and enhance after-sales support.

Although 2020 wasn’t an easy year for BY Foods, it was, given the circumstances, the best year it could have been.

Moving forward

Looking back at 2020, we see lessons that can shape a better future. Tragedies remind us that race, religion, and ideology should not divide us. Instead, they highlight our shared humanity. Let this year serve as a wake-up call to unite against forces that seek to divide us.

With 2021 around the corner, it’s time to apply what we’ve learned, endured, and gained. Let’s move into a brighter future together. See you there!