Barb Stuckey is President and Chief Innovation Officer at Mattson, the nation’s leading independent developer of foods and beverages for retail and chain restaurants. Since joining the company in 1997, she has become one of the industry’s most respected voices in taste science, food trends, innovation strategy and consumer insights. Her work centers on improving flavor and guiding companies through the full product development process, from ideation to commercialization.
With more than two decades of daily tasting embedded into her role, Barb has refined a rare ability to diagnose flavor challenges and teach others how to make food taste better. She distilled this expertise into her acclaimed book Taste What You’re Missing, later re-released as Taste, which introduced scientific yet accessible insights on how humans experience flavor.
Barb’s passion for taste education extends into the classroom as a long-standing instructor at The San Francisco Cooking School, where she teaches the Fundamentals of Taste to each entering class. She is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com, writing on food industry trends and innovation, and serves on the advisory board of the Plant Based Foods Association.
Barb Stuckey has been at Mattson since 1997, and is currently President and Chief Innovation Officer at the country’s most successful independent developer of foods and beverages for the retail foods and chain restaurant industries.
Barb is known as a taste, food trend, innovation, consumer insights, and product development expert.
As part of Barb’s role in the innovation projects that make up her daily job, she is required to taste food and figure out how to make it better. After more than 2 decades doing this, she’s honed her tasting skills and ability to help others make food taste better. She shared this insight with the world in 2012 when her book Taste What You’re Missing was published. In 2013, the paperback edition was released (under the simplified title Taste).
Barb Stuckey was instrumental in helping The San Francisco Cooking School integrate the science of taste into their curriculum. She now teaches the Fundamentals of Taste to each entering class.
She is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com where she writes about the food industry. And she sits on the advisory board of the Plant Based Foods Association.
Previously, Barb has sat on the board of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis and La Cocina, the San Francisco food incubator.
Barb Stuckey lives with her hypertaster husband, two artisan cats, and splits her time between San Francisco and Healdsburg, in the heart of Sonoma wine country. She can be bribed with good tomatoes.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and […]

Keelan Leyser is a world-renowned illusionist and master of digital magic, redefining the boundaries of modern entertainment. Blending cutting-edge technology with mind-blowing illusions, Keelan has captivated audiences in over 60 countries, earning his place as one of the most innovative performers in the world of magic. With his engaging stage presence and astonishing skill, Keelan […]

The G-1 Humanoid from Toborlife AI represents a new generation of intelligent robotics designed to bring artificial intelligence into the physical world. Built to interact naturally with people, the G-1 combines advanced AI systems, machine learning, and robotics engineering to create a human centered robot capable of assisting in a variety of real world settings. […]

Howard A Lim is a dynamic and esteemed figure in the realm of business and branding strategy, renowned for his unparalleled expertise and innovative approaches. As an award-winning strategist, prolific speaker, and trusted advisor to organizations worldwide, Howard has left an indelible mark on the industry landscape. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and businesses […]

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen’s journey from Olympic glory to overcoming personal adversity stands as a testament to resilience and determination. As a six-time Olympic gold medalist, she made history at the 1996 Atlanta Games by becoming the first American woman to secure four gold medals in a single Olympiad. Beyond her athletic achievements, Amy’s life took […]

Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., is a distinguished attorney, best-selling author, and renowned expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. As the Founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI), he has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and organizations to navigate difficult conversations and achieve meaningful outcomes. Kwame’s dynamic approach and practical strategies have made […]
Nichole Pitts is a visionary leader, strategist, and advocate for ethical business practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As the founder and CEO of Ethintegrity, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, helping clients navigate the intricate landscape of ethics, compliance, and DEI with finesse and innovation. Nichole is […]

New York native, Steve Serio, has been playing wheelchair basketball since high school, where he was quickly named MVP of the National Junior Championship Tournament. From there, he racked up many more championships and MVP titles, including medaling at Worlds (2 silvers, 1 bronze) and competed in three Paralympic Games (1 gold, 1 bronze) with […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Connecting you with the perfect speaker.
We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.
Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel