2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

Andrew Zimmern has built a career on the belief that food tells the world's most important stories. As the Emmy-winning creator, executive producer, and host of several acclaimed shows including Bizarre Foods, The Zimmern List, What's Eating America, Family Dinner, and Wild Game Kitchen, he's spent decades exploring how food can bridge social divides and foster change.

Through his extensive travels, Zimmern has become one of television's most trusted voices on global food systems. His work has earned him four James Beard Awards and established him as a leading advocate for cultural understanding through food storytelling. Beyond television, Zimmern is the founder of Intuitive Content, named a top 100 production company by Realscreen, and Passport Hospitality, a restaurant and food service development company. He's authored five books, including the Ippy Gold Medal-winning AZ and the Lost City of Ophir and the upcoming The Blue Food Cookbook, a complimentary publication to the Emmy- and James Beard-nominated documentary series Hope in the Water.

Zimmern's focus extends far beyond entertainment. As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme and The Nature Conservancy, he leverages his platform to fight hunger and promote sustainability. He serves on numerous boards including Services for the UnderServed, Giving Kitchen, EXPLR Media, and Soigne Hospitality. He is a founding member of the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture and the Independent Restaurant Coalition.