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Renata Sago

Reporter

SHORT BIO

Renata Sago is a former reporter for Marketplace. She covered food culture and consumption. You could catch her on a pea farm in rural Minnesota, at a new burger spot in town, or in the alternative pasta aisle of a local grocery store with a microphone and a camera. Her stories explored new trends in food, including health, safety, disruption and moneeeeey.

What was your very first job?

I started a production company when I was 6 years old. I ran it from my grandmother's porch, with occasional assistance from my cat.

What do you think is the hardest part of your job that no one knows?

Making magic on tight deadlines is a mutha.

What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career?

Stay hydrated (also life advice).

What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs?

You should own your voice, and every single bit of your story, past and present. They are priceless. Never give those up. They are what make you unique. (Existential, huh?)

Latest Stories (154)

In this file photo taken on March 4, 2019 US actress Brie Larson attends the world premiere of "Captain Marvel" in Hollywood, California.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

FDA approves new Johnson & Johnson drug for depression

Mar 6, 2019
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first new kind of drug to treat depression since Prozac hit the scene in the late 1980s. Spravato is a nasal spray from Johnson & Johnson that’s a close cousin of ketamine, an anesthetic that’s sometimes used recreationally and often known as “Special K.” Because ketamine can cause […]
Janssen Pharmaceutica

Pepsi takes aim at health-conscious consumers

Feb 18, 2019
In an attempt to steal market share from rival Coca-Cola, Pepsi is making investments in healthier, less sugary beverages.
In an attempt to steal market share from rival Coca-Cola, Pepsi is making investments in healthier, less sugary beverages.
stocksnapper/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Levi's are about to return to the stock market

Feb 13, 2019
The iconic jeans and fashion brand is planning its second IPO after going private in 1985.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Look out, beef. Plant-based patties are vying to win over meat lovers.

Feb 12, 2019
Two new burgers made from plants look like meat, cook like meat, and taste like meat.
The Impossible Burger is served at Toasted in Winter Park, Fl. as a classic burger.
Renata Sago/Marketplace

Packaged food giants turn to acquisitions, startups, and research to stay relevant

Feb 8, 2019
As food giant Conagra reportedly plans layoffs at newly-acquired Pinnacle Foods, a look at what’s keeping the food business fresh.
Pre-packaged bananas are shown for sale at a Fresh & Easy grocery as Tesco PLC, the UK's biggest retailer, officially enters the U.S. market, opening its first six stores in southern California on November 8, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Tesco is importing its own system of grocery store operations, making heavy use of pre-packaged produce, in contrast to U.S.-based grocery chains, to reduce overhead and refrigeration costs. The Fresh & Easy markets, which are significantly smaller than typical U.S. supermarkets,  will use its own truck fleet for single deliveries from a centralized distribution center. The chain will operate from a relatively small $10,000 per square foot, producing more than a projected $200,000 a week, twice that per square foot of typical U.S. food stores .
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images

Social media fury over Instacart pay scale raises industry-wide concerns

Feb 8, 2019
Instacart and other apps are competing for consistent customers, while worker pay is inconsistent.
This illustration photo taken on December 22, 2012, in Paris, shows credit cards in a miniature toy shopping cart.
JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images

Forecast for tech earnings: sunny, with clouds on the horizon

Jan 30, 2019
Apple beats analysts' estimates while Facebook, Microsoft expected to have strong quarters. But government regulation may drag down future earnings.
Apple beats analysts' estimates while Facebook and Microsoft are expected to have strong quarters.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Federal workers owed back pay set to receive it this week

Jan 29, 2019
Government agencies responsible for payroll worked over the weekend to start issuing missed paychecks.

Cold brew coffee is straight hotness right now

Jan 23, 2019
Across the United States, more people are getting their caffeine drinks ice-cold instead of steaming-hot.
Cold brew sales surged more than 500% from 2011 to 2016, according to the National Coffee Association.
Renata Sago/Marketplace