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opportunities present,” he said. During the three days of SNAXPO, attendees were treated to a three-part video produced by SFA that traces the history of the association and highlights of the snack food industry over the years. The glittering closing reception and dinner celebrated those 75 years in high style. A BRIGHT FUTURE. A highlight of SNAXPO was the annual state of the industry presentation by Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive, client strategy and insights, SymphonyIRI Group. She

(From left) Ross Long, Kliklok-Woodman; Mark Singleton, Rudolph Foods Co.; Matt Colford, Old Dutch Foods, Inc.; Mr. Colford’s son Matthew; Jim McCarthy, SFA; and Mark Lozano, TNA North America, cut the ribbon to open the SNAXPO exhibit hall.

Nutrition in the Spotlight
Consumer concerns about nutrition, health and wellness — as well as government policy and pressure from watchdog groups — pose an important challenge for the snack food industry as it seeks to grow and avoid harmful governmental restrictions and increased regulations, according to panelists in another educational session. “Snack foods have a place in a healthy lifestyle,” said Susan Borra, RD, senior vice-president, communications, Food Marketing Institute. “But there are challenges and it is going to take a lot of work to get there.” Ms. Borra presented consumer trend statistics that show increasing concern among supermarket shoppers regarding the nutritional value of the foods they buy and growing interest in easy-to-find and easy-to-understand nutritional labeling on the front of packages. “What can you do?” she asked the snack manufacturers in the audience. “Reformulation of existing products and new product The Food Marketing Institute’s Susan Borra delivers an address on nutrition, development,” are possible approaches, she said, so snacks saying snack foods “have a place in a “have a healthier halo.” She acknowledged, however, flagship healthy lifestyle.” products probably should not be reformulated. Managing portions, providing 100-Cal packaging and child’s portions are other opportunities. “Be transparent,” Ms. Borra said. “Let people know about your product, and how proud you are of it.” Discussion centered on consumer distrust resulting from food safety incidents or negative publicity spawned by anti-industry groups. David Schmidt, president and CEO, International Food Information Council (IFIC), outlined steps IFIC is taking to counter those tactics, including the development of classroom materials for use by teachers to help demystify the process by which food reaches the table. Meanwhile, SFA consultant Beth Johnson, RD, principal and founder of Food Directions LLC, acknowledged efforts are under way to restrict food allowed for purchase with food stamps and emphasized that SFA is working with other industry and anti-hunger organizations to oppose such restrictions.
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explained that even though consumers have grown increasingly financially conservative due to the economy, they are snacking more today even as they look for more value in terms of what their snack products deliver. “Value is critical, so finding the right pricing lever is paramount to driving category growth, capturing share of snack spending and retaining and building customer loyalty,” Ms. Lyons Wyatt said. “Yesterday’s strategies are being met with diminishing returns, and a new day is dawning for snack marketers.” (For more on Ms. Lyons Wyatt’s presentation, see the State of the Industry report beginning on Page 15 or go to www.sfa.org to view a webinar on the industry report.) Former Arkansas governor and 2008 Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who admitted to being a snack foods fan, also highlighted SNAXPO during the closing general session. “You’re in an industry where, no matter the price, people love what you make,” he said. Referring to the 2012 Republican presidential primary campaign, Gov. Huckabee called for reform of a system he said allows Super PACs to use “vast, obscene” amounts of money contributed by undisclosed donors to fund vicious negative ads against candidates who have little ability to respond. Noting that he served as governor of Arkansas for more than 10 years, with Democrats controlling both houses of the state legislature, Gov. Huckabee also called for a more conciliatory approach to solving major national issues. Citing the Rolling Stones song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” he said US

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Snack World - May 2012

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