WHO:

Sally Lyons Wyatt — Senior Vice President, Client Solutions, Information Resources, Inc.

WHAT:

During the past year, consumers have made dramatic changes to how and where they shop and even to how they eat as they look for new ways to make ends meet. Consumers’ drive for value has reached a fever pitch, and they have been forced to make choices, including giving up some of their favorite snacks.  As a result, while the industry turned in solid dollar growth, driven largely by price, total demand softened.

Despite demand slipping slightly overall, however, there were many bright spots.  Healthier snack demand grew, and the proportion of consumers seeking healthier product attributes increased significantly.  Also, a number of new product introductions—both healthier and indulgent—were embraced by consumers.  The outlook is encouraging.  Both household penetration and purchase frequency across total snacks are showing early signs of a rebound.

In this keynote address, “State of the Snack Industry,” consumer snacking trends expert, Sally Lyons Wyatt, will explain the drivers behind industry performance and will discuss key industry trends, including value, health and wellness and sustainability. She will also showcase innovative brands, marketing and in-store tactics. Leveraging in-depth analysis of consumer purchase behavior and extensive primary consumer research, including insights from IRI’s annual Consumer Snacking Study, she will highlight distinct growth opportunities for the coming year.

WHY:

The degree and speed of consumer change over the past year has been profound. Many of these changes will have staying power, creating lasting industry impact. Retailers and manufacturers who understand and address consumers’ evolving needs have the potential for strong growth within this environment.

This presentation will provide a comprehensive view of changing consumer purchase patterns, shopping behavior and snacking rituals, and will address such critical questions as:

• How are consumers defining “value”?
• Have store brands gained traction?
• How has the economy influenced the consumer decision making process?
• Which health and wellness attributes are in high demand?
• How can snack manufacturers and retailers align marketing, merchandising and product development with this “new” consumer?

WHEN:

March 31, 2009, 10 a.m. (EDT)

WHERE:

SNAXPO 2009
JW Marriott
4040 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837
www.snaxpo.org