WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Bakers Association is extremely pleased to roll out the speaker lineup for its 2012 Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Kicking off the business sessions on April 16, Todd Hale, senior vice president for consumer & shopper insights, the Nielsen Company, will present findings of brand-new consumer research in the bakery category.
Mr. Hale will offer broad-based insights into consumer behavior, and outline a path of sustainability and growth for baking businesses. Following the release of the data, Mr. Hale will join a panel of retail experts to discuss and explore what the findings mean for the baking industry.
“ABA is very excited to offer this incredibly timely analysis for our convention attendees,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “Many bakers, like their counterparts in the larger food industry, have struggled to anticipate unpredictable consumer behavior. The research offered by Nielsen will give attendees clear and direct guidance to stay in-touch with consumers and on top of trends.”
The session will identify areas for innovation in the bakery aisle, review three years of sales trends in the category across different retail platforms, and share suggestions of how bakers and retailers can work together to take advantage of evolving demographics and trends.
“This presentation will set the stage for our retailer panel,” MacKie continued. “Our panel is shaping up to feature some very dynamic executives from leading-edge companies in a different format—ABA is looking forward to officially announcing them in the weeks to come.”
Mr. Hale is a sought-after industry observer, where he advises companies to facilitate brand, category and retail sales growth. Mr. Hale brings to the table more than 33 years of experience in the consumer research industry, including 27 years with The Nielsen Company.
The 2012 ABA Convention, April 14-18, at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, promises to once again be the premier industry event of the year. The theme of “Baking Industry United” celebrates each individual’s integral role in the industry. The convention will bring together hundreds of leaders from America’s baking businesses and their suppliers for networking, idea exchange, and working sessions. Registration is ongoing and open to both members and prospective members. More information may be found at www.americanbakers.org.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 633,000 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association