Approximately 20% of attending companies at BEMA’s 2014 Annual Meeting were wholesale bakeries and snack producers. Each year, this percentage increases creating meeting attendance that is a blend of vendors and customers in a venue that is designed to connect them in ways that will benefit the overall industry.
“This is my third BEMA meeting, and I continue to be impressed with the quality of the program and the mix of attendees,” says Dave Watson (Campbell Soup Company). “I am not aware of another industry event that brings together suppliers and customers in such an environment.”
BEMA’s 2014 Annual Meeting featured two customer panels. The Sweets, Snacks and Co-Pack panel, moderated by Tim Cook (Shick), featured Dave Watson (Campbell Soup Company), Tom Howe (Baptista’s Bakery), and John Macy (John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks). Among other topics, the panel discussed innovation saying that they seek to make it a part of their culture and look to equipment manufacturers to help them in this endeavor. The mix of large and small producers provided insight into the level of investment each is able to provide to foster innovation in their company culture.
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