Elmhurst, IL – The ADPI/ABI Annual Conference delivered for the dairy industry once again this year. The 2015 conference hosted record-breaking attendance of more than 960 industry professionals, making it the largest annual gathering ever.
Co-hosted by the American Dairy Products Institute and the American Butter Institute, this year's event addressed the manufactured dairy product industry's latest challenges, obstacles and opportunities with presentations from a wide range of speakers, including industry executives, government officials and academia.
Challenges, Obstacles & Opportunities
Monday morning the opening panel discussion dove right into the heart of the industry as panelists outlined the issues to watch for that will have impact for the dairy industry in the areas of weather, global growth, production and pricing.
An outstanding panel discussion addressed challenges of feeding the world's growing population. This session started with a range of views from the global population dynamics to creating a food secure world to how the dairy industry can make a difference and concluded with building partnerships to help fight malnutrition.
Top industry senior leadership gathered to share their vision of trade and the changing global structure. Topics discussed included market access, price volatility and risk management as well as how implications of trade agreements will challenge the industry.
A panel also discussed new dietary guidelines and the challenges and opportunities that will face the industry as these guidelines are enforced.
A second panel highlighted whey proteins from the research and promotion being done at the Whey Protein Research Consortium to their development in the sports nutrition sector to a highlight of 25 products that are using whey proteins in a "different" way.
Other topics covered at the two and half day event included opportunities and challenges in the Africa market, the Food Safety Modernization Act, MPC GRAS developments, concerns regarding Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE), Codex and the permeate powder standard, a Dairy Market News update and briefings on 3-A Sanitary Standards and ADPI Industry Standards.
Recognitions & Networking
ADPI was proud to recognize the hard work and achievements of industry leader Rick Kaepernick as he was honored with the 2015 ADPI Award of Merit. ADPI also highlighted the achievements of two young ladies who are both currently earning their degrees as well as working in the processed dairy industry. Lauren Sipple and Carley Bill were honored as the recipients of the 2015 Jim Page Memorial Scholarship.
Meeting attendees also had the unparalleled opportunity to network with representatives from throughout the domestic and international dairy industry during three evening receptions, which included Chicago themed foods and entertainment.
Thank You Sponsors
ADPI and ABI would like to thank all of this year's sponsors for helping truly make this an unforgettable conference! The 2016 ADPI/ABI Annual Conference will be held April 24 – 26, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
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"Unleashing the Power of Dairy Ingredients"
ADPI – The American Dairy Products Institute is the leading national trade association representing manufacturers and marketers of dairy-based ingredients. ADPI's sole mission is to increase the worldwide use of dairy ingredients by marshaling the technical, manufacturing, and marketing resources of its members and others. For more information, visit our website at www.adpi.org.
ABI – The American Butter Institute (ABI) is an Arlington, VA-based trade association for manufacturers, processors, marketers and distributors of butter and butter products. ABI's mission is to promote and protect the interests and welfare of the industry. For more on ABI's activities, visit our website at www.butterinstitute.org
Source: The American Dairy Products Institute & The American Butter Institute
