The 2017 ABA Convention featured our most thought-provoking and provocative program yet, centered around the enormous disruptions impacting the baking industry. The program began with “Fresh Take Talks” presented by the Grain Foods Foundation featuring quick, informative presentations from the Editor in Chief of The Daily Beast John Avlon, and food thought leader Eve Turow Paul addressing the challenge of authentically connecting and communicating with today’s consumers.
The “Disruption – Business as Unusual” panel kept attendees engaged with its examination of the extremely fluid marketplace and consumer perspectives. During this eye-opening discussion, the panel offered strategies of how to succeed in increasingly turbulent times and perspectives on the demise of category management for retailers. Coming out of the ABA Convention, the industry had a much clearer idea about the challenges ahead and the potential opportunities to grow both individually and as an industry.
Amidst these disruption discussions, ABA quietly began a strategic planning process that could potentially transform ABA and the baking industry. The focus of the process will be to explore closer alignment with the industry’s core customers while seeking out new sales channels. It also will look at how to better promote the industry and its products to a multi-dimensional consumer population.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: American Bakers Association