“FMI and our industry partners are excited to present this outstanding opportunity for industry executives to align all aspects of their business operations,” said FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds.
The Show will feature nearly 40 educational sessions, an exhibit floor with thousands of consumer products, three awards programs and the unveiling of data from FMI’s two annual benchmark reports, Grocery Shopper Trends and Food Retail Industry Speaks.
Co-locating with the FMI Show are four important food industry events: All Things Organic, presented by the Organic Trade Association (OTA); the Spring Fancy Food Show, presented by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT); the U.S. Food Export Showcase, presented by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA); and the United Produce Conference & Expo, presented by the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA).
Program Explores Competition, Industry Trends and Growth Strategies
The education program will launch Sunday morning, May 7, with a keynote address from legendary news anchor Ted Koppel, who will share insights gleaned from 45 years as a journalist. Koppel will provide insight on world events and how they affect market trends. The FMI Show exhibit floor will open immediately following Koppel’s address.
FMI’s signature "Speaks" address will kick off Monday’s programming. The session features state-of-the-industry data and the newest research on consumer and food retailing trends.
The remainder of the education program will be fast-paced, global in scope and in tune with the current economic and social environment. Sessions will be presented in a variety of formats and locations, including on the exhibit floor. Featured facilitators will include industry experts, authors, academics and marketing executives.
Focused Product Areas Spotlight Fast Growing Categories
Food, beverage and other consumer products will fill the FMI Show exhibit floor, reflecting evolving customer needs and profit-generating opportunities. More than 250 companies will exhibit at the Show for the first time.
The exhibit floor will spotlight four fast-growing categories:
Beverages — Beverages are one of the largest and most profitable categories across all retail segments, particularly for energy and fortified drinks, bottled waters and wine. The exhibit will feature some of the hottest sellers and trend-setting packaging, along with programming that analyzes the keys to their success.
Equipment/General Merchandise — Technology enhances the shopping experience and improves store efficiencies. Standout merchandising displays and equipment are increasingly important. Sales of health and beauty care, seasonal and other general merchandise products continue to rise. Learn why these trends are dramatically changing the shopping experience.
Perishables — High quality meats and produce are consistently ranked by shoppers as top factors in choosing a store. At the same time, time-starved consumers seek convenient, delicious and healthy meal solutions. Organic and specialty food sales are exploding. See how these factors are transforming retail competition.
Private Label — Private label products are rapidly expanding across all supermarket aisles, providing retailers a valuable tool for differentiation. Demand is being driven by every tier of supermarket customer. Categories such as organic, gourmet, frozen and pet products are rapidly expanding. FMI will open the Show floor for a special preview of this area on Saturday, May 6, between 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
The FMI Supplier Diversity Program returns for its ninth year. The program is designed to connect women- and minority-owned business enterprises with retail and wholesale buyers, providing the buyers invaluable exposure to growing markets. Participants receive benefits such as free marketing advice, on-site educational seminars and introductions to supplier diversity managers from FMI member companies.
Breakthrough Consumer and Industry Research Unveiled
FMI will release two annual research reports on Monday, May 8: Grocery Shopper Trends and Food Retailing Industry Speaks. Trends examines consumer shopping behaviors, attitudes and preferences, providing a valuable benchmark to food retail marketing strategists. The report explores where consumers are shopping and why, views of supermarkets and other retail formats, shoppers’ use of supermarket services and household consumption patterns.
Speaks, a survey of food retail operators, provides a detailed analysis on important industry issues such as competition, labor, customer service, profits, distribution, transportation, marketing and merchandising. It highlights how industry leaders view industry business operations and explores their strategies for improving company performance and increasing profits.
Awards Honor Store Managers and Business Excellence
Hundreds of candidates will compete for FMI’s 7th Annual Store Manager Superior Service Awards, a global program recognizing food retail managers who improve customer and/or community service and increase revenue. Eighteen finalists will receive complimentary registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Show. Three grand prize winners will receive $1,000.
FMI will also present the 10th Annual Neighborhood Partnership Awards. Focusing on youth development, community partnerships, health initiatives and hunger-related programs, the competition was developed by FMI to recognize retail and wholesale member companies for initiatives that revitalize and invigorate communities.
For more information, please visit www.fmishow.com.
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