Specialty Food Magazine

FALL 2021 13 ASSOCIATION NEWS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 11 a.m. On the Radar: What Will Be the Trends of Fancy Food 24/7? What will be the big trends on display at Fancy Food 24/7 and which will continue into next year? The SFA Trendspotter Panel and content team have been watching consumer trends, new product entries at this show and on the Product Marketplace and Infinite Aisle, and category forecasts in the Association's annual State of the Specialty Food Industry, to determine what trends are on the radar heading into Fancy Food 24/7. This session will feature a preview. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 11 a.m. Understanding the Needs of the Evolving Pandemic-Era Consumer COVID-19 has upended consumer behavior patterns and created new and unexpected purchasing trends. As shoppers begin to navigate their "next normal," what behaviors will prove to be temporary and which will last? Join Mintel Global Food Analyst Melanie Zanoza Bartelme as she explores how convenience, health, and technology have become fundamental in the lives of today's consumers. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 11 a.m. The Bonfire Effect: How Physical Retail Will Survive a Digital Future It's a common headline these days: another well-known retailer is closing its doors. In the face of digital alternatives, changing consumer habits, and a global pandemic, many business leaders and investors wonder if there will be a place for physical retail in the future. Our answer: yes—but for new reasons. To attract consumers to your stores, you have to go beyond selling commodities and expand your value equation by offering social magic and mystique that provides a bigger payoff. In this session, Kevin Ervin Kelley—a retail architect and behaviorist—will describe the process his firm has pioneered to help retailers like Harley Davidson, Whole Foods Market, Kroger, Save Mart, Gelson's Markets, Nabisco, and Cadbury as they convene consumers around their brand bonfires. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 11 a.m. SFA's 12 Under 35 Panel: Innovators Changing Specialty Food Join three women who've been named to SFA's fifth annual 12 Under 35: Young Talent to Watch list: Gaïana Joseph of Fuel the People, Cara Nicoletti of Seemore Meats & Veggies, and Vanessa Pham of Omsom. Each of these change makers brings something special to the table and you'll learn more about their projects and products during this panel. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 3 p.m. Fast Pitch Friday Join us for this rapid-fire pitch competition. You'll learn about what buyers are looking for in a new product as you watch SFA members make their quick sales pitches to our judging panel—and the audience will vote for their favorites. SFA to Kick Off Fancy Food 24/7 Fancy Food 24/7, a digital event hosted by the Specialty Food Association, will run from September 27 through October 8, and bring together makers and buyers who will be able to purchase products in real time via the Infinite Aisle platform. Exhibitors will include makers from across the U.S. as well as international pavilions. Education sessions will be held throughout the two-week event. Following is the schedule.

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