2014 Protein Trends & Technologies Seminar

Originally Published: August 12, 2014
Last Updated: February 4, 2021

The 2nd annual 2014 Protein Trends & Technologies Seminar was held April 8-9, 2014 at the DoubleTree–Hilton Hotel, Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA. It was a resounding success with record breaking attendance and sold out sponsorships and a tabletop exhibit area.

PRE-CONFERENCE PROGRAM: PROTEIN BUSINESS STRATEGIES
This program provides information on consumer trends, the protein ingredient marketplace and other data and insights to help find opportunities among the ever-changing factors impacting the protein supply sector. Functions benefiting from this information include anyone whose business is impacted by changes in the protein ingredient supply.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM: FORMULATING WITH PROTEINS
Non-ingredient supplier speakers provide practical advice on how to work with solution-providing protein ingredients. Topics include formulation factors impacting protein quality and label claims, flavoring protein products, nutritional science behind proteins and developing on-trend products among others.

Also see innovative new protein products offered for tasting at the 2014 Protein Trends & Technologies Seminar.

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GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS

PRE-CONFERENCE PROGRAM: PROTEIN INGREDIENT BUSINESS STRATEGIES

  • Protein’s Rise in the Global Health & Wellness and Supplement Arenas

Speaker: Chris Schmidt, Company Analyst – Consumer Health, Euromonitor International

Consumer interest in protein-enhanced products is at an all-time high. As the industry positions itself to benefit from soaring demand, an understanding of the categories and geographies driving growth is paramount. Join Euromonitor as we provide an overview of protein products across the foods and supplements arenas and delve into the consumer trends that are turning this ingredient into a global superstar.

  • Opportunities & Headwinds in Global Ingredient Regulations

Speaker: Carolyn Fisher, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Decernis

Positive consumer attitudes, nutritional benefits and high functionality all propel an ingredient’s market demand. However, regulations that govern its use are fundamental to an ingredient’s future in any region. Using the proprietary Decernis database of regulations from over 150 countries, this presentation provides insights into how food ingredient regulations are being increasingly harmonized by global markets from Europe to Asia-Pacific and Latin America as well as where differences still exist. Specific protein additives will be discussed as examples of how to operate with thoughtful attention and identify opportunities within this ingredient category.

  • Soy & Dairy Market Volatility: Its Impact on Protein Prices and Strategies for Managing Financial Risk

Speaker: Robert Joyce, Commercial Business Consultant, Stewart-Peterson Inc.

The best laid marketing, R&D, logistics and production plans can be for nothing if raw material costs surge out of control. An overview will be made of the impact of soy and dairy market volatility on the cost of proteins derived from these sources. These categories, the two largest in the protein ingredient marketplace, in turn influence decisions involving all other segments. The presentation will consider strategies for mitigating the damage that volatility can do to bottom lines. Specific examples of proteins will be examined vis-à-vis the global market prices in commodities. An overview of the global and domestic fundamentals of the dairy market will also be provided along with updates on what to watch for in the coming year.

  • Size, Share, Sources and Segments: Analysis and Forecasts for Value-added Protein Ingredient

Speaker: Christopher Shanahan, Global Program Manager – Food & Agriculture Practices, Frost & Sullivan

Protein fortification is increasingly an option for meeting the global challenges of nutritional deficiencies in the developing world, while combating the rise of certain disease in developed economies. However, the current protein ingredient supplier space is highly fragmented, which makes quickly identifying and addressing opportunities and threats to this market segment critical for long term success. This presentation discusses current factors boosting the demand for protein ingredients in 2013 and 2014 as well as other key Mega Trends creating both opportunities and threats across the global protein value chain. Its specific focus will be on providing an overview of global protein ingredients-sourced from both animals and plants-including insights into market dynamics by product type, region, and end application.

  • Sooo Many Proteins, So Little Time: How to Choose?

Speaker: Daniel Best, MSc, MBA, President, BEST VANTAGE Inc.

Protein ingredients available to the U.S. food industry used to be dominated by animal proteins and soya. Surging global demand for proteins is opening new avenues for other sources of edible protein ingredients to make their way into new product formulations. However, each protein source comes with its own set of hurdles and opportunities. Food, beverage and nutritional industry professionals need to be clear-eyed in their choices and commitments as to which protein sources to pursue. This discourse will candidly explore some of the business and technical issues that should factor into choosing, optimizing or investing in protein ingredient selection.

  • America’s Push for Protein: An Update on U.S. Consumers’ Protein Perceptions & Needs

Speaker: Sue Fennelly, MBA, Senior Executive Manager, NPD Group – Food & Beverage

Consumers appear to be in a constant quest for a magic bullet that would allow them to eat certain foods rather than requiring them to pay close attention to their overall health. The question to be asked is whether or not it is protein’s turn to be that magic bullet and is it more than a fad? It’s critical to understand the reasons consumers seek protein, how they can resonate with a target audience and how to overcome consumers’ barriers to consuming more protein including costs, calories and fat content. Results of a just-conducted NPD Group survey on U.S. consumers’ thoughts and attitudes toward protein will be presented that address the questions: What are consumers’ opinions of proteins and do they vary by different types? How are consumers using proteins and have they changed their protein consumption? How do consumers shop for proteins? And, are they willing to pay more for protein-enriched items?

  • The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Starring the Creatine Cartel 

Speaker: Kit Sanderson, CEO, Spanish Fitness Media, LLC and Editor, MD Latino

Thinking of going big internationally? Consider that sports nutrition and dietary supplement sales are a hot, hot trend in Latin America. Drawing on personal insights and experiences, this presentation provides unique insights into “the good, the bad and the ugly” that thrive in a little understood, ravenous-for-protein subculture made-up of athletes, bodybuilders, military and police personnel and other fitness buffs that dwell and train in the shadows of conventional market awareness. Latin America’s fitness culture is increasingly intermixed with North America’s. “Latin America is more of a concept than a geographical boundary”, maintains Sanderson. “Its many diversified fingers serve as a bridge into North American and Europe.” Sanderson will walk you along the creative and unconventional byways of the “The Creatine Cartel.”

TECHNICAL PROGRAM: FORMULATING WITH PROTEINS