Maureen Pratt

Chief's latest report on DEI tells us the opposite of what news media wants to imply, 80% of companies polled are committed to DEI. I'm really interested that the report finds companies often go back to their mission and values in the face of stakeholder pressure. As community leaders, consumers and employees demand organizations take a stand on important issues like DEI I believe some of the stickiest evolution will come from brand positionings and product offerings. As the core of the company changes leaders will have a guiding force to speak authentically about to all its stakeholders. Challenging times for sure, but our stakeholders will demand that we make it clear and authentic. https://lnkd.in/epYGPhh7 #DEI #Brand #CHIEF

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The Packer Consumers crave simple, affordable foods, report finds By Jennifer Strailey July 9, 2024 What do consumers crave most on their dinner plates? Simplicity with a side of affordability, finds the “2024 Consumer Curiosity Report,” an analysis of consumers nationwide most likely to set the next food trends. Released today, the second annual report focuses on more than 800 early-food adopters from a wide swath of generations, household incomes and U.S. regions, according to a release. Developed by Curious Plot, a marketing communications agency specializing in the produce industry, the study explores these consumers' curiosity about culinary, nutrition and sustainability topics, all to help food marketers better prepare to take advantage of future trends. Download the report here: https://bit.ly/3zovxWN

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"No comment." was a bad strategy from the beginning. And in today’s environment, it’s perceived as an admission of sorts, at best. As various food system stakeholders - customers, investors, regulators, NGOs, the public, and others - call for more information, access, and transparency, “No comment,” is entirely insufficient. The Center for Food Integrity research shows that transparency is vital for building trust – without it, trust won’t be possible. But when stakeholders say they want "transparency," what do they mean? In less than a month, join me at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit, where I’ll: -Define the 7 principles helping those involved in the food system benchmark and enhance transparency -Highlight case studies from companies that have completed CFI’s Transparency Index -Provide a framework that equips attendees to respond with confidence on animal agriculture and broader food system topics -Empower attendees to align company values and actions with stakeholder expectations   There, I’ll join an incredible lineup of industry experts covering topics from emerging technologies and innovations, supply chain partnerships from gate to plate, consumer research, climate insights from COP28, animal health advancements, employee engagement, and so much more!     I hope you’ll join us at #AAA24 – Register for the Animal Agriculture Alliance Summit at https://shorturl.at/qsAN7 Hannah Thompson-Weeman Logan D. Hall Abby Kornegay Emily Ellis Amanda Lucey Charlie Culpepper Dale Polson Paul Koffman Haley Grimes Jon Hixson Jeff Pigott Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN Eric Mittenthal Nicholas Gardner Allison Pigatto Alexander Rinkus Michelle Kromm, DVM, MPH, MAM, Diplomate ACPV Hinda Mitchell Brianna Schroeder Rick Scott Chelsea Good Mike Siemens Jason McAlister Phil Guidry, J.D. J.J. Jones

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Where are PepsiCo making the most progress in its #ESG targets - and which areas are presenting the biggest challenges? Insight from: Jim Andrew Chief Sustainability Officer Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Caulfield, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Read the full story in Sustainability Magazine #Food #Beverage #Sustainability #NetZero https://lnkd.in/e2rb38Cm

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The Rise of Frozen Healthy Food in the United States: Balancing Convenience and Nutrition (with Data) The United States, like many other countries, has witnessed a growing trend towards convenience foods in recent years. This can be attributed to our fast-paced lifestyles and busy schedules. However, this trend has also led to an increased focus on healthy eating habits. This has opened a significant market for frozen healthy food options. Impact of Frozen Food on Food Preservation Freezing is a well-established method of food preservation that offers several advantages. It halts microbial activity by lowering the temperature and reducing water availability (aw) within the food [1]. This technique helps retain the food's texture, flavor, and nutritional value to a greater extent compared to other preservation methods [1]. Understanding Consumer Needs for Healthy Frozen Food According to a 2023 Statista Report, the U.S. frozen food market is expected to reach over $260 billion by 2025. This growth is being driven by a consumer demand for convenient and healthy food options. **A 2021 Grand View Research report](...) indicates that the frozen food market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2022 to 2030. This highlights the increasing popularity of frozen food options, with a significant portion likely driven by the demand for healthy choices. Challenges and Considerations While frozen healthy food offers a convenient solution, it's important to be mindful of potential drawbacks. Here are some factors to consider: • Sodium Content: Frozen meals can sometimes be high in sodium to enhance flavor and preserve shelf life. It's important to check the sodium content on labels and choose options that are lower in sodium. • Vegetable Content: While some frozen meals include vegetables, they may not provide the recommended daily intake. Aim for options with a higher vegetable content or supplement with fresh or frozen vegetables. Looking Forward: The Future of Frozen Healthy Food The frozen healthy food market is expected to continue its growth in the U.S. As consumer demand for healthy and convenient options increases, we can expect to see continued innovation in this sector. This includes the development of frozen meals with: • Reduced sodium content • Higher vegetable content • Greater flavor variety • Organic and non-GMO ingredients By addressing these consumer preferences, the frozen healthy food industry can play a significant role in promoting healthy eating habits in the United States. References: • [1] Lindemann, Sonia Regina; Oliveira, Jurema Valéria de; Mendoza-Sassi, Jussara Helena (2016). "Freezing as a food preservation method: A review". Research, Society and Development. 5 (8): 1450–1461. doi:10.14393/ريسرد160812 “Check the 2nd part”

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Internal comms teams have been grappling with this for a while. For a while it seemed easy to take political stands that were popular, but an organization needs to align the needs of ALL stakeholder, not just its employees. And that is even based on the (usually faulty) assumption that ALL its employees think alike on an issue. Maybe its time to bring back the apolitical "apathetic" workplace. Let work be work and in doing so, it might even remain one of the increasingly rare places, where people with divergent ideologies have to learn to get along. In a hyper polarized world, where we increasingly live and socialize in self imposed silos, work and school should provide a break. https://lnkd.in/gDmUKhzB

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The #UNSTUCK crit (short for critique) is back. Here Zoran Svetlicic and I review sustainable food launch news from the consumer perspective (those people often forgotten in the alt protein world but who make or break a successful product launch) and capture valuable marketing lessons to be learnt. We dive into the upcoming #Nutella plant-based launch, #Smugdairy blended range and #CodAlmighty from The Vegetarian Butcher. Notable mentions go to Heura Foods and Oatly. This is also our 10th article 🎉 on the missing consumer mindset and skillset to take sustainable foods mainstream. We're planning the next 10 and we love getting questions where people need help to get unstuck . . . what should we dive into next? https://lnkd.in/gaNEdeb7

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This is what happens when you neglect to have progress check-ins between the creative brief meeting and the creative review meeting. Own how your brand shows up in the world. #brandmarketing #creativeprocess #nosurprises #mondaymotivation

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As a scientist deeply passionate about food safety and quality, I find the recent reporting from Consumer Reports regarding Lunchables products deeply concerning. While it's crucial to maintain rigorous standards and hold companies accountable, it's equally important for reporting to be rooted in science rather than sensationalism. Consumer Reports' decision to highlight potential concerns around heavy metals and sodium without providing context or acknowledging that all Lunchables products meet strict safety standards is misleading. As scientists, we understand the importance of presenting data accurately and transparently. By failing to do so, Consumer Reports undermines consumer trust and perpetuates unnecessary fear. It's essential to approach food safety reporting with a balanced and science-based perspective. While there may be areas for improvement in the food industry, it is irresponsible to paint products as unsafe when they fall well below established safety limits. Food companies, including Kraft Heinz, prioritize the safety and well-being of consumers above all else. Regarding the concerns raised about heavy metals in foods, it is important to recognize the complexity of the issue. While reducing levels of contaminants like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury is a priority, it must be done in a way that does not compromise nutritional benefits or inadvertently introduce other harmful elements. The FDA plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating levels of lead in foods. While complete prevention of lead entering the food supply may not be feasible, there are strategies to reduce its levels through agricultural or manufacturing practices. Food companies are legally obligated to minimize or prevent chemical hazards, including lead, in their products. When assessing the safety of foods, FDA considers various factors, including the toxicity of lead, potential exposure, and risks to vulnerable populations such as young children. If a food is found to pose a risk due to lead levels, regulatory action is taken to address the issue and protect consumers. Maintaining access to nutritious foods while minimizing consumer exposure to contaminants is a top priority for the FDA. Collaborative efforts with state and federal partners, industry stakeholders, and other entities are crucial in implementing sustainable strategies to reduce environmental contaminants like lead while preserving the nutritional quality and accessibility of foods. While concerns about heavy metals in foods are valid, it's essential to approach the issue with scientific rigor, transparency, and a commitment to consumer safety. Let's continue working together towards a safer and healthier food supply for all. Link to Consumer Reports' article: https://rb.gy/slvv3c

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Bodyweight workouts can be scaled appropriately for almost anyone, Rice's Anatolia Vick-Kregel, B.S, D.C says, but it’s important to start with the basics and build up from there. For those with chronic injuries or specific physical considerations, it is best to consult with an expert before starting. Madeleine Aggeler reports: #health #fitness #healthandfitness #exercise #workout #workouts #wellness

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Here is a part of my conversation regarding lactose-free opportunities on the #DairyDownload podcast. #lactosefreedairy

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Why it's great to report on food companies: these are companies truly on the pulse of the financial discussions and decisions happening at the dinner table. Great insight into today's consumer from McCormick & Company CEO Brendan Foley with me on Yahoo Finance: "The consumer is definitely showing a lot -- and exhibiting a lot -- of value-seeking behavior. They're being really more selective on price points. And we definitely see that throughout the store. What we're seeing is more shopping going on to the perimeter. And when they usually do that, they're doing it because they're saving money or they're not eating out as much. And so that definitely gives an indication of where the trends are. Spices and seasonings are doing well in that environment, and they tend to do well because people want a way to flavor their proteins or their vegetables." Full watch ⬇

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As orange juice prices remain record-high, consumers are turning to alternative options for their morning fruit intake 🍊I recently had the opportunity to discuss this trend with The Associated Press, exploring how producers can stand out and keep consumers engaged. Read the full article, “High Orange Juice Prices May Be On The Table For A While Due To Disease And Extreme Weather,” here: https://lnkd.in/gFxBDq56

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“We created this study for produce marketers and all food marketers to better understand how today’s curiosities will influence tomorrow’s trends,” said Cristie Mather, vice president, food for Curious Plot. “While it’s clear that simplicity and affordability are ruling the day, it does not take away from the fact that early adopters’ curiosity for fruits and vegetables, global flavors and functional ingredients remains strong.” 💡 Don't forget to download the 2024 Consumer Curiosity Report: https://bit.ly/4csBBfy #foodtrends #consumerresearch #foodmarketing #producemarketing #produce #fruitsandveggies

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The latest GDP Perspective Paper provides context on measuring sustainability and why it is important to consider a holistic definition when evaluating foods.

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In the June 18 issue of Food Business News read about #productdevelopment sparking #ancientgrain interest, Kellanova staying on track for growth and Kraft Heinz pivoting to #innovation. #foodindustry

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In today's consumer landscape, authenticity, honesty, and transparency are not just buzzwords –– they're the pillars upon which trust is built. Third-party certifications, such as the Upcycled Food Association's Upcycled Certified mark, serve as tangible proof of a brand's commitment to sustainability. By displaying such credentials, brands signal to consumers that their products have undergone rigorous evaluation and meet certain standards, instilling confidence in the brand's claims and efforts. This transparency fosters a deeper connection between consumers and brands, empowering individuals to make informed choices that resonate with their personal values. Read about how Clif Bar is crushing the sustainability game in New Hope Network https://bit.ly/3vBnFQn #sustainability #transparency #consumervalues

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Love this post and the comments on it.... There ...right there we're nipping this in the bud or at the least I would like to believe that it is happening! Yes, the role of communication is not understood by senior management historically. I saw discussions in my most venerated industry group where so many were talking about how this narrative that "Communications is a support function is diluting our impact and forcing us to say yes to things that are not inherently 'communication' and should be handled by people themselves" all because people at the top are letting it happen. This perception that Communication is not an intergral part of business is worrisom and businesses can't move forward with this. It is sad to see that we get taxed and tagged like a support function. People often discount the value we create because those are not quantifiable in traditional ways. Inherently different than, "Can you please beautify this ppt for me? Look at the Grammer or rewrite this email? Can you make some designs for my team? A logo probably that you could very well manage internally? My shirt/tshirt for this event doesn't fit me? Refine the attachment that I want to send to my team? Can you show me how to book a meeting room? How do I edit this ppt?" and such... #Communication #PR #CorporateCommunication #MarketingCommunication

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Some trends we are finding in the protein space.

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