Consumers are demanding more information about food ingredients and many are choosing products that reflect their values. These and other emerging trends are having a big impact on consumer purchasing decisions. To help the dairy industry stay ahead of the curve, the Wednesday morning sessions at Dairy Forum 2017 will provide a better understanding of what consumers want. Dairy Forum 2017 will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 in Orlando, Fla.

The first session, titled “Understanding Consumer Demands and How to Leverage Them,” will use research and case studies from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the global research and professional services firm, to explain emerging trends that will most likely affect the dairy industry’s product development, capital investment and marketing efforts. Brian Boyle, managing director, PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance LLC, will moderate the panel discussion.

The second session, “Consumer Ascendancy: Brands and Products with a Purpose,” will review how people define themselves by the products they purchase. Increasingly, consumers are buying products that support their causes and align with their ethical views. Panelists will explain how major brands and disruptive innovators are using purpose-driven products to engage new customers and address social and environmental issues while building strong customer loyalty.

Moderating the panel will be Gene Grabowski, partner at kglobal, a distinguished communications counselor and former journalist known for creating strategic communications programs, conducting media outreach and advising company executives on handling recalls.

The full agenda is available on the Dairy Forum microsite, along with registration and hotel information.

For more information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings coordinator and registrar, at mvelasco@idfa.org.