PHILADELPHIA—David Michael held its 7th Annual Innovation Roadshow® Oct. 21 that provided attendees the opportunity to explore new concepts, conduct research or work outside of their area of expertise.
Marketing Manager Erin O’Donnell kicked off the event with her “Roadmap to the Roadshow” presentation that reviewed trends in and around the food industry that influenced the exhibits.
Highlights from the show include:
● Pie Pops—Everything tastes better on a stick! Attendees enjoyed 50-calorie miniatures of Apple Cinnamon and Dark Chocolate Yumberry pies that are excellent for foodservice and vending options.
● Meatloaf Cupcakes—Inspired by slider sandwiches, mini-meatloafs are topped with mashed potato “frosting.” The heat-and-eat treats make excellent appetizers or entrees.
● Lucuma Ice Cream Novelties—Peruvian cuisine is a hot ethnic menu trend. Lucuma ice cream outsells chocolate, vanilla and strawberry in Peru. The novelty was complimented by a cookie base and chocolate drizzle.
Three of experienced flavor chemists presented short presentations on David Michael’s line of Flavor Sensations™—flavor modifiers that assist manufacturers in achieving more flavorful, and oftentimes healthier, products.
A keynote panel discussion on National Brands & Private Label: Strategies for Success rounded out the successful event. Mike Schall, senior vice president, Monterey Gourmet Foods, led a discussion about strategies both branded and private label experts utilize in marketing their products in today’s supermarket environment. Greg Venner, executive vice president and chief consumer officer of Smart Balance, Inc.; Douglas Palmer, vice president of own brands at A&P; and Stephen Harty, chairman at Bartle Bogle Hegarty, explained that while both brands and private label goods are vying for the consumer’s dollar, the approach each uses to capture the shopper’s attention is most important.