The 2014 Food Insights Summit took place on Thursday, January 16th at the new City Club in Downtown Los Angeles. Industry professionals gathered to discuss trending topics on sustainability, manufacturing, and emerging trends within the food and beverage sector. Industry leaders participated in networking sessions, breakout panels and a keynote discussion throughout the event.

Featured keynote speaker, Tim Halloran, opened up the conference with an insightful overview into the world of branding and product development. While discussing his latest book “Romancing the Brand”, Tim discussed his experiences in launching some of the most successful marketing initiatives through his unique market research and brand development strategies. His interactive presentation focused on current day trends impacting the way the food sector is now reaching its target audience through innovative campaigns.

The event was followed by two hour long breakout sessions which attendees had the option of choosing from. The first session titled “Financing and Access to Capital”, was led by VMG Partners, Byran Cave, Focal Point Partners and Bank of America as they discussed the challenges, opportunities and creative growth within the market. The following session was titled “Consumer Trends” and was led by industry executives from Northgate Supermarkets, Cacique Foods and The Food Lawyers who discussed the effects of private labels within the Hispanic market.

The final two breakout sessions followed and focused on “Risk, Regulation and Policy” and “Profitability, Innovation and Competitive Advantage.” The first session was led by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, UCLA and Sustainable Microfarms who discussed the overall future of the food industry along with current sustainability efforts. The second session focused on the challenges, opportunites and the future of the food industry and was discussed by Fleischmann’s Ingredients, Frandeli Group and CHOCTAL executives.

Attendees then reconvened in the large ballroom to attend the networking lunch and continue their thoughts and conversations. The first annual Food Insights Summit was a huge success and brought together some of Los Angeles’ finest professionals who are currently making great strides in the food sector. The conference was produced and presented by Chraft PR, a local public relations, brand marketing and conference production agency.