New research from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy provides insights into why consumers are moving toward real, fresh and natural foods as the key to healthy eating, and how dairy and dairy ingredients have power to play in this area. Many researchers believe this interest in more natural and pure foods is a long-lasting cultural trend that will fundamentally affect consumer shopping habits for years to come.
Learning Objectives:
Intended Audience(s): Product Developers, Company Management, Sales & Marketing Personnel, Plant Production Personnel, Quality Assurance Managers and Supervisors, Food Safety Specialists, Product manufacturers, Research Staff, Regulators, Academics, Students Learning Level(s): Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Non-Member Registration Fee: $119 Member Registration Fee: $79 Student Registration Fee: $45 Presentation Date: 05/17/12 12:00 PM Duration: 60 Minutes
Dr. Loren Spencer Ward Associate Director R&D Glanbia Nutritionals Inc
Loren Ward is Director of Research and Development for Glanbia Nutritionals. He joined Glanbia in 1998 after receiving a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Minnesota in Nutrition and Food Science. His background is in ingredient processing, analytical chemistry, nutrition and human clinical research. He directs the development of innovative, science-based nutritional solutions for global application.
Marla Stempler Buerk Senior VP Dairy Management Inc
Marla Buerk is Senior Vice President of Strategy, Insights and Planning for DMI. In this role, she is responsible for strategy development based on consumer insights for the Health and Wellness committee of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, as well as the Dairy Research Institute. Prior to joining DMI in 2011, Marla worked in various marketing and innovation positions at Kraft Foods. The majority of her 20+ year career at Kraft was spent leading the innovation teams for the Pizza and Cheese business units. She received her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and her MBA from the University of Virginia (Darden).
Ann Ocana Principal Ann Ocana Consulting
Ann Ocaña is a business consultant with extensive dairy industry expertise, serving clients including the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Dairy Management Inc., Shamrock Foods Company, National Dairy Council and the Beef Council. As a member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy’s Health & Wellness Committee, she is leading a project to educate the dairy industry on how to market dairy’s unique nutrient package. Previously, she was involved with the Milk Processor Education Program Board, where she chaired the Advertising Committee overseeing the famed milk mustache campaign. Ann earned her MBA from the University of Arizona, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska.
Melinda Brunell VP Dairy Health & Wellness Dairy Management Inc
Melinda Brunell is a communications and marketing professional with 25 years’ experience in industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and financial services. In her current role, she provides staff support for the Health and Wellness Operating Committee, one of six committees of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Previously, she held management positions with public relations firms and advertising agencies directing programs and campaigns for clients such as Tree Top Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Accenture and Kemper Funds. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University, and is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America.