Exploring F&B Industry Disruption on Grant Thornton Executive Panel

CCD Innovation was honored to have Kara Nielsen on a panel dissecting disruption at Grant Thornton’s 12th Annual Food & Beverage Executive Forum, co-sponsored by City National Bank. Kara spoke about consumer values shifting in response to technology, multiculturalism and a deeper understanding of where food comes from, a key value for Millennials. Other speakers included John Turcza, CFO of See’s Candies, who discussed how the 100+ year-old brand remains relevant by not disrupting its traditional way of making high quality candy but instead expanding its reach with new marketing and sales strategies. David Palmer, Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets, talked about the tension between what consumers want and what helps food companies grow, and how four food categories—snacks, frozen food, food enhancements (condiments, spices, sauces), and beverages—are capturing much attention.