Retail experts join to address NEPC expo

Two retail experts will give their views on online grocery trends at the in-person New England Produce Council Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo.

The duo will give the keynote breakfast address on Sept. 30 at the Marriot Copley Ballroom, close to the Hynes Convention Center where the expo will be held, said Laura Sullivan, NEPC executive director.

Joe Watson, vice president of member engagement at the Produce Marketing Association, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics LLC, will co-present “E-Commerce: Making It Work for You.”

The event’s speakers will answer several questions, including: What are the implications for impulse sales? Attendees will also learn: How do you determine promotional funding and advertising dollar allocation for online and in-store?

Both retailers have extensive retail backgrounds.

Roerink and 210 Analytics LLC provide marketing research with a specialty in food retailing. Working closely with retailers, wholesalers, grower/shippers and trade associations, Roerink has developed an excellent perspective on the changing wants and needs of the produce consumer, according to a news release. Before founding 210 Analytics, she was the head of research for the Food Marketing Institute, according to the release.

Watson began his career in the retail industry in 1979. He spent 32 years with Rouses Markets in various roles before becoming corporate director of produce in 1993, a position he held until his departure in 2015. After leaving Rouses, Watson became vice president of business development at PMA and currently is vice president of member engagement. 

“Join us at this presentation to learn more about the e-commerce segment of the produce industry and apply this knowledge to your own company,” NEPC president Tom Murray, vice president of produce and floral at Roche Bros., said in the release. 

“Watson and Roerink will present statistical information as well as practical implementation to assist in your e-commerce business.”