Produce for Better Health to gather retail nutritionists for annual event

As part of its commitment to connecting the fresh produce industry with consumer-facing decision-makers and influential professionals who inspire consumers daily, Produce for Better Health has revealed the 14 “VIPs” attending this year’s Consumer Connection Conference, April 10-12, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Part of PBH’s Have A Plant Influencer network, the group of experts span three distinct points of influence: Point-of-sale (retail); point-of-flavor (culinary and foodservice) and point-of-inspiration (lifestyle, nutrition and agriculture).
 
“This group of plant-passionate advocates stand ready to roll up their sleeves and connect with the produce industry to discuss strategies and solutions for making fruits and vegetables accessible, enjoyable and easy for consumers,” Katie Calligaro, director of PBH marketing and communications, International Fresh Produce Association’s Foundation For Fresh Produce, said in a release. “As part of PBH’s commitment to convene and connect the industry with consumers directly, we couldn’t be more excited to host this powerful group at this year’s conference. These enthusiastic experts hold the key to authentically and credibly advocate for eating and enjoying more fruits and vegetables every single day for better health and happiness.”
 
In exchange for their VIP pass, all influencers attending must participate in the full agenda, as well as the sponsored one-to-one connect appointments where industry leaders and marketers can sit down and have strategic business conversations about how to grow consumption with their product, commodity or brand, the release said.
 
“In addition to the intimate networking opportunities, education and fabulous plant-centric cuisine, the [one-to-one] appointments have historically been the number one reason for sponsoring this event,” said Lorinda Oscarson, brand content manager for Chelan Fresh and former co-chair of PBH’s marketing and communications committee. “We’ve been able to establish successful business relationships with retail partners that have led to sales growth and opportunities, as well as meaningful connections with potential brand ambassadors that helped inform our own influencer programs at this conference. It’s a must-do in our marketing plan year-over-year.”

The 2023 Consumer Connection VIPs committed to this year’s event include the following:

• Coborn’s Inc., Emily Krause, MFCS, RD, LD, FAND, health and wellness manager.
• Giant Food Stores, Lisa Coleman, MS, RD, LDN, director of healthy living.
• Hannaford Supermarket, Laura Hunt, healthy living marketing specialist.
• Harmon’s Grocery, Jonnel Masson, MS, RDN, dietitian coordinator.
• H-E-B, Stacy Bates, RDN, CDE, director wellness nutrition strategy.
• Inserra Supermarket/ShopRite, Lynette Hem-Lee, RD, retail dietitian.
• Kroger, Emily Rider, RDN, LD, nutrition program development manager.
• Meijer, Beth Eggleston, MS, RDN, nutrition education specialist.
• Raley’s, Yvette Waters, MS, RDN, CISSN, RYT, nutrition strategist and brand influencer.
• Redners Markets, Meredith McGrath, RD, LDN, nutrition marketing and communications.
• Save-On-Foods/Choices Markets, Kelsey Moore, RD, nutrition operations manager.
• Stop & Shop, Christine Sinclair, MA, MS, RD, LDN, health and wellness strategy manager.
• Wakefern Food Corp., Shelbi Thurau, RD, health and wellness communications lead.
• WAWA, LeeAnn Kindness, MS, NDTR, nutritionist, product innovation.