Professionals from the supply, manufacturing and retail channels met at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ, from Feb. 16 to 19 at Virgo Publishing’s Focus on the Future Trends & Strategy Forum for networking, educational sessions and industry discussion.
“Focus on the Future was relaxing, enjoyable learning, fun-filled couple of days,” said Kelly Jordan, vice president of sales, Cepham Inc. “It’s a great setting with great company. We look forward to returning and sponsoring again next year.”
Echoed David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts, and a speaker at the event: “I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve had this year, and others are saying the same thing. I think it’s really good to confirm our areas of interest and find new trends in the marketplace.”
Golfers hit the greens at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club for the annual golf outing, on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Later that evening, participants attended a Welcome Reception, sponsored by National Enzyme Co., held outside on the Palm Grove court at the Hyatt. Following the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner and Focus on the Future Awards presentation, sponsored by Capsugel. The Humanitarian Award was presented to The Vitamin Shoppe for donating more than $300,000 to Vitamin Angels last year and supporting the non-profit with in-store activities and personal involvement in an effort to provide vital nutrition to countries, communities and individuals. The Vanguard Award which recognizes leadership was presented to Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED), for defining and self-regulating the omega-3 category and demonstrating how a collaborative effort among competitors can strengthen and grow a category. After dinner, attendees participated in an evening of casino-style games, sponsored by Innophos Inc., which included blackjack, roulette, craps and a chance to win cash prizes.
The two day education program co-sponsored by Lesaffre Human Care and Proprietary Nutritionals, addressed market research, sales, consumer trends data and the future of the dietary supplement, healthy food/beverage industries. Additionally, speakers discussed quality, regulatory updates, sustainability, marketing strategies and much more.
“The information I’ve received is extremely useful in terms of learning trends and what the consumers are thinking,” said Luis Echeverria, business development manager, Pharmacenter. “For ingredient suppliers like myself, it’s important to know what consumers are thinking to help determine what direction we should take. Focus on the Future has also been a good networking opportunity for us.”
Professionals from The Sustainability Consortium, The Hartman Group Inc., Packaged Facts, The Clorox Co., Mintel International Group, Euromonitor International, Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), HealthFocus International, Natural Products Association, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP, Datamonitor and Colman Brohan Davis Inc. presented during the program. Among the highlights:
- In a timely session given the media attention on the Olympics and the Safe Supplement Act introduced by Sen. John McCain, the session, “Safe Supplements and Athletic Performance,” featured Travis T. Tygart, chief executive officer, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA); Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, Natural Products Association (NPA); and Marc Ullman, Esq., partner, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP. Tygart praised McCain’s bill, saying legitimate companies are already following its requirements. However, Fabricant called the legislation unnecessary, as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) already provides FDA with the power to regulate the industry. Ullman added it is already illegal for anyone in the supply chain to put adulterated or misbranding supplements on the market, so this proposed law will not offer any future deterrence to those who are selling illegal drugs masquerading as supplements.
