Fifty three percent of dinners are now planned within an hour of eating. Moreover, consumers say they lack the time to plan and the skills to cook (The Hartman Group). With trends like these, it is no wonder that “fresh prepared” is one of the fastest evolving and sales driving areas of food retailing. In fact, our 2015 Food Retail Industry Speaks research suggests that fresh prepared food revenue is outpacing total sales in retail. That’s why we’re creating a wide array of opportunities at FMI Connect for you to learn how to help your shoppers plan their next meal.

When FMI Connect says “Everybody to the Table,” they mean everybody, all over the world! Visit the Expo at FMI Connect and you will have the chance to sample specialty products from all parts of the globe. Six country pavilions and dozens of more exhibitors from foreign countries will display the kinds of choices your customers are demanding. Here are some examples of what you can find in the Expo that demonstrates the global reach of the food retail industry today.

It seems that everywhere you go Italian food is as common as a good old American hot dog. In fact, you could argue that American consumers have a romance with Italian food products given both their affordability and accessibility. The challenge that both the Italian government and Italian Trade Agency have taken on is introducing to consumers what they call “authentic” Italian products—those made on Italian soil with Italian companies and Italian recipes.

Personal branding is important to one’s career, and can actually support the company brand at the same time. That’s why I’m pleased to welcome Lesley Everett, internationally-known branding expert to the stage at Future Leaders during FMI Connect. A thought-leader on personal branding and executive reputation management, Lesley will be leading the session “Brand Me”: Developing Your Authentic Brand, on Tuesday, June 21, 11:15 am-12:30 pm. Her session will give relevant insight into how you can build a personal brand and achieve career goals with simple takeaways for improved self-exposure.