The FMI Foundation hosted a Family Meals Reception before the start of the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo this past Friday. Food retail dietitians and nutrition advocates celebrated family meals with Mitty the Spokesmitt and enjoyed a tasting menu of family meals developed by food retailers.

As witnesses to national consumer trends affecting the way FMI members cater to their customers, I appreciate chances to learn directly from our members on ways they seize opportunities with shoppers and help set the tone for the future of our industry. That’s exactly what happened recently at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Food Forward event, where I had the pleasure of moderating a discussion on Mapping Consumer Trends that featured Nicole Davis, Senior Innovation Manager of Our Brands for Kroger. During the discussion, Davis outlined six consumer trends that align with what we learned in our national U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2018 findings.

Studies that measure the impact of proximity aren’t always consistent. Some say proximity’s impact is overstated, while others report it’s a primary factor of shopper choice. One finding is consistent—once the shopper has decided on the retailer (for example: a low-price or upscale retailer), proximity becomes an important influencer on the path to a purchase decision. But that was before e-commerce.

As an adult, I sometimes dream about what it would be like to go back to school. Knowing what I know now, how would I do things differently and what courses would I take? I recently had the chance to learn more about the Food Industry Management (FIM) Program at USC Marshall School of Business by talking with Cynthia McCloud, director of food industry programs, executive education and adjunct professor at the USC Marshall School of Business. I have to tell you, if I was to go back to school again at this point in my life, the FIM program at USC would be on the top of my list for its flexibility and high-caliber curriculum that really propels your career forward.