STATE BOARD TO FOCUS ON CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS IN THE MARKETPLACE ON FEBRUARY 7th IN SACRAMENTO

SACRAMENTO, January 30, 2012 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss consumer trends within the retail and food service sectors at its upcoming meeting on February 7th in Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

"Rapid changes are taking place at supermarkets and restaurants across this nation as more and more food outlets are responding to consumer expectations," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "How California farmers and ranchers respond to these expectations creates an opportunity for the agricultural community and consumers to reconnect."

California’s marketing orders, agreements, councils and commissions have been invited to attend and participate in this interactive meeting. Speakers will include: Bill Bishop, Brick Meets Click, a nationally recognized food retail consultant; Greg Drescher, Culinary Institute of America, who leads the organization’s strategic partnerships and initiatives; Fedele Bauccio, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Bon Appétit Management Company a national onsite food service provider with more than 400 cafés in 31 states; and Marion Standish with the California Endowment who works to create broad and sustainable efforts to reduce public health disparities in local communities.

"California has always been on the cutting edge of innovation," said President Craig McNamara, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. "The trends and changes we see in the food service and retail sectors are an important part of what California agriculture is all about – we can be a great partner in meeting and exceeding consumer expectations in the marketplace."

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representative and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.


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