Produce for Better Health Foundation Announces Line-up for Consumer Connection: The Only Conference Bringing together Top-tier Influencers With Industry Thought Leaders

March 15, 2019 – Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve Americans’ health and happiness by eating more fruits and vegetables every day, has confirmed an outstanding line-up for its 2019 Consumer Connection program. Speakers include Keynote Phil Hanson, Multimedia Artist & Transformative Innovator; Dr. Olajide Williams, Founder, Hip Hop Public Health; Allison Kuhn, MS, RDN, LD, Director of Retail Nutrition, Kroger Health; and Colleen McClellan of Datassential, who will share PBH’s latest insights into what really motivates consumers to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.

Held in Scottsdale, Arizona, April 22-25, 2019, this annual event is the only conference that convenes top-tier consumer influencers in foodservice, retail as well as health and wellness, with produce industry leaders around the shared goal of increasing consumers’ collective fruit and vegetable consumption.

“Each day is energized by inspiring and informative educational sessions that deliver proven and actionable insights, as well as meaningful 1:1 networking to build long-lasting partnerships with new influential experts,” says Sharese Roper, Events and Education Manager at PBH. “And, we enjoy delicious, plant-forward cuisine to demonstrate innovative culinary trends that will delight many palates, including those millennial and Gen Z consumers.”

This year’s conference is unique given PBH will be unveiling a new consumer movement as well a multifaceted brand transformation, which is steeped in original research on Gen Z and millennial fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors, as well as their digital and social media usage habits.

“Many have heard of the national health campaign, 5-A-Day, and more recently, More Matters as the call-to-action to help consumers eat more fruits and vegetables for better health,” says Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, PBH President and CEO. “Now, given the changing ways consumers interact with their food at various points throughout the day, whether it’s ordering online, searching recipes or selecting convenient grab-and-go options, we recognize that moving the consumption needle requires more than just scientific or health-focused facts.”

“Research shows a shift in consumer behavior in which they see instructional language around eating fruits and vegetables as a chore or requirement. Instead, consumers are more interested in learning about the immediate emotional and sensory benefits of consumption as well as, and most importantly, how they can make these eating produce actionable, flavorful and fun.”

“Through its social channels, PBH reaches more than one million consumers each day. The time is NOW for this organization to lead a movement that inspires the entire produce supply chain to unite and collaborate to achieve the common goal of increasing America’s collective fruit and vegetable consumption, and create happier, healthier lives,” says Reinhardt Kapsak. “If you’re a leader in the produce industry, don’t miss this year’s Consumer Connection – this is a must-attend event for anyone interested in connecting their brand with Gen Z and Millennial consumers.”

Five More Reasons to Join PBH in Scottsdale:

1. Live the launch and be the first to see the new consumer-focused call-to-action and comprehensive digital ecosystem that is poised to be the face of a nationwide fruit and vegetable movement.

2. Connect with 40+ top-tier consumer-facing influencers from retail, foodservice, culinary, fitness, and healthy lifestyle digital and social spheres, many of whom will serve as members of PBH’s new Fruit and Vegetable Ambassadors in Action Network

3. Gain valuable insights from PBH’s Powerful Produce Pairings pilot program and learn how it successfully engages consumers and boosts sales throughout retail stores nationwide by pairing produce with complementary nutrient-dense foods.

4. Indulge on- and off-line during PBH’s new signature culinary experience, the Power of Produce Social Soirée, where a social tsunami of industry titans and consumer influencers will officially launch the new fruit and vegetable movement into the digital world.

5. Benefit from educational sessions focused on consumer trends, behavioral insights, taste and sensory experiences, and retail activations that offer actionable insights to boost your bottom line.

For more information on the agenda and how you can register, click here.

About Produce for Better Health Foundation

Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is the only national organization dedicated to increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, in all forms (fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice). Since 1991, PBH has invested decades into developing trended insights on attitudes toward all forms of fruit and vegetable consumption, in addition to campaigns and partnerships with government, food industry stakeholders, health professionals and other thought leaders to collaborate, facilitate and advocate for increased intake. Campaigns include first, the 5-A-Day program, and the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters public health initiative. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is the nation’s largest public-private, fruit and vegetable nutrition education initiative. To learn more, visit www.PBHFoundation.org and www.FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org.

PBH also chairs the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance (NFVA), consisting of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and industries working collaboratively to increase nationwide access and demand for fruit and vegetables in all forms for improved public health. To learn more, visit www.NFVA.org.