December 2011

Second Annual Food Industry Forum Brings Leaders Together in Chicago

On Thursday, November 10, more than 100 food manufacturers, processors, and professionals met at the University Club of Chicago for the 2011 Food Industry Forum: Key Dynamics and Opportunities event hosted by Blackman Kallick, Reed Smith LLP, and Wells Fargo Bank. Speakers and panelists discussed important issues facing middle-market businesses in the food industry. 

“This year’s Food Industry Forum provided solid and relevant trends with impactful insights on the economy and food industry to participants,” said Paul Oetter, Partner in Charge of Blackman Kallick’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. “It was a valuable opportunity for food industry leaders to come together and exchange ideas, share knowledge, and network with experts, speakers, and peers.” 

Amongst the speakers were Jeff Zyskowski, Vice President and Commercial Leader of Cargill Horizon Milling, who discussed rising commodity prices and their impact on food pricing and profitability, the growing importance of food security, and the critical risks facing food companies today. 

Moderated by Paul Oetter, the forum also featured a compelling panel discussion on revenue and profit growth, products, and competition new entrants and the increased standard of food quality, as well as the rise of healthful eating. This portion delved into an analysis of the developing “foodie” culture, organic versus sustainable foods, and private-label versus store brands. The panelists were Kevin Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc., and Howard Eirinberg, President of Kronos Foods, Inc. 

Jeffrey Walters, Co-Founder and Principal of LaSalle Capital Group, L.P., Joseph Campolo, President of Arbor Investment Management, and David Bere, Chairman and CEO of Nonni's Foods LLC, also participated in a panel led by Frank Ballantine, Partner of Reed Smith LLP. The panelists discussed transactional growth, structuring investments via acquisitions that require less capital and less risk to the core business, ownership effects in the middle-market food industry, and long-term growth drivers such as scale and productivity. 

Dr. Michael Swanson, Senior Agricultural Economist of Wells Fargo Bank, spoke on the global macroeconomic environment, projections for key economic indicators, and agribusiness risks and their impact on the industry. 

For additional food industry insight please contact Paul Oetter, Partner in Charge of Blackman Kallick’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice, at poetter@BlackmanKallick.com or 312-980-2920 or your Blackman Kallick representative.