State of the Industry Conference proves especially thought-provoking for major policies
This week’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami has once again set a high bar on delivering some genuine, precise insights into the US region’s performance, as well as providing an invaluable chance for the sector to exchange ideas.
As president and CEO of the National Confectioners’ Association, John Downs observed, the industry has pulled together in impressive fashion to record $54 billion in sales for 2024, though of some concern, physical unit volumes were down, reflecting challenging economic conditions (see our exclusive event video review below).
Things just got a whole lot more uncertain for a number of places in the World, as the present administration introduced tariffs to Mexico, Canada and China – which have all prepared understandable countermeasures. What the world needs least of all right now is a tit-for-tat trade war to add to the highly unwelcome headlines of ongoing conflicts around the globe.
As for the key event in Miami Florida, the show placed some exceptionally topical issues on its agenda, from how to consider the aforementioned tariffs, as well as where key ingredient issues such as high cocoa prices are continuing to have an impact to residents over the past month,
In a closed session, the event also examined some of the key policy issues that it has advocated for in terms of how the Republican’s Make America Healthy agenda is likely to play out, as well as how the FDA organisation should be approached in light of its continued raft of decision on banning certain dyes that are involved in many areas across the food sector, including for confectionery.
Among the numerous thought-provoking presentations, futurist Steve Brown offered a vision of just how robotics, and AI in particular is set to have a continued marked impact on the sector. With some $300 billion being spent on such technology over the past couple of years alone, it’s momentum appears unstoppable.
However, questions remain over quite how such systems will integrate with human workforces, with the potential for up to 10 billion advanced AI-based robots posing a number of tests for the confectionery and wider food and drink industry. But as the NCA notes, there may be some turbulence ahead, companies will be have to dig deep to ensure they are up to pace with such gamechanging tech evolutions.
Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production
