Snac World - Official State of the Industry 2024 - 6

SNACK LETTER
pursuing our commitment to
EXCELLENCE
W
Welcome to the 2024 State of the Industry. I encourage
you to spend some time here to discover insights
and meaningful information that sharpen the focus on
our industry and our growth.
We are releasing this report at SNX 2024, an
event that showcases the industry's commitment to
excellence and innovation. The hallmark of SNX is
the efficient, private business meetings that connect
the supply chain and drive the industry forward. SNX
also features an interactive Experience Zone, allowing
for informal networking and learning opportunities
at each step of the snack production process, as
well as an Education Arena where thought leaders
will discuss the industry's most pressing
topics. And it wouldn't be a SNAC event
without a spotlight on the startups in our
industry. The standing-room-only SNAC
Tank pitch competition will also be held in
the Education Arena, allowing startup snack
brands to pitch to a live audience for the
chance to win a $10,000 prize.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation
goes beyond our products. We bring that
same enthusiasm to fostering sustainability from
farm to shelf. We have members working with farmers
to extend regenerative agriculture practices as
well as using cleaner fuels in their fleets, working on
sustainable packaging and more. In 2021, SNAC
International launched an effort to bring subject matter
experts to educate and prompt discussion. Since
then, we've had 31 speakers at our events discussing
topics like transparency, the US Environmental
Protection Agency's priorities for food manufacturers
and sustainable practices for fueling manufacturing.
We are kicking 2024 off with a Sustainable Packaging
Showcase at SNX, which will create a platform for
packaging supplier members to showcase their
sustainable options to the industry, as well as deliver
TED-style talks discussing their initiatives. Attendees
will also have the chance to test their instincts and
knowledge by competing in a sustainable packaging
sorting contest.
In this report, you will see a spotlight on female
talent. The snack industry has long recognized
the need to identify rising stars and support their
success, which has led to industry growth. But we
also recognized the need to champion professional
development opportunities for female snack industry
leaders. To assist, SNAC created the Women
in Snacks (WinS) Network in which we showcase
female leaders and build community. And we have
seen the results. In 2023, we had a 43% increase
in female attendance at our Executive Leadership
Forum over 2022, and a 110% increase over 2021.
Through feedback from our members, we're planning
the first-ever WinS in-person event for June 12-13 in
Washington, DC.
SNAC continues to be the industry's collective
voice. Our persistent presence in Washington, DC,
means we have deep relationships and educate key
policymakers when it matters most. This year, we will
host our in-person Legislative Summit on June 11-12
in Washington, DC, and we already know the agenda
will be an active one. From the Farm Bill and SNAP
Choice to sodium reduction efforts, we need your
help educating policymakers. At the state level, we
are engaged on California's Prop 65 rulemaking and
can help members navigate these complex issues.
Concise summaries of all these efforts and more can
be found on the SNAC Member Resources website.
While ingenuity drives our industry, there is also a
commitment to maintaining its edge among consumers.
And SNAC International is no different. We are
committed to helping connect the industry for growth,
and you can trust us to be a reliable resource for the
information and issues that matter most to you and
your company.
Keep snacking.
Christine M. Cochran
President & CEO
SNAC International
6
SNAC WORLD 2024
Snac World - Official State of the Industry 2024

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