UPDATE FOR IFT ANNUAL MEETING IN LAS VEGAS
ABBOTSFORD, September 15, 2004 - The recent 2004 IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Las Vegas July 12-16, was host to 20,000 attendees and approximately 2,000 exhibitor booths. The sweltering temperatures of a Las Vegas summer did not deter people from attending one of the largest trade shows in the food industry.
Carlos Bendfeldt, Eastern Account Manager said, "This year's show was busy, exciting and educational. The IFT is all about getting to know your current customers better and meeting potential customers. This show also provides the opportunity to learn about new product offerings and to keep current with new market trends."
While Vitalus Nutrition Inc. did not exhibit this year, several of our staff walked the show-floor, attended on and off site meetings, as well as attending various technical seminars. We also participated in several IFT buyers' missions (sponsored by MIATCO and Indiana Department of Commerce and Agriculture as well as by the State of Nevada, Commission on Economic Development, which is part of WUSATA), which allowed Vitalus to be matched up with qualified international ingredient buyers interested in our protein product range.
Vitalus also attended the Low-Carb Products Expo, held at the Tropicana Convention Center, following the IFT. This show was open to all IFT badge holders. Exhibitors were showcasing products such a pasta, protein bars, beverages and Entrees that all fit within the low-carb market segment. This rapidly growing industry is expected to grow 15 Billion Dollars within the next year. Vitalus' specialty whey protein products have been seeing increased attention from this market segment and attending the Low-Carb Products Expo provided insight into the new products and emerging trends of this industry.
Marcela Cota Rivas, our Technical and Nutritional Development Manager shared her impression of the show: "There was much to learn at this year's IFT. It was a great opportunity to see and taste new products from around the world and learn about new trends in product development. The technical program included papers and sessions on many topics. Of great interest to us were the sessions on Nutrition and Weight Management as well as the technical oral and poster sessions on Dairy Foods and Proteins."
We are already looking forward to next year's Annual IFT Meeting and Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana! See more detail at the IFT Website.