PG to Host Second Retail Dietitian Symposium

Recognizing the increasingly vital role that dietitians play at grocery retail, Progressive Grocer is once again hosting a Retail Dietitian Symposium, to be held June 9-10, 2014 at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare.

A highlight of the event will be the debut of findings from Progressive Grocer’s exclusive annual retail dietitian research. Last year’s research revealed the gains the retail dietitian movement is experiencing, with nearly 40 percent of respondents indicating they have a registered dietitian (RD) on staff.  This year, Progressive Grocer digs deeper to learn how retail dietitians are engaging with consumers, as well as how they work to promote health with other store partners, both internal and external.

“Progressive Grocer’s 2014 Retail Dietitian Symposium is designed to support the important role of retail dietitians. RDs are increasingly relied upon by consumers for assistance with managing their overall health, including weight management, special dietary considerations, health screenings, and more,” says Progressive Grocer VP and Publisher Jeff Friedman.

The Symposium is chock full of presentations that qualify for continuing education credits. Notably,  attendees will learn how to leverage their company’s social media presence to promote health and wellness; how to most effectively partner with category management colleagues; how best to empower consumers through apps, nutritional counseling and education classes; a how-to guide for reaching Millennials; as well as research that reveals opportunities for partnership between companies and key health influencers.

Progressive Grocer has worked closely on development and implementation strategies for the Symposium with its Retail Dietitian Advisory Panel, including Barbara Ruhs, MS, RD, Principal, Neighborhood Nutrition LLC; Molly McBride, RD, LD, Corporate Dietitian, Kroger; Leah McGrath, RD, Corporate Dietitian, Ingles Markets; Alyson Dykstra, RD, LD, Corporate Dietitian, HAC Retail; Mary Jo Brunner, MS, RD, CD, Family Fresh Market/SpartanNash; Meredith Mesinger, RD, LDN, Corporate Dietitian, Redner’s Warehouse Markets.

For retailer dietitian attendance, please contact Bryan Biello, Event Coordinator, Stagnito Business Information, 224.632.8253, [email protected].

For manufacturer participation, please contact Jeff Friedman, VP/Publisher of Progressive Grocer at 201.855.7621, [email protected]