What new products are capturing the attention of consumers? Where are people buying groceries today? What buzzwords are influencing consumer spending?

Worldwide Food Expo 2009 will offer a series of educational sessions focused on consumer trends during the show, which will be held October 28-31 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Learn which current and future trends will shape how, when, where and what you market.

Scheduled sessions/short courses include:

Wednesday, October 28
Milk Marketing Channels
Research shows that the sale of milk through traditional channels -- grocery, drug and big box stores -- is declining while sales in 'all other channels’ -- a catch-all category -- has increased to approximately 40% of all sales. To take the mystery out of 'all other channels,' marketing expert Doug Adams will unveil the results of his recent research that examines milk sales through convenience stores, schools, foodservice and other outlets research has ignored until now.

The Global Consumer
Learn what consumers are eating and drinking around the world. Hear what is driving consumer behavior and how it affects what products are succeeding and failing.

Thursday, October 29
Consumer Attitudes on Processed Foods
Why on earth are people attacking processed foods and, what can we do about it? Processed foods as an idea are under attack by a handful of authors and journalists, sustained by a willing media and then endorsed by many people who should know better. Tom Nagle of Statler Nagle LLC reviews a new study conducted for the International Food Information Council on what consumers think about it, what the potential impact is, as well as strategic recommendations for industry participants.

An In-Depth Look at Meat Through the Shopper's Eyes
Review trend data and key findings from recent research, including what customers have to say about the meat case, product and promotion likes and dislikes, COOL labeling, as well as consumer thoughts on meal preparation, grocery shopping and nutrition.

Friday, October 30
Best New Food Products of 2009
What new products are capturing consumer attention this year? What are the latest trends in food and beverage products? What are consumers looking for when they walk down the grocery aisle? Discover the best new food products of 2009.

The show features two co-located events: the International Dairy Foods Association’s Food, Dairy & Beverage Exposition and the American Meat Institute’s International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Exposition.

The Worldwide Food Expo attracts approximately 900 exhibitors who display the newest technologies in equipment, packaging, ingredients and services for processors of dairy, meat, frozen food, beverages, snack foods, poultry and seafood. Food and beverage professionals attend Worldwide Food Expo to find solutions spanning the entire manufacturing process - from receiving and blending to processing and packaging to material handling and distribution.

Attendees have the opportunity to view approximately 500,000 square feet of exhibits offering everything that food and beverage companies need to run more efficiently, create new products and improve profitability.

For more information about each session, including registration fees and daily agendas, please visit www.worldwidefood.com.