A globally renowned consumer insights leader, Dave Donnan, will explore the deep connection between consumers’ relationship with food and how that impacts what they buy at the ABA Convention’s Morning Business Session on April 16.

Donnan, senior partner at A.T. Kearney in the Consumer Products and Retail Practice, leading the global food and beverage sector, will untangle consumers’ food purchasing behavior, discussing value perceptions, desire for meaningful interactions, and millennials’ shopping habits. Currently mentoring food startups in Chicago, Donnan has managed operating companies, run food plants, and consulted to leading global retail and consumer product companies. Drawing on his global expertise in agriculture, food and retail consulting, Donnan will assist the baking industry in identifying consumer drivers and will warn against potential problem areas. He will also explain the transition from an “affluence-based consumer” to an “influence-based consumer.”

“From Dave’s diverse food industry experience, he is well-qualified to give a comprehensive analysis of what makes a shopper pluck a baked good off the supermarket shelf,” said ABA president & CEO Robb MacKie. “Dave will position consumers at the forefront of the conversation and will address some of the industry’s toughest retail issues.”

Donnan advises on corporate strategy, supply chain strategies and optimization, brand growth, positioning, and market entry strategies. He has presented at the Global Consumer Goods Forum, appeared on Bloomberg TV, and is quoted in various business journals including BusinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

“We are glad that Dave will offer his expertise on the intersection of consumers and retail business at the ABA Convention,” said MacKie. “I am confident attendees will leave Dave’s session with a new understanding of what drives consumers to the baking category.

Find out more about the 2018 ABA Convention here.