FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Soyfoods Association of North America
1050 17th Street, N.W. Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 659-3520
With the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services preparing to issue new Dietary Guidance in December, company executives, soy bean farmers, policy influencers, industry representatives, academics, chefs and even an Olympic gold medalist gathered at the 15th Soy Symposium yesterday. The conference, Adapting to New Market Forces, was hosted by the United Soybean Board and the Soyfoods Association of North America. Questions arose pertaining to what actions farmers were taking to improve seeds, how the food supply needs to change, and what messages best motivate consumers to eat smart and get moving.
Illinois Soybean Association sponsored keynote speaker Brian Wansink, Ph.D. Dr. Wansink reminded the audience that “food is not nutrition until someone eats it.” According to Dr. Wansink, those nutritionally predisposed are most likely to accept the industry but he advised the soy industry to “focus on the likely adopters and allow the ripple of excitement to eventually reach the rest of the shoppers over time.” He stressed the need for new products and recipes that not only sound healthy but also tasted good. “Innovation needs to lead to soyfoods with better taste, smarter packaging, and more diversity.” Panelist and award winning medical and health writer, Sally Squires, had messaging advice of her own for the industry, “to keep messages simple, actionable, and positive.”
Dominique Dawes, a gold-medal Olympic gymnast, shared her guiding principle, “I’m fueling my body for future success.” Still in great shape, she encourages children and teens to dream and then set realistic goals and stepping stones to get there. A soyfood user herself, she believes that “if they are prepared, empowered and knowledgeable, individuals will select healthy foods most of the time.” She also reminded the group that, “children look up to successful athletes but when it comes to eating and nutrition, the number one role models are Mom and Dad.”
Chairman of the United Soybean Board, Phillip Bradshaw, noted that, “soyfoods that offer a sustainable, affordable source of high quality protein and new soy oils and do not need hydrogenation are well positioned to help Americans follow the Dietary Guidelines as well as feed the fast growing world population.” From the early report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Panel, it appears that “nutrient-dense, great tasting, plant-based products, like soyfoods, will be the winners,” according to panelist Dr. Guy Johnson, a nutritionist and industry consultant. Fellow panelists, Torkel Rhenman, CEO of Solae; Ellen Deutsch, Senior Vice President/CGO of The Hain Celestial Group; and Peter Golbitz, SunOpta’s Director of International Business Development also shared their innovative thoughts and solutions concerning the challenges that are faced by businesses in the new decade specific to health, economy, marketing and sustainability.
For more information (including presentations and photos from the event to be posted early next week) please visit www.soyfoods.org or contact SANA at (202) 659-3520.
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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.
