Mark Astley, website editor, DairyReporter.com addressed delegates in his keynote speech, ‘Changing Consumer Trends in Infant Nutrition.’
2013 was a ‘turbulent year’ for the infant formula sector, according to Astley. Recalls, allegations of bribery and price fixing fines hit the headlines over the past year, affecting producers and consumer confidence.
Alternative products
Astley investigated accusations that Danone Group subsidiary Nutricia India approved illegal payments to doctors to promote and prescribe its baby nutrition products. He was contacted by a whistleblower and subsequently obtained documents relating to cash payments, leading to an exclusive story for DairyReporter.com.
In his presentation today, Astley looked at the industry’s response to boost the sector. He asked whether alternative infant formula products – such as goat or donkey milk – can steal a share of the market in the future.
“It’s a great honour for Mark to be asked to present his findings on infant nutrition formulas at the Zenith Nutrition Conference and great recognition for the DairyReporter brand,” said Jenny Eagle, senior editor, William Reed Business Media.
“Mark has worked hard to represent the dairy industry through his daily news stories on the website and he succeeds in presenting his articles in a fair and balanced way. We hope this is the start of more conferences to come.”
The Zenith International Infant Nutrition Conference brings manufacturers, suppliers and professionals from around the world together to explore opportunities and challenges for the sector.
It takes place at Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile Hotel in Paris.