Nutrition Expert David Grotto To Present Snacking Research To US Vending Industry

LAS VEGAS -- The renowned nutrition expert will present a sneak preview of research on snacking at the National Automatic Merchandising Association's OneShow on Wednesday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

David Grotto is senior nutrition marketing business partner for the Kellogg's Specialty Channels Division, where he provides nutrition guidance for the vending, K-12 school, college, travel, military, convenience and foodservice segments.

His session, "The Snacking Story: Trends and Solutions for Vending and Refreshment Services," will explore how product innovation, merchandising and marketing should be aligned with modern eating realities to meet consumer demand for better-for-you snack offerings.

Research data suggest that today's consumers rarely follow the approach of three balanced meals, making "snacks the new black," Grotto emphasized. These new eating behaviors combined with a current focus on health and wellness has catapulted the role of snacks way beyond "meal bridgers." Consumer demand is growing for snacks that deliver physical, emotional, social and cultural benefits.

In his presentation, Grotto will share how the refreshment services industry can leverage this new snack trend information to meet the growing needs of today's consumer.

In addition to his work with Kellogg's, Grotto is author of three books including his latest, Best Things You Can Eat (, 336pp., Da Capo Press, 2013). He hosted a live radio show on health and nutrition for 10 years and served as a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.