Healthy Beverage expo welcomes dietitians, to reach consumers where they shop -- supermarkets

LAS VEGAS, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthy Beverage Expo, a new trade show that's dedicated to fueling the healthy drink segment of the beverage market, says more supermarkets are hiring dietitians. Through the nutrition services they provide in the store and in the community, dietitians are a valued consumer resource, guiding shoppers to healthier choices in food and beverage categories. Thus, Healthy Beverage Expo is partnering with the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance, to further help dietitians understand and promote this beverage segment to shoppers. Healthy Beverage Expo, June 7 - 9, 2013 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., is co-located with World Tea Expo. Visit www.HealthyBeverageExpo.com.

Annette Maggi, executive director of the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance and a presenter at Healthy Beverage Expo, says, "Not only are dietitians educating consumers about healthier beverage options, they're also impacting what products are sold in the store and featured in advertisements and promotional displays. By partnering with category managers and store operations, dietitians can help retailers appreciate that promoting better-for-you options can improve customer loyalty, bring new customers into the store and impact important business metrics."

Maggi, who is also president of Annette Maggi & Associates, a nutrition marketing firm, says, "Today's high-calorie, high-sugar beverage environment revolves around serious health issues and implications. However, the good news is that there are many healthy beverage options, and dietitians can build credible and compelling promotional strategies at supermarkets. This can all make a difference against the dramatic health issues impacting real people."

According to The National Center for Health Statistics (2011), the average male gets 178 calories per day from sugary beverages, and the average female gets 103 calories per day. This can add up to more than 18 pounds of added weight in a year for men and 10 for women. "This is a clear message that consumers need to consider the calories – and overall nutrition – of the beverages they consume," adds Maggi.

At the Expo, buyers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and dietitians can preview and compare an extensive range of beverages, explore new products, source vendors, hear from experts, establish relationships and evaluate opportunities to capitalize on this segment.

Visit www.HealthyBeverageExpo.com.

SOURCE World Tea Media