With consumer preferences impacting the entire animal agriculture supply chain, it is vital we learn from stakeholders dealing directly with customers to ensure we reflect the changing needs of buyers.

As the Director of Commodity Analysis and Strategic Procurement at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Allen Ligon has a full understanding of what consumers are looking for right now in their animal protein products. We took some time to chat with Allen to gain his opinion on the market and learn more about the upcoming All-Star Buyers Panel at the Urner Barry Executive Conference.

[Urner Barry] At this conference, you are taking part in our All-Star Buyers Panel, where representatives such as yourself from restaurants, retailers and foodservice companies will address challenges that their businesses have faced over the last year. What issues have you been facing over at BJ’s?

[Allen Ligon] From our side we have run into supply chain disruptions which are dissipating now but are still lingering in many areas. On top of this we have been impacted by inflation, which has made us consider how we go about maintaining our “value proposition” given the new higher cost of goods environment and also risk mitigation, as we are seeing an increase in supplier risks and volatile market risks.

[Urner Barry] Overall consumer trends and demands have drastically changed since the pandemic began. What are some trends you have noticed and what changes are you expecting over the coming months and years?

[Allen Ligon] Shoppers are shopping in multiple ways. They can buy online and have products shipped to their homes, they can buy online and pick it up at the store, and some are taking advantage of financing options for larger purchases. I expect further growth in “on the go” and “convenient” package-sized items, as well as private label growth as the pricing delta between brands and private labels grows.

[Urner Barry] With these changing consumer preferences, we may see different products in demand. Which products and markets do you see opening up in the next year?

[Allen Ligon] As I mentioned I see a lot of potential for on-the-go and convenient, package-sized items from hard-boiled eggs to prepared meat and deli products. I also expect growth in marinated and partially prepared seafood, poultry and meats. Shoppers are looking for more value-driven products to stretch their budget and that will be reflected in what they put in their basket.

[Urner Barry] You have joined us before at the Executive Conference, why do you think the Urner Barry Executive Conference has such a highly regarded reputation among leaders in the industry?

[Allen Ligon] I have indeed, and I am very happy to be coming back to the conference. The scale and quality of the executives attending are unparalleled in the poultry and meat industry. I value the opportunities to meet suppliers and industry colleagues all while learning about trends and solutions to industry-wide challenges.

[Urner Barry] Your panel is going to be jam-packed with information that our attendees need to hear. What are you most eager to discuss at the All-Star Buyers Panel?

[Allen Ligon] For me it is how we are adapting to the high inflation environment, as that could dramatically impact our supply chains. I am keen to discuss what we might expect from the markets going forward as the consumer behavior changes in the post-pandemic, high-inflation environment.

[Urner Barry] We have a full and extensive calendar for the weekend filled with sessions on leadership and problems circulating the industry. Are there any other events or sessions on our agenda that you are excited to check out?

[Allen Ligon] I’m interested in “The Economy in a World of Turmoil” with Joel Naroff and the “Solving Supply Chain and Transportation Issues” panel as I think understanding the state of the global market and the challenges our supply chain faces are vital to planning for the future.

Hear more from Allen this May 1-3 at the 2022 Executive Conference in Las Vegas. There he will be joined by Bea Radtke, Director of Purchasing at Red Robin, and Audrey Leach, Director of Commodity Risk Management and Sustainability at Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Cooperative, for a dynamic Buyer’s Panel where you can gain key insight into what buyers further down the value chain need from food producers in the industry. They will share their views on consumer trends and demands, what they need from protein producers, which markets are opening and future opportunities for growth.

The Urner Barry Executive Conference is held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from May 1-3. To learn more about sessions such as Allen’s and registration info visit the event page HERE.