For the second year, Coca-Cola is proud to present the State of the Global Foodservice Industry. Attendees will have an exclusive look at the latest and most trusted global market foodservice data, generated and presented by Technomic, the world’s leading foodservice research firm. During this session, Technomic experts Joe Pawlak and David Henkes will reveal authoritative industry sales data and overarching trends that span the globe and are fueling industry growth. Rankings of the Top 150 global restaurant chains will be presented along with fact-based insight about the factors driving success among industry leaders. The latest consumer research spanning the globe will be shared. Learn the macro forces shaping future food and beverage usage and what drives global consumers to restaurants and what they expect from the experience.

The future looks bright for our foodservice industry. We need to attract inspired young people to build their careers in kitchens, yet we’re struggling to keep the talent we have from leaving and far fewer people are entering the profession. Unilever Food Solutions will run an expert panel discussion to address the rise of this staffing crisis which many chains are now facing. Harry Brouwer, CEO Unilever Food Solutions, together with leading chefs, industry influencers and chain operators, will openly share different and personal perspectives on the problem and announce a major initiative to help solve this key industry issue.

The Global Restaurant Leadership Distinction Awards are awarded to those restaurant brands that excel in the global marketplace through Innovation, Industry Service, Partnership and Expansion.  The Innovation category recognizes international success by crossing boundaries, staying ahead of consumer demands and enhancing operations, and GRLC is pleased to recognize LEON (UK).  The Service award honors the brands that give back to their communities, the industry and even the planet itself; the 2018 award goes to Alghanim Industries (Kuwait).  The Partnership designation highlights an operator who successfully developed a brand that originated in another country, adapted it to the marketplace and made it a success; this Partnership award honors Jollibee Foods Corporation (Philippines). Expansion recognizes growth - increase in sales, unit count and average unit volume over the prior year and tracking into the current year.  This year’s winner is Costa Coffee (UK).  Join us as we celebrate these international stars! 

Muhtar Kent, chairman of The Coca-Cola Company, will talk about the enduring power of partnership, key consumer trends impacting the global marketplace, and the large-scale opportunities he sees for growth and greater value creation in the worldwide restaurant market. His speech will be followed by a one-on-one discussion of these and other topics with Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.