Industry Leaders to Speak at AMSA 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference Session on Regulatory and Consumer Trends Shaping Protein Innovation 

The AMSA 79th RMC will feature an engaging and timely session focused on From Policy to Product: How Regulations & Consumer Trends Are Shaping Protein Innovation, bringing together leading voices from across the protein industry to address evolving regulations, consumer expectations, and innovation strategies shaping the future of meat and poultry products.

Sponsored by International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and Kraft Heinz, the session will explore how companies are adapting product development and commercialization strategies in response to growing demand for transparency, clean labels, and regulatory compliance. 

Leading Product Development Through Regulatory Change: Strategic, Science-Based Approaches for the Future of Protein 
Speaker: Jesse Collins, Director of Product Development, Sam’s Club Private Brands

Jesse Collins will discuss how product development leaders are navigating evolving regulatory changes, government priorities, inflationary pressures, and shifting consumer expectations in today’s protein industry. Drawing from his leadership experience with the Sam’s Club Protein business, Collins will share science-based strategies for formulation optimization, processing solutions, and commercialization while connecting meat science fundamentals to real-world business innovation and leadership. 

Modernizing Protein Formulations: Navigating Clean Labels, Consumers, and Compliance
Speaker: Karen Black, Vice President Research and Development, Conagra

Karen Black will discuss how accelerating regulatory requirements and increasing expectations for ingredient transparency are driving fundamental changes in protein formulation. Her presentation will examine the evolving regulatory landscape and shifting consumer sentiment while highlighting technical strategies that balance compliance, ingredient functionality, and product performance.

Public Perception of MAHA Policies: What It Means for Meat & Poultry Companies
Speaker: Tom Payne, Senior Director of Marketing, Newly Weds Foods

Tom Payne will examine how public perception surrounding MAHA policies continues to evolve and what those changing attitudes may mean for meat and poultry companies. The session will explore consumer sentiment trends and their potential influence on product positioning, communication strategies, and industry operations moving forward.

 The AMSA 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference continues to serve as a premier platform for meat science professionals, students, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and discuss the latest innovations impacting the protein sector.

 For more information about the AMSA 79th RMC, visit www.meatscience.org/rmc.