A new initiative—The Retailer Relations Forum—is designed to educate and enable Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) member companies to protect and grow their business with retailers. The forum will be composed of senior sales and customer officers at CRN member companies who market finished dietary supplements and functional food. Both marketers of branded products and contract manufacturers who manufacture store brand products are invited to participate.
 
“In today’s climate, senior sales executives need to stay up-to-speed on regulatory and sector developments that could impact business. CRN’s Retailer Relations Forum is yet another channel for our members to be in-the-know when it comes to retailers’ priorities, initiatives and expectations for the dietary supplement and functional food categories,” said Steve Mister, president & CEO, CRN.
 
At least once a year, the Retail Relations Forum will offer an “engagement” experience, during which a retailer will host the forum at its facilities. The in-person meeting will present an exclusive opportunity for retailers to network with CRN member companies’ representatives to the retail trade. The visit might also include a tour of a model store or offer insights into the retailer’s planogram for the future of the supplement “aisle.”
 
“Consumer safety relies heavily on a strong relationship between our industry and the retail industry, which is why CRN has spearheaded, and participated in, various retailer initiatives over the years,” said Mister. “By showcasing CRN-led retailer initiatives, especially in the context of our members’ own brands, the forum will reinforce our commitment to collaborating with retailers; generating new and growing existing business; and helping consumers safely and smartly achieve optimal health and wellness through the use of our products.”
 
Jennifer Foley, divisional vice president, U.S. Consumer Sales, Abbott Nutrition will chair the forum in its first year. The invitation to participate in the Retailer Relations Forum will be delivered to CRN members with the first meeting via conference call to occur in July. Details pertaining to the first “engagement” to be held this fall will be announced in the coming months.