Overview
Co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium provides a unique opportunity for key players from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global sweetener industry.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to participate in content-rich sessions with presentations from a wide range of speakers, addressing the latest challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Topics will cover everything from government regulation and political outlook to current research findings and market trends.
The Colloquium draws hundreds of professionals and decision-makers from the sweetener industry and from companies that use sweeteners in the products they make. Buyers, processors, refiners, distributors and food companies actively participate in the Colloquium, using it as a springboard to enhance their business and trading-partner networks.
Sponsors:
Agenda
*All Times Pacific Print Agenda
| February 23, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm |
Golf Tournament
Sponsored By:
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| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
|
Hotel Waterfall | |
| 9:00pm |
After-Hours Party
Sponsored By:
|
Capra Ballroom & Lawn | |
| February 24, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:00am - 9:00am |
Session I – Keynote Breakfast: State of the Food Industry
Sponsored By:
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Fiesta Ballroom Salons 1-8 | |
|
Our keynote speaker will reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry in 2025, including the sweetener category. Much has changed over the last few years and expect more to come. |
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| 9:15am - 10:15am |
Session II – International Sugar Market Dynamics
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
The international sugar market continues to be heavily influenced by Brazil and India, with production in the former reduced by drought and cane field fires and the later again curbing exports in favor of its ethanol industry. What are the key global sugar market dynamics and how may they affect the US market? Analysts will explain. |
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| 10:15am - 10:45am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
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Flores Foyer | |
| 10:45am - 12:00pm |
Session III – North American Sweetener Market Outlook
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
The North American sugar market has changed dramatically from the last couple years, going from historically high prices and tight supplies to lower prices and ample supplies amid strong US production and partial recovery in Mexico’s cane production. High-tier imports continue to play an outsized role in the domestic market. Corn sweetener markets have been influenced by lower corn prices and strong demand from Mexico. Market experts will dissect the North American sweetener market with supply, demand and price outlooks. |
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| 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
Sugar Industry Sustainability Meeting (invitation only)
|
Studios | |
| 4:00pm - 5:30pm |
SUA Board Meeting (invitation only)
|
Fiesta 10 | |
| 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
Sponsored By:
|
Fiesta Veranda | |
| February 25, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:45am - 9:15am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Flores Foyer | |
| 9:15am - 10:15am |
Session IV – Outlook for the Economy
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
Inflation is subsiding, interest rates are being lowered and the economy is as dynamic as ever. Is the “R” word (recession) still relevant? Our Colloquium speaker will explain the current U.S. economy, possible impact from global events and paint a picture of where the economy and financial markets are headed. |
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| 10:15am - 10:45am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
Flores Foyer | |
| 10:45am - 11:45am |
Session V – Nutrition Policies & Trends
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
New regulations could require warning labels on foods with added sugar, but some think weight-loss drugs will have a greater impact. Our speakers will decode the regulatory landscape and assess the future of sugar demand. |
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| 12:00pm - 1:15pm |
Session VI – Keynote Luncheon: Election Implications for Federal Policies
Sponsored By:
|
Fiesta Ballroom Salons 1-8 | |
|
In January we will have a new President and the new 119th Congress. Be sure to attend this session to better understand what different Senate and House majorities and leadership as well as the new President’s agenda could mean for federal government actions in 2025. |
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| 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
Session VII – Risk Management in Volatile Markets
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
Rising and falling sugar prices, uncertainty about supply and demand and outside factors make managing risk in uncertain times a challenge, especially when food manufacturers are limited in the tools available to offset that risk. Our speaker will provide ideas on how best to navigate the markets and manage risk. |
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| 2:30pm - 3:00pm |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
Flores Foyer | |
| 3:00pm - 4:00pm |
Session VIII – What the New Congress Means for the Farm Bill
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
Congress has been grappling with passing a new Farm Bill for over two years with no resolution. The new Congress will try again to resolve the difficult funding and policy issues tied up in the massive legislation. While the major issues have been contentious, the future of the sugar program has a compromise path that could ease passage of a new sugar policy. |
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| February 26, 2025 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 7:30am - 8:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Flores Foyer | |
| 8:00am - 9:30am |
Session IX – Key Commodity Analysis
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
Key commodities – grains, oilseeds, dairy and cocoa – are a challenge even in the best of times. Our expert speakers will dive into supply and price outlooks for corn, soybeans, wheat, edible oils, cocoa and dairy products that will provide insight for food manufacturers managing procurement challenges in the year ahead. |
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| 9:30am - 10:15am |
Session X – U.S. Sugar Program Administration & Policy Challenges
|
Flores Ballroom | |
|
Stocks may seem adequate, but prices have stayed stubbornly near “high-tier parity.” How should USDA and USTR administer sugar policy when the old metrics may not mean as much? |
|||
Session I – Keynote Breakfast: State of the Food Industry
Our keynote speaker will reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry in 2025, including the sweetener category. Much has changed over the last few years and expect more to come.
Session II – International Sugar Market Dynamics
The international sugar market continues to be heavily influenced by Brazil and India, with production in the former reduced by drought and cane field fires and the later again curbing exports in favor of its ethanol industry. What are the key global sugar market dynamics and how may they affect the US market? Analysts will explain.
Session III – North American Sweetener Market Outlook
The North American sugar market has changed dramatically from the last couple years, going from historically high prices and tight supplies to lower prices and ample supplies amid strong US production and partial recovery in Mexico’s cane production. High-tier imports continue to play an outsized role in the domestic market. Corn sweetener markets have been influenced by lower corn prices and strong demand from Mexico. Market experts will dissect the North American sweetener market with supply, demand and price outlooks.
Ron Sterk
Ron Sterk is senior editor, markets, for Food Business News and Milling & Baking News, and is editor of the Sosland Sweetener Report. Prior to joining Sosland Publishing Company in 2003, he was involved in market coverage and management for several years for the real-time news services. He has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism with a focus in agronomy from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in business from Rockhurst University in Kansas City.
Frank Jenkins
Frank Jenkins, president of Jenkins Sugar Group, has over 20 years of experience as a broker and consultant focusing mainly on the US/NAFTA sugar markets. Prior to founding Jenkins Sugar Group in 1993, he worked on the sugar desk of ED&F Man in New York from 1983 to 1986, and served as vice president in Merrill Lynch Private Client Group in New York from 1986 to 1993. Frank was honored to serve as president of the Sugar Club of New York and has been a featured speaker at numerous industry and USDA sponsored forums.
Craig Ruffolo
Since joining McKeany-Flavell in 1995, Craig has developed expertise in several categories—including sugar, corn sweeteners, alternative sweeteners, coffee, honey, and edible oils—and he assists domestic and multinational clients through market analysis, ingredient resource management, and buyer education. An acknowledged industry expert, Craig makes frequent national and international speaking engagements to discuss the sweeteners industry, including at ASA, Sosland, and F.O. Licht market conferences. Craig’s study on the potential ramifications to the U.S. sugar market if government supports to growers were changed or eliminated was presented to Congress.
Pedro Figueroa
Session IV – Outlook for the Economy
Inflation is subsiding, interest rates are being lowered and the economy is as dynamic as ever. Is the “R” word (recession) still relevant? Our Colloquium speaker will explain the current U.S. economy, possible impact from global events and paint a picture of where the economy and financial markets are headed.
Scott Colbert, CFA
Scott is the Chief Economist and Director of Fixed Income Management with The Commerce Trust Company. He joined Commerce in 1993 and has investment responsibilities for over $24 billion in fixed income assets. Scott directly manages the Commerce Short-Term Government and the flagship Commerce Bond strategies.
Prior to joining Commerce Bank, Scott worked for The Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company, Fifth Third Bank, and ARMCO Inc. Scott received his bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1986 and received his master of business administration from Xavier University in 1988. He has been both a director and president of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of St. Louis.
Session V – Nutrition Policies & Trends
New regulations could require warning labels on foods with added sugar, but some think weight-loss drugs will have a greater impact. Our speakers will decode the regulatory landscape and assess the future of sugar demand.
Session VI – Keynote Luncheon: Election Implications for Federal Policies
In January we will have a new President and the new 119th Congress. Be sure to attend this session to better understand what different Senate and House majorities and leadership as well as the new President’s agenda could mean for federal government actions in 2025.
Paul Rosenthal
International Trade and Government Relations Attorney, Paul Rosenthal, serves as the Chair of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, a mid-sized law firm with over 300 attorneys practicing in 8 locations across the United States. Paul is one of the most respected international trade and government relations lawyers in the U.S., advancing his clients’ interests in Washington, D.C., across the country, and around the globe.
Paul’s determined advocacy and strategic advice—along with his dedication, intellect, and well-placed sense of humor—have formed the foundation of more than four decades of client relationships and an enviable record of success. His clients often face challenges involving a mix of legal, economic, policy, political, and reputational concerns, and he is known for developing holistic, multi-dimensional approaches that resolve disputes, advance negotiations, and influence policymaking.
Paul regularly appears before U.S. trade agencies, where clients from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, chemicals, food, agriculture, and healthcare, trust him to win their most significant disputes. Indeed, Paul has appeared and succeeded before all U.S. trade agencies and reviewing courts and has participated in hundreds of agency and court proceedings.
He has represented clients in disputes involving the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as in the development of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other multilateral and bilateral negotiations.
In his government relations practice, Paul helps clients advance their objectives before Congress and the Executive Branch. Paul acts as general counsel or Washington counsel to several international and national trade associations and served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs for more than five years.
Session VII – Risk Management in Volatile Markets
Rising and falling sugar prices, uncertainty about supply and demand and outside factors make managing risk in uncertain times a challenge, especially when food manufacturers are limited in the tools available to offset that risk. Our speaker will provide ideas on how best to navigate the markets and manage risk.
Shawn Bingham
Shawn is 30+ year veteran of the futures and options industry and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. He has worked for industry recognized firms including Chicago Research & Trading (NationsBanc-CRT), HSBC Securities, and Prudential Financial as well as being a past member of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Board Options Exchange. In 2005 Mr. Bingham co-founded Midwest Trading Partners, an NFA registered commodity trading advisory firm recognized as a “Top Ten Advisor" by Managed Accounts Reports. In 2017 Shawn launched ABSR Research, a commodity risk management consulting company. Recently, he joined McKeany-Flavell as Director of Commodity Risk Management, helping large food and beverage companies manage their commodity exposures using similar data science and analytical tools as those used by commodity investment advisors.
Session VIII – What the New Congress Means for the Farm Bill
Congress has been grappling with passing a new Farm Bill for over two years with no resolution. The new Congress will try again to resolve the difficult funding and policy issues tied up in the massive legislation. While the major issues have been contentious, the future of the sugar program has a compromise path that could ease passage of a new sugar policy.
Session IX – Key Commodity Analysis
Key commodities – grains, oilseeds, dairy and cocoa – are a challenge even in the best of times. Our expert speakers will dive into supply and price outlooks for corn, soybeans, wheat, edible oils, cocoa and dairy products that will provide insight for food manufacturers managing procurement challenges in the year ahead.
Session X – U.S. Sugar Program Administration & Policy Challenges
Stocks may seem adequate, but prices have stayed stubbornly near “high-tier parity.” How should USDA and USTR administer sugar policy when the old metrics may not mean as much?
Speakers
Shawn Bingham
Director of Risk Management | McKeaney-Flavel Co.
Shawn Bingham
Shawn is 30+ year veteran of the futures and options industry and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. He has worked for industry recognized firms including Chicago Research & Trading (NationsBanc-CRT), HSBC Securities, and Prudential Financial as well as being a past member of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Board Options Exchange. In 2005 Mr. Bingham co-founded Midwest Trading Partners, an NFA registered commodity trading advisory firm recognized as a “Top Ten Advisor" by Managed Accounts Reports. In 2017 Shawn launched ABSR Research, a commodity risk management consulting company. Recently, he joined McKeany-Flavell as Director of Commodity Risk Management, helping large food and beverage companies manage their commodity exposures using similar data science and analytical tools as those used by commodity investment advisors.
Scott Colbert, CFA
Executive Vice President, Chief Economist and Director of Fixed Income Management | The Commerce Trust Company
Scott Colbert, CFA
Scott is the Chief Economist and Director of Fixed Income Management with The Commerce Trust Company. He joined Commerce in 1993 and has investment responsibilities for over $24 billion in fixed income assets. Scott directly manages the Commerce Short-Term Government and the flagship Commerce Bond strategies.
Prior to joining Commerce Bank, Scott worked for The Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company, Fifth Third Bank, and ARMCO Inc. Scott received his bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1986 and received his master of business administration from Xavier University in 1988. He has been both a director and president of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of St. Louis.
Paul Rosenthal
Chair | Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Paul Rosenthal
International Trade and Government Relations Attorney, Paul Rosenthal, serves as the Chair of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, a mid-sized law firm with over 300 attorneys practicing in 8 locations across the United States. Paul is one of the most respected international trade and government relations lawyers in the U.S., advancing his clients’ interests in Washington, D.C., across the country, and around the globe.
Paul’s determined advocacy and strategic advice—along with his dedication, intellect, and well-placed sense of humor—have formed the foundation of more than four decades of client relationships and an enviable record of success. His clients often face challenges involving a mix of legal, economic, policy, political, and reputational concerns, and he is known for developing holistic, multi-dimensional approaches that resolve disputes, advance negotiations, and influence policymaking.
Paul regularly appears before U.S. trade agencies, where clients from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, chemicals, food, agriculture, and healthcare, trust him to win their most significant disputes. Indeed, Paul has appeared and succeeded before all U.S. trade agencies and reviewing courts and has participated in hundreds of agency and court proceedings.
He has represented clients in disputes involving the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as in the development of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other multilateral and bilateral negotiations.
In his government relations practice, Paul helps clients advance their objectives before Congress and the Executive Branch. Paul acts as general counsel or Washington counsel to several international and national trade associations and served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs for more than five years.
Dan Shorts
Vice President of Government Affairs | National Confectioners Association
Dan Shorts
Dan Shorts is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Confectioners Association. He has 15 years of successful experience in government and politics at the federal, state, and local level.
In his current role, Dan directs the federal government affairs portfolio for America’s chocolate and candy industry, covering an array of policy subjects ranging from agricultural commodity supports to nutrition and dietary rules to environment and sustainability issues. Other policy subjects under Dan’s purview include CBD and cannabis-containing food policies and regulations, as well as tax, trade, and supply chain challenges.
Prior to joining the NCA, Dan was Deputy Director of Government Affairs for the Normandy Group, a bipartisan multi-client government affairs firm in Washington, DC. There, he managed diverse and bipartisan coalitions to achieve positive legislative outcomes on behalf of a number of businesses, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and other clients.
Dan originally got his start on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant on the House Education & Workforce Committee, where he helped staff the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee. He helped shepherd legislation through the committee including the Every Student Succeeds Act, reauthorizing America’s K-12 education programs, as well as legislation reauthorizing the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, California 92253
The International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California (the Greater Palm Springs area). You may make your hotel reservations online or directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-598-3828. When calling, refer to the International Sweetener Colloquium to receive the special room rate of $299 per night plus applicable taxes. The deadline to secure a room is February 8, 2025. We have reserved a large block of rooms, but once all the rooms have been booked, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available.
Hotel Reservation Policy: You must register for the International Sweetener Colloquium to be eligible for the conference discounted room rates. Only one reservation is permitted per registrant. If a hotel guest is not registered for the International Sweetener Colloquium, we reserve the right to cancel the guest room reservation without notice.
Golf
Sunday, February 23 | 12:30 PM Shotgun Start
La Quinta Resort & Club | Dunes Course
This 72-par course, designed by Pete Dye, offers traditional rolling-links style golf with Scottish and Irish flair, characterized by rolling mounds, manicured fairways and thick rough. Length, strength and finesse are key to scoring well on this course, which has hosted the PGA Club Professional Championship, and the Californian State Open.
Registration Fee: $275 per person
Registration includes: Registration includes: greens fees, boxed lunch, cart fees, practice balls, beverages, and service fees. Appropriate golf attire and shoes are required (metal spikes are not allowed).
We will do our best to accommodate any foursome requests. If you would like to request a person(s) in your foursome, please list their name and company during registration.
* Government employees who work directly for a local, state or federal government agency or legislative body. A government email is required to receive this rate. Government contractors are not eligible.
Q: Registration Substitutions
Registration is non-transferable from one company to another; however, substitutions within companies are welcome at any time. Please email registrar@idfa.org if you would like to make a registration substitution.
Q: Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations received in writing will be accepted prior to January 24, 2025 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after January 24, 2025, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your registration fee is non-refundable after February 17, 2025. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: Golf Tournament Cancellation Policy
All golf tournament cancellations will receive a full refund prior to January 24, 2025. Your golf tournament registration fee is non-refundable after January 24, 2025. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: News Media
Credentialed members of the news media are welcome to register at a special rate by contacting mherrick@idfa.org. News media must present credentials to qualify.
Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-4332 or registrar@idfa.org.
Sponsors
For more than forty years, the International Sweetener Colloquium has been a popular place for industry professionals to meet, network and conduct business. The flexible meeting format and location encourage formal and informal discussions and fosters relationships, while a host of informative presentations highlight important trends and issues affecting the sweetener industry.
For those interested in sponsorship, the Colloquium is the place to be seen and heard. Sponsorship is one of the best ways to brand your organization as a thought-leader and to highlight your commitment to advancing the sweetener industry. The Colloquium offers various levels of sponsorship opportunities. Please contact lgold@idfa.org for more information.
Sponsors: