Miami, FL ?" Mobile marketing and fuels issues dominated days one and two of the NACS Leadership Forum but the final day focused on one of the fastest moving but least acknowledged influences on the future for the convenience industry: nutrition.

NACS President and CEO Hank Armour began the day by outlining the NACS Nutrition Program. With nearly 40% of the country classified as obese or extremely obese, more and more often, government monies are being used to educate consumers and regulate sugar and unhealthy options. These taxpayer-funded attacks have the convenience industry in their crosshairs.

The long-term NACS nutrition advocacy campaign includes research to get the facts right for the public and legislators, alignment of the industry as one and the telling of our story to the media and the government.

It??s important for the industry to promote the healthy options already in stores. "We are a snacking destination," declared NACS Vice President of Research Dae Kim in his tee-up of the snacking panel that followed ?" and that offer is notably changing as healthy options become more popular with consumers.

Kim shared that according to NACS Convenience Tracking Program data, 80% of all c-store purchases are consumed within one hour of leaving the store. In addition, snacking items account for 20% of missed sales, according to the same source. With such untapped potential for sales success and the need for more healthy choices in stores, good advice is always welcome.

Panel experts from The Hershey Company, MET-Rx and Dole offered up insight on how to best capitalize on key categories that comprise the snacking offer. In addition, John Zikias, senior vice president of category management and supply chain at Kentucky-based Thorntons, shared his best practices for maximizing the snacking offer: revisit impulse areas, bundle offers, take advantage of seasonal products and review not-so-obvious impulse sections such as the sales counter and near the foodservice area.

After a brief break, Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld took the stage for an exclusive question-and-answer session with Armour. Overseeing $12 billion in brands and sales in 170 countries, Rosenfeld shared her vision of the Kraft realignment as well as the evolving Kraft offer, which recognizes the increased importance of the convenience offer. She also shared with attendees her leadership lessons and advice.

For more in-depth coverage of the Rosenfeld interview and the snacking offer in convenience stores, watch for your April issue of NACS Magazine.