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M. P. DE FIGUEIREDO, Consultant, P.O. Box 341, Chesterfield, MO 63006

Since its inception, the chilled and frozen foods industry has been refined to its current multi-segment, international business gaining an increasing share of the consumer meal consumption business. The consumer of tomorrow will be considerably different from today's. Consumer lifestyle demographics will increasingly favor speed, ease, and convenience. There will be growing concerns about nutrition, health, and food safety. The food industry will be global. The food system will shift from general consumer markets to specialized markets. Doing business in the future will require a drive towards innovation and the development of niche technologies.

The next millenium will bring about changes in the dynamics of the market, which will require processors and their suppliers to continuously expand their horizons and race for innovation. A more alert consumer will favor speed, ease, nutrition, and convenience. There will be governmental labor, and cost pressures. Advances in computers and communication systems will nurture more effective marketing and sales approaches, as well as newer, innovative technologies.