WASHINGTON — A state of the industry update, a look at global commodity trends and a view of the retail landscape in 2015 are scheduled topics for the annual meeting of the National Pasta Association, set for March 27-29 at the Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

On Monday, March 28, Peter Smith, president and chief executive officer of Ebro North America and chairman of the N.P.A., will moderate a general session that will include a state of the industry update from Mr. Smith as well as a report from the technical committee, presented by Jayne Hoover, vice-president of quality and research and development at American Italian Pasta Co. Other scheduled topics for March 28 include a durum outlook from Jim Peterson of the North Dakota Wheat Commission and an update on biotech and durum wheat from Frayne Olson of North Dakota State University.

Walt George, vice-chairman of the N.P.A., will moderate the general session on Tuesday, March 29. Scheduled talks include: “The new normal — insights into the post-recessionary consumer and a view of the retail 2015 landscape,” by Todd Hale, senior vice-president of The Nielsen Co.; “The new food regulatory landscape,” by Steven Steinborn, Hogan Lovells, legal counsel for the N.P.A.; “Opportunities for pasta given contemporary lifestyles, consumer perspectives and needs,” by Kantha Shelke, founder and principal of Corvus Blue, L.L.C.; and “Pasta industry promotion program for 2011,” by Mr. Smith.

In addition to the general sessions, the N.P.A. meeting will feature tabletop exhibits.
For more information visit www.ilovepasta.org.