
Crystal
Black-Davis

Meet Crystal
Industry thought leader, strategist,
and advocate for strong food systems
From growing North American awareness, distribution, and velocities for Australian cracker brand Valley Produce Co., to most recently serving as Executive Vice President for Italian-based Loacker, the global category leader in wafer confections, Crystal Black-Davis has been directing strategy, compliance, and communications for food brands for well over fifteen years.
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ABOUT CRYSTAL
For nearly twenty years, Crystal Black-Davis has had the privilege to work as both an executive and an entrepreneur within various sectors of the food industry. Crystal’s fascination with gastronomy began as a child, in 1980s Indianapolis, after eagerly flipping through the pages of Food & Wine Magazine every month. Her father received the magazine as a free subscription for being an American Express cardholder, but had little interest in the publication. Upon overhearing him mention to her mother that he planned to cancel the subscription, Crystal begged him not to. Surprised to learn that someone in the house was actually reading and enjoying the magazine, he decided to maintain the subscription. Crystal has been obsessed with food, specifically global cuisine, ever since.
Crystal is the former U.S. VP of Marketing, then promoted to Executive Vice President for Italian-based CPG brand, Loacker, the global category leader in wafer confections. Crystal was a member of Loacker's 2014 U.S. launch team where she successfully introduced the internationally beloved brand to American consumers. Her efforts drove massive consumer awareness and demand, leading to rapid nationwide distribution within numerous trade classes and distribution channels.
Crystal currently owns Savvy Food Consulting, advising early-stage and import CPG brands on market readiness; and consulting commodities importers on new market opportunities. Crystal has recently partnered with web3 venture studio, ZK Ladder, to explore how technology can disrupt broken food systems.
Prior to embarking on a food-focused career, Crystal worked in the high-tech industry (circuit board-surface mount technology and web-based applications) managing global projects in the USA and EMEA.
A fixture at key culinary events and industry shows such as James Beard Awards, Smithsonian's Julia Child Award, SIAL Paris, ISM Cologne, Natural Products Expo West and East, as well as Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, Crystal has positioned herself as an industry insider and keen trend spotter. Her product marketing expertise consistently yields expanded distribution, high velocities, packaging/labeling compliance, and optimal consumer-level awareness, trial, and loyalty.
In 2017, Crystal created the PowerMom Summit, through Loacker, to celebrate and empower working mothers, while fostering brand trust and loyalty. PowerMom hosted annual events honoring notable moms such as Golden Globe-winning actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and supermodel Coco Rocha. The 2019 PowerMom Day realized over 200 million impressions and inspired a record attendance (physical and "live" digital) of 150,000+ moms.
Crystal has been featured in notable media outlets such as Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Food Navigator, WABC-7 New York, Essence, Mater Mea, and Candy Industry Magazine for her insights and expertise on topics related to the food industry and motherhood. In 2009, Crystal penned the popular fiction novel, Shaken and Stirred (re-released in 2013). Her national book tour was sponsored by Volkswagen USA.
Crystal's past and current memberships include She Runs It, Network of Executive Women, Specialty Food Association, and National Confectioners Association. Crystal is a twenty-six year, silver star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Crystal has recently concluded her term as an editorial board member of Candy and Snack Today Magazine. She's also a former advisory board member for Rutgers University Center for Innovation Education, a 2015 recipient of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Global Business award. Crystal is an avid sustaining supporter and/or member of UN World Food Programme, No Kid Hungry, WNYC New York Public Radio, Museum of Food & Drink (MOFAD), and Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York (EFMNY).
PRESS LINKS
Fast Company
Food Navigator
New York Business Journal
All About Italy
Huffington Post
Mom.com
Beyond Mom
Motherly
Street Fight
New York Family
BizWomen Journal
Confectionery News
National Confectioner's Association
Her Campus
Yahoo! Finance
Lucire
Candy Industry Magazine - ISM
Candy Industry Magazine - Road Show
Western Grocer
Grocery Industry Magazine
Progressive Grocer
2015 Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Award
New York Metro Parents
Perishable News
Gourmet News
Snacking News
Ventures
Consultancy for CPG brands and commodities importers

Launching Summer 2023
website coming soon
Blog and podcast for occasional
musings and introspection
Go-to-market support for pre-launch and pre-seed CPGfounders
www.coolkidsmartkid.com
Relaunching Spring 2023
The official website for emerging comic book author and podcaster, Elijah Davis
Advocating for Web3 as a solution for building sustainable food systems