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 founder of Savvy Food, a consultancy advising early-stage and import CPG brands on market readiness; and commodities importers on new market opportunities. Crystal has recently partnered with web3 venture studio, ZK Ladder, to explore how technology can be used to disrupt broken food systems.
Crystal's depth of experience in the food industry includes serving as VP of Marketing then transitioning to Executive Vice President (USA) 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 broad consumer awareness and demand, leading to rapid nationwide distribution within numerous trade classes and distribution channels.
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 attracting 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 member of the Bergen-Passaic chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and a twenty-seven 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 and 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).