David Portalatin

Senior Vice President and Industry, Advisor, Food and Foodservice • Circana

David Portalatin is a trusted industry advisor who works closely with leading food manufacturers and retailers as well as foodservice distributors, manufacturers, and operators. He shares data and deep expertise on how U.S. consumers eat and drink, their attitudes and motivations, their personal characteristics, and their use of restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Portalatin is also the author of Circana’s Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America, a compilation of food and foodservice research.

Previously, Portalatin was Circana’s analyst in the convenience retailing, automotive aftermarket, and motor fuels industries. Before joining the company in 1999, he held various positions in foodservice wholesale distribution and convenience retailing.

Portalatin is a frequent speaker at food and foodservice industry events, corporate conferences, and executive meetings. A recognized industry thought leader, his comments have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other national media outlets.

All Sessions by David Portalatin

September 10, 2026

Option 5: QSR: The Unstoppable Chicken Wars
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
TBD

It might be tenders. Boneless wings (are those different things?). Bone-in. Sandwiches. And on the chicken conversation turns. Beside beverages, this is where growth continues to explode in QSR, and there’s no letup in sight.