Trade Show Coverage: PLMA Preview
PLMA’s annual US Private Label Trade Show is taking place this Nov. 15-17 in Chicago.
Peggy Davies, President of PLMA, discussed the role the show plays in the private label industry. “It is the only CPG event of its kind, and the one place where the store brands industry comes together under one roof. Store brands have moved from occupying shelf space to competing directly with national brands, and the Show is where a lot of that business gets done. We have more than 35,000 products and solutions for private brand development across three exhibit halls, with exhibitors from over 60 countries. Retailers and manufacturers use it to evaluate new ideas, form partnerships and move business forward,” commented Davies.
She continued, “A trade show usually exists to bring suppliers and their customers together. We try to go further than that. Exhibitors tell us the main value is the quality of the retail buyers they meet. They describe them as serious, empowered dealmakers rather than browsers. For buyers, handling and tasting products in person turns them from abstract concepts into tangible goods. You can’t make that judgment remotely. Buyers are also looking for more than savings. They want innovation, quality and brand identity, and the Show puts all three in one place.”
For exhibitors, the show provides an opportunity to showcase their latest products, brands and innovations.
“Private label is becoming an even more important value proposition—not simply as the lowest-priced option, but as a dependable, high-quality choice that gives consumers confidence they are receiving real value,” reported Mark Coleman, SVP of Sales at Catania Oils. “At this year’s PLMA Show, I expect to see retailers and suppliers focused on innovation, differentiated quality, supply reliability, and products that help retailers build long-term loyalty with their shoppers.”
“We want attendees to leave understanding that Catania Oils is more than a supplier of edible oils—we are a long-term partner,” continued Coleman.
“We want anyone we meet to deeply understand that our unique value extends well beyond the product,” replied Brandon Gross, Chief Growth Officer at FOODMatch. “Yes, our quality is best in class. But beyond that—it’s our high-touch service, category stewardship, and diversified global supply strategy that makes us a high-growth, long-term partner.”
Alpha Baking Co is hoping attendees walk away with options. Tim Lotesto, Vice President, Retail Sales, explained: “We can be their trusted go-to baking company. They can come to us with a wishlist, and we can turn their dreams into saleable product. Short timeline? We can do that. Trendy new concept needed? Here are 20 ideas we’re excited about.”
“Prepare for a taste adventure when visiting the Lassonde booth! From hydration drinks with natural electrolytes from coconut water, prebiotic fiber-enriched juice drinks, and nostalgia-inspired candy-flavored beverages to refreshers, reduced/zero sugar drinks, fiber-enriched fruit bars, sour fruit bites and strips,” revealed Suzanne Cohen, Sr. Manager, Business Development at Lassonde.
She added, “PLMA is our premier platform for unveiling new beverage and food innovations. The concepts we feature reflect what consumers want most today: great taste, better-for-you benefits, and exciting new flavor experiences. This in-person show is an incredible opportunity to have customers and prospects taste our newest items and discuss how to create differentiation.”
John Leonardo, VP of Marketing at Palermo’s Pizza, is hoping attendees take away a few messages from visiting its booth. “First, that Palermo’s can build a store brand pizza program a retailer will be proud to put its name on. Not a shelf filler. A product that competes on the eating experience. Second, that we do this on both sides of the business. We build and market our own family of brands, including Screamin’ Sicilian, Connie’s Pizza, and Urban Pie, and we leverage our brand experience and ingenuity to partner with retailers on their private label,” said Leonardo.
He continued, “Third, there is nothing we can’t do when it comes to pizza—from toppings to crust platforms.”
“I would like people to leave our booth understanding that Once Again is more than a supplier of nut butter. We spread integrity through our employee-owned business. Our nut butters are dark roasted for a rich flavor, and our proprietary grind delivers a super smooth experience in the natural nut butter space,” shared Cathy Gollwitzer, VP, Sales for Once Again Nut Butter.
Leaders expect to see many trends reflected at this year’s PLMA Show. “The Grains Food Foundation just found that among those eating less bread, 50% said traditional sliced bread feels boring versus other bakery options available today. The Private Label Industry has embraced innovation and is at the right place to combat that sentiment,” disclosed Lotesto of Alpha Baking Co.
“The leaning in towards quality as a core part of the value proposition has been a seismic change to the private brand landscape,” reported Gross of FOODMatch.
“PLMA brings the private-label community together in one place, making it an important opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and begin new conversations,” explained Coleman.
