This year’s PLMA trade fair in Amsterdam, taking place May 28-29, boasts over 400 new products and more than 2000 suppliers from over 75 countries, making it the most important event in its field. As a preview, Frozen Food Europe spoke with the president of the Private Label Manufacturers Association, Mr. Brian Sharoff, about the this year’s trade fair.
What are the highlights of this year’s PLMA event in Amsterdam?
Each year, PLMA invites suppliers to participate in New Product Expo so that they can showcase their innovations in product concept, ingredients and packaging. More than 400 products have been submitted for this year’s Expo and selection will be made at the show. Located in that same area are also displayed the latest private label ranges from more than 60 retailers in Europe, United States, Latin America, Africa and Asia. Theme of Idea Supermarket: “Retail Trends in Private Label.
What reactions did you receive from previous exhibitors and visitors?
The international business atmosphere is highly appreciated by the suppliers as well as by the distributors and contributes to creating new businesses, strengthen existing contacts and finding new ideas and concepts. This year’s PLMA’s “World of Private Label” is bigger than ever before, more than 2000 private label suppliers from 75 countries reveal their product offer in food and non-food.
Which do you believe are the key factors revolving around private labels today?
PLMA’s recent survey of more than 10,000 consumers in 13 countries in Europe made it very clear that nearly half of shoppers feel seriously or moderately affected by economic conditions. What’s more, over 40% felt that the situation had worsened over the past year and nearly 30% believe it will deteriorate even more in the year ahead. It is not surprising then that more shoppers are trying private label in categories in which they previously purchased A-brands. The good news is that more than 85% felt that the private label products they tried compared favorably to their previous choice of A-brands. The result is that private label market share volume has risen again and will continue to grow. I believe that quality and innovation are the two other major drivers of private label success.
How are frozen food private label products viewed by consumers?
Although 86% of European consumers answered they often use fresh ingredients, 65% use items that are frozen or refrigerated, to prepare their home meals. The survey showed that the majority of European consumers sits and eats together with the family 5 or more times a week. Fresh and Frozen is an important category for the consumers in all countries. Meals at home are becoming more important, especially since 2 out of 3 European consumers answered that they are eating out at restaurants less often.
How can the PLMA trade fair contribute to the business success of exhibitors and visitors?
PLMA’s “World of Private Label” is the biggest international trade show dedicated to private label in the world. We provide a platform and opportunity for suppliers and distributors from all over the world to meet and to do business. All exhibitors receive a preliminary buyers list prior to the show. The list includes all pre-registered retailers and wholesalers so that companies can arrange appointments in advance. Further, all retail and wholesale visitors receive the show preview prior to the show, which contains a category-by-category listing of exhibitors, to help them identify exhibitors they want to visit. Last but not least, exhibitors and buyers can make use of PLMA Matchmaker® software, which permits exhibitors to announce new products and services so that buyers can contact exhibitors prior to the show, to arrange appointments.
What are the most important novelties and innovations in (frozen) food?
We will see major expansion of ready-meals in markets that have been slow to build this for themselves. We will also see more innovative packaging ideas than ever before.