Private label show returns in-person for first time in 3 years as private label sales increase

2022 Private Label Trade Show, November 13-15, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. / Photo courtesy: PLMA

With private label sales on the rise and 83% of retailers saying they plan to boost their investments in the segment, according to IMF-The Food Industry Associationit’s no wonder that the next Private label show 2022 reports a sold-out event.

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) said in a statement that it was “pleased but not surprised by the early sale of exhibit space” for the private label show which begins Sunday and ends Tuesday at the Donald E. Stephens convention. Downtown Chicago.

IMF research shows that retailers would like to increase private labels in their stores by 18.2% to 22.6% over the next two years.

“Retailers know that in these difficult times, more and more consumers are turning to private label food and non-food products. And the best place to find these products is our Chicago salon,” PLMA President Peggy Davies said in a statement. “We declared the event sold out for exhibitors about a month ago, the first call ever, and the number of individual retailers who registered has already surpassed 2019’s figure and is nearing a record high. .”

PLMA is the industry association’s first in-person trade show in three years. “After all this time apart, we are thrilled that our industry meeting in Chicago is drawing great crowds from all walks of life,” Davies said.

The show’s theme is “Consumers are Back in Charge,” which is “a nod to the changing attitudes and demands of post-pandemic shoppers,” PLMA said.

The south hall of the show will be devoted to health and beauty, housewares, kitchenware and general merchandise; and food, snacks, beverages, chilled and frozen items will be located in the North, South and Sky Halls. Innovation will be present in every aisle and at PLMA’s Idea Supermarket, New Product Expo and Salute to Excellence booths. There will also be showcases for wines and spirits, hemp-derived CBD products, and plant-based meats and dishes.

“Visitors will discover high-quality food and non-food products from some 1,400 exceptional suppliers in 2,300 kiosks. And it’s a global affair. More than 50 countries are represented on the floor, including more than 500 booths in national pavilions across Europe, Latin America and Asia,” PLMA Vice President Anthony Aloia said in a statement. “Overall, we expect attendance to be over 5,000.”

Due to strong exhibitor turnout, retail executives are eager to hit the ground running, PLMA said. “We look forward to meeting companies we already partner with, especially those we haven’t seen outside of a Zoom call,” said Christine Heffernan, senior vice president, procurement and supply chain. at Topco Associates, in a press release. “Quality is a key element for a successful program. If I find something I like, I make sure my team stops by the booth to learn about that company’s capabilities. »

According to the IMF, 69% of retailers surveyed said high-end private label categories have a big opportunity for growth, followed by those offering “simple and clean ingredients” (60%), price/value ratio (56 %), prepared meal solutions (42%). %), e-commerce home delivery (35%), health and well-being (33%) and fresh products such as bakery and delicatessen (33%).

“The PLMA show is our innovation pipeline, and we found many new items and suppliers there. It’s great to be back in person as our private labels are in a great position to grow market share, and the resources we find in Chicago help us meet the needs of consumers of the future,” said John Evans. , director of private labels, HBC, GMO and non-food for Weis Markets, in a press release.

Highlights of the show include Sunday presentations by MaryEllen Lynch, director, Center Store Solutions, IRI; Ken Harris, Cadent Consulting Group; Jon Hauptman, President, Price Dimensions LLC; and Gary Stibel, Founder/CEO, New England Consulting Group. Followed by a Sunday afternoon panel titled “Hemp is More Than CBD,” which will be moderated by Joe Linne, Vice President, Hemp Brand Builders.

On Monday, Arjun Chakravarti, Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, will deliver the breakfast keynote: “Economic Growth in 2023: Will It Impact Your Business Strategy?” » A retail trends panel on “How has the upheaval of the Covid era impacted retailers and buyers?” will take place on Tuesday, moderated by Michael Sansolo, president of Sansolo Solutions.

PLMA was founded in 1979. It represents 3,800 member companies in more than 75 countries. PLMA also offers executive education and professional development programs, as well as consumer and market research.