WITH ANTHONY ALOIA
PLMA Global, World of Private Label Amsterdam, PLMA Chicago To say its been a tough 2 years for show organizers is akin to saying Vladimir Putin is a cold-hearted statesmen. Some things are just too obvious. For as long as I’ve been in this industry, PLMA’s trade shows have been the gold standard of in person events. Not many events have had the luxury of waiting lists, PLMA has. Not many events have turned small suppliers into major players, PLMA has. When the impact of Covid became clear, PLMA pivoted to virtual events to help retailers and suppliers maintain lines of communication. And now that live events are about to get back in full swing, we spoke with Anthony Aloia, Corporate VP of PLMA. His responsibilities encompass trade show development and execution and we wanted to know more about how PLMA is moving ahead with their 2022 plans, beginning with the PLMA Global.
Q. Tell us about PLMA Global? Well, it begins with the consumer. Everything about this online trade show is tied to preparing the retailer brands industry for the emerging, reenergized, post-pandemic consumer and demonstrating how that very different shopper will impact manufacturers and retailers. In addition to a whole new set of expectations, many forged by their difficult experiences over the past two years, these consumers will also be confronted with an inflationary environment that will deeply affect their grocery purchases. We’re already seeing signs of that. Basically, we foresee that it’s going to be a whole new ballgame for all of us in the industry. So, candid, private, and secure conversations and exchanges of information among buyers and sellers in real time have never been more important. But we’ll address that in greater detail later.
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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2022
True to its name, PLMA Global is attracting hundreds of retail visitors from around the world and it’s important to point out the reach of this event. Buyers will be engaging from the United States and Canada, the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Lithuania, UAE, Turkey, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, as well as South Africa, among other countries. On the other side of the aisle, more than 500 manufacturers will be showcasing thousands of products representing food, snacks, beverages to health and beauty, household, and pet care from Europe, North America, and Asia. Exhibiting companies continue to sign-up to be able to provide retailers with authentic products and a diverse supply source.
Q. So, why PLMA Global now? Opportunity beckons. Right now, private label is likely standing on the threshold of a historic period of growth. All the elements are in place. The pandemic brought a convergence of challenging conditions that will dictate consumer behavior and shopping habits over the next decade. Retailers in all distribution channels who strategically emphasize their own brands will have a competitive advantage in building consumer loyalty and thrive.
During the last two years, the demand for goods and services surged as many countries endured lockdowns, employees worked from home, and governments were forced into unprecedented monetary policies. Today, supply chains are strained, and brick and mortar stores are seeing the effects with bare shelves. High inflation levels are spreading across Europe and the United States and consumers are watching home energy prices skyrocket. These economic challenges almost always favor store brands as shoppers look for maximum value without sacrificing quality. PLMA Global will bring many in the industry together for product and supplier discovery and allow for more conversations among retailers and their supply partners. Quality, innovation, and the cost of goods will always be important attributes for retailers, but right now product availability, continuity and on-time delivery are at the top of the priority list.
