Q & A, PLMA’s Anthony Aloia and 2022 Show Plans

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. 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. 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. 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.

Q. You cited the post-pandemic

consumer earlier. Can you elaborate?

The pandemic was transformative, and its full effects are yet to be felt. More people have been relocating to larger homes in suburban areas with outdoor space; Families are cooking at home together; Pet adoptions soared; And a work-from-home or hybrid office approach may be the future for employees. There’s also been a sharp rise in early retirements as well as an emphasis on health and wellness. So many factors, including inflation, are impacting consumer behavior.

Furthermore, the expansion of online shopping and e-commerce has been the new normal for many consumers today, necessitating retailers and suppliers to develop new home delivery services and curbside pick-up solutions. In addition, many new e-commerce companies are crowding the retail landscape and going to market with a private label first strategy.

PLMA Global is the perfect place where high quality suppliers and innovative retailers can partner together and develop successful store brand programs across all product categories and continue to build market share.

Q. What are some of the most

important PLMA Global platform features?

Anticipating the demands of the new consumer I spoke about, the platform will accentuate product attributes, such as vegan or gluten-free or organics as well as social concerns such as eco-friendly packaging. Product features and qualities are increasingly driving purchase. Shoppers want to know what’s in a product, as well as what’s not in it. That’s the challenge to the retailing industry, finding dependable suppliers who can deliver the new formulations that consumers are seeking.

On the PLMA Global platform, the search tool functionality enables the quick discovery of exhibitors by keywords or attributes. Buyers will also have the necessary tools to maximize their time efficiently. Visitors can preview the online show floor on Monday, March 28 to find and tag preferred exhibitors and schedule video call appointments, in advance. Exhibitors will be staffing their booths from March 29 -31. PLMA Global will be available 24 hours each day and the platform includes an appointment calendar for each individual visitor. In addition, entire teams of buyers and sellers can be on one secure video conference call where participants can share screens for further collaboration and send documents to each other through the platform.

Buyers can connect directly one-on-one with online exhibitors too. Visitors and suppliers may exchange virtual business cards and communicate by e-mail messaging as well.

Q. Can you provide any updates

regarding the Amsterdam Show this year?:

PLMA’s 2022 “World of Private Label” International Trade Show will be held in-person at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on May 31 – June 1. Visitor Registration has just opened to retailers, wholesalers and other industry professionals and supplier demand for exhibit space is as strong as ever.

More than 2,500 exhibitors, including 50 country pavilions will be featured and the show halls within Europa, Holland, and Park Complexes are nearly at full capacity with food and non-food exhibitors. Products represented will include fresh, frozen and refrigerated foods, dry grocery, and beverages as well as non-food categories, including cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchen, auto aftercare, garden, and housewares & DIY. In all categories, sustainable and ecofriendly products are showing significant increases.For more details on how to visit our in-person “World of Private Label” International Trade Show as a buyer or participate as an exhibitor, please go to www.plmainternational.com.

ANTHONY ALOIA Corporate VP PLMA

Q.And what are your plans for

PLMA’s U.S. Show in CHICAGO?

We’re gearing up to shortly announce the return of our Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago. As touched upon previously, we’re expecting this year will be the beginning of the re-energized and assertive consumer demanding more tailored products around a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as well as better service and convenience from their shopping experience.

The PLMA Show will focus on these new consumer shopping habits and trends and continue to showcase high quality exhibitors representing CPG products across all store aisles. Plant-based, organics, free-from, and many other products with health and dietetic attributes will be featured including suppliers displaying flavors and ingredients, and selfcare and wellness items.

Hundreds of companies will once again take part of national pavilions from countries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia that will sample ethnic products reflecting the changing tastes and flavors of American consumers.

PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show will take place November 13 – 15 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Exhibitor registration opens in April.