Global Retail Brands June 2020

JUNE 2020

BRIAN SHAROFF JANUARY 1, 1943 – MAY 23, 2020

VIEWPOINT

Brian Would Hate This Issue Not all of it, just certain parts. And full disclosure, I can’t take credit for this headline, it was suggested by a very good friend of ours, someone who misses him as much as I do. But I would never betray Joe Azzinaro’s trust.

Your secret is safe with me Joe. The part of this issue that Brian would hate would be limited to that which applaud his enormous accomplishments and countless contributions to the growth of our industry. Brian was the type of leader we wish all could be like. When things went right, he gave his team all the credit. And on the rare occasion things didn’t work as planned...he shouldered the blame.

So he would say that all the accomplishments we note in this issue were not his, but his team’s. And he would indeed hate all the fuss being made here. But for once, he has no say in the matter. So many people loved him, admired him, learned from him and now mourn him, that it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t share these memories.

This issue is proving to be the toughest we’ve ever produced. It didn’t start well, as our industry was turned upside down by the Covid-19 Pandemic. It took a devastating turn for the worse when I received the shocking, sad news of Brian’s passing.

So it is indeed with a heavy heart that we do our best to show the best side of our industry and pay tribute to a man that many considered the father of it, a man who above all, I considered a dear, kind and cherished friend.

Sorry that you would have hated this issue Brian, but you certainly deserve it.

Phillip Russo Editor/ Publisher phillip@globalretailmag.com

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CONTENTS G LOB AL RE TAIL BRA N D S I J UN E 2020 I VOLU M E 8 I NU M B E R 2

94 74 82 DEPARTMENTS 2 Viewpoint 30 Contributors 32 Trade Fair Calendar 36 Notable 100 Global Trade Fairs

FEATURES 4 Brian Sharoff’s Impact on PLMA and Our Industry 65 Vertex Awards 74 Its Not Easy Being Green, Maria Dubuc, Marketing by Design 82 Service with a Smile…No, “Mask”, Perry Seelert, EMERGE 94 Reopening During Covid -19 Stephanie Chavez

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His Vision, Compassion, Determination and Zest for Life Will Endure Brian Sharoff

January 1, 1943 – May 23, 2020 rian Sharoff led the PLMA from 1981 until May 2020. His sudden passing left his family, colleagues, industry and friends stunned, sad and wondering what will happen next. Fortunately, many of us, felt a deep obligation to find the strength to carry on and not disappoint Brian.

We created this timeline as a way to highlight just a few of the accomplishments PLMA enjoyed under Brian’s steady, determined leadership.

I would like to thank Peggy Davies, Anthony Aloia, Tim Simmons, Dane Twining, Alisa Svider and so many others at PLMA who contributed to this tribute to our good friend.

1979

1981

Founding Meeting Chemist Club, New York City

First PLMA Gallup Report “What America Thinks About Private Label”

PLMA’S

MILESTONES

1980

First Private Label Trade Show Ramada Inn, Chicago

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1986

First “World of Private Label ” International Trade Show Paris, France

Most retailers had a difficult time finding the right suppliers, however, and there were those such as Kroger in the US trying to expand their private label and improve its quality.

The Very Early Days When the founding meeting of PLMA took place in 1979 at the Chemist Club in New York City, the US economy and American pocketbooks were under siege from rising unemployment and record levels of inflation as results of that decade’s second major oil crisis. In the lead-up to an Iran-Iraq War that would trigger economic recessions in the United States and Europe, the so-called “misery index” as an economic indicator—the rate of unemployment plus the rate of inflation—had surpassed the previous high it had reached in 1975 on a surge toward its all-time, historic record of nearly 22% in June of 1980.

These conditions which had favored the rise of blackand-white generics also boosted the success of the first PLMA Private Label Trade Show in 1980 at the Ramada Inn in Chicago. While many retailers had sold their own private labels for a half century or more, generics had generated unprecedented awareness and renewed retailers’ interest in their own products.

Despite early accomplishments, the founding members of PLMA soon realized they lacked the expertise and knowledge of association management that the fledgling organisation would require, and in 1981 they found the essential ingredient that they were missing in the person of Brian Sharoff.

Brian Sharoff takes the Helm Sharoff was the son of a Russian immigrant and merchant. His parents owned and ran a small drygoods shop in Brooklyn, New York. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Hunter College in 1964 and a master's degree in international relations from Rutgers University in 1966, Sharoff earned valuable experience working as a radio, TV and print journalist, and as a government relations consultant. In 1970, he ran for public office as Assemblyman for the 42nd district in Brooklyn and was elected to the New York State Legislature.

He would go on to serve two additional terms in the statehouse, where he formed close associations with legendary New York politicians Stephen Solarz and the current US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

1990

1987

First PLMA Washington Conference

First PLMA Consumerama Conference Chicago

1988

PLMA Show Reaches 1,000 Booths Rosemont Convention Center, Chicago

1994

First PLMA Show in Asia Hong Kong

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At the time he was recruited to take the helm of PLMA as president, he had been serving for five years as executive vice president of the Metropolitan New York Merchants Association, which represented the leading department stores of the day, including Abraham & Strauss, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Macys, and others.

One of his first initiatives for PLMA was to commission a nationwide study from the Gallup Organisation, one of the best known and best respected research companies of the day. It became the first of more than a dozen original public opinion studies Sharoff authorized and oversaw in his tenure from Gallup as well as international market research firms Ipsos, GfK Roper, and others.

If you use the word private label, consumers and the media would continue to ask, who makes it?

But the term ‘store brands’ shifted the focus away from the manufacturer to the retailer.

PLMA faced the strategic dilemma that consumers and the mass media viewed “generics” as blank, poor-quality, commodity products.

As a result of Gallup’s landmark study published in 1981 as “What America Thinks About Private Label,” he determined to counter the notion of low-cost generics, and he campaigned to supplant references to “private label” in the US press with the term “store brands.”

He described his inspired thought process this way in a 2015 interview with Lebensmittel Zeitung, Germany’s leading business newspaper: “If you use the word private label, consumers and the media would continue to ask, who makes it? But the term ‘store brands’ shifted the focus away from the [often small and undisclosed] manufacturer to the retailer.”

Trade Shows Fuel Industy’s Growth The early success and growth of PLMA under Sharoff’s focus and leadership were documented in Private Label magazine, the first and, at that time only publication covering the industry.

1996

2002

First PLMA Show in Japan Chiba, Japan

1995

First international show to reach 1,500 Stands “World of Private Label” RAI Exhibition Center, Amsterdam

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First PLMA International Education Program Nyenrode Business University, Amsterdam

2001

First PLMA Executive Education Program St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia

Sharoff negotiated a new home for the association’s annual trade show in a quiet and underdeveloped neighborhood outside Chicago.

Sharoff negotiated a new home for the association’s annual trade show in a quiet and underdeveloped neighborhood outside Chicago. He believed the Rosemont Convention Center’s proximity to O’Hare Airport, a major transportation hub of the Midwest, was a perfect fit for his visions of expansion. Nearly forty years on, Rosemont’s renamed Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is still where the show takes place every November.

The size of PLMA’s private label show grew quickly to offer exhibits for manufacturers of food as well as nonfoods numbering into several hundred booths. And it was not long before the retailing as well as private label

manufacturing communities recognized that, by taking its lead from Sharoff as president, PLMA had opened its doors to the champion the industry emphatically needed to carry it through the next decade and into a new century.

Soon Sharoff turned his eye to the growth potential for PLMA that might come from promoting and tapping into private label’s success in Europe. Beginning in 1983 he organised trade missions to study marketplace dynamics in England, for example, where private label market shares were at 25 to 30 per cent. He and participating manufacturers from the US came away muchf impressed by the way European retailers

2007

2004

“World of Private Label,” Reaches 3,000 Stands RAI Exhibition Center, Amsterdam

First Salute to Excellence Awards for Store Brands

2003

First PLMA Show to Reach 2,000 Booths Rosemont Convention Center, Chicago

marketed and merchandised their own brands. Shortly afterwards, Sharoff guided the formation of the PLMA International Council with its own offices and staff located in Amsterdam. PLMA’s first “World of Private Label” International Trade Show took place in 1987 in Paris. Shows in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Frankfurt came in following years, until he settled on the RAI Centre in Amsterdam for a permanent venue.

2006

Founding of PLMA Private Label Industry Hall of Fame

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Launched in the US in 1986, the awards were reimagined in 2005 to focus more broadly on new product development and innovation. Today retailers around the world submit more than 1,000 of the own brands products each year for evaluation and judging by panels comprised of industry experts, the press, and consumers.

New Conferences and Programs In the later part of the 1980s new conferences were added to the PLMA calendar, including an annual Consumerama Conference, which enlisted actual consumers of own brands products to participate in cities across the US and Canada. Open focus group sessions were supplemented by store tours and research into local markets and demographics. Also introduced was the annual European Roundtable conference, which was modeled along the lines of Leadership Conferences held in conjunction with the PLMA Annual Meeting in the US.

Meanwhile, Sharoff continued to build the trade shows both in the US and Europe by opening them to manufacturers in new categories, identifying areas for own brands growth, and putting a spotlight on the latest marketing strategies for own brands as a way to instill excitement with retailers in every major sector. The US show crossed the 1,000 stand mark in 1988, and by 1995, the “World of Private Label” in Amsterdam reached 1,500 stands.

Eastern Europe, and Asia. Trade Fairs were organised in Hong Kong in 1994-95, then Chiba, Japan, in 1996-97. PLMA activities in Asia would be curtailed as a result of the Asian financial crisis in 1997, but a decade later, Sharoff renewed efforts to establish a representative office in China and entered into partnerships with the officials there that led to the launch in 2008 of a PLMA-PLSC Private Label Fair in Shanghai.

As he spied new potential markets opening up for own brands, Sharoff organised trade missions to Russia in 1992, followed by South America,

As a person, Sharoff was possessed of extraordinary intelligence and wit, while personifying within himself the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and loyalty.

PLMA’s “Salute to Excellence Awards” were created by Sharoff to give recognition to retailers and wholesalers whose store brands programs exemplified the highest quality and commitment to own brands development.

2012

2009

PLMA Opens Sky Hall for Exhibitors Rosemont Convention Center, Chicago

PLMA Launches PLMALive!

Video Newsdesk

2008

First PLMA-PLSC Private Label Fair in China Shanghai

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2011

PLMA Launches Store Brands USA for Consumers

2015

First PLMA Show to Reach 4,000 Stands – Amsterdam PLMALive.eu Launches in 5 Languages

In 1990, Sharoff launched PLMA’s Washington Conference in the US, which examines legislative, regulatory, legal, and trade issues impacting American consumers, retailers, and own brands manufacturers, brokers, and suppliers in the US. Beginning in 2000, Sharoff introduced a series of personal interviews conducted after dinner in front of a live audience in Washington. His guests over the years included the likes of United States Sens. Alan Simpson (R-WY) and John Breaux (D-LA), Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), US presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark,

Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward of Watergate fame, pundit George Will, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, former FBI Director Louis Freeh, and former CIA Director George Tenet.

As a person, Sharoff was possessed of extraordinary intelligence and wit, while personifying within

himself the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and loyalty. These are qualities he always sought in others as well, and he reserved the highest expectations for the staff that he cultivated and respectfully commanded in service to PLMA in the US as well as Europe.

2019

2016

International Membership Surpasses 4,400 Companies

PLMA Launches University Outreach

2017

Store Brands USA YouTube Channel Original Programming

2020

First online Executive Education Program

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Sharoff saw an opportunity to leverage the power of video delivered via the internet to communicate directly with PLMA members and their customers

Equally committed to raising the bar for knowledge and professionalism among the membership of the association, in 2001 he instigated the first PLMA program for Executive Education working with St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.

The first International Education Program followed in 2002 in concert with Nyenrode Business Universiteit, The Netherlands. Well over 1,500 industry executives have attended the education programs which are now presented annually in Philadelphia, The Netherlands, and Chicago.

Sharoff ensured that the sessions for June 2020 could be taken online via Zoom to answer a demand for the education program to continue in the face of restrictions brought about by the global pandemic.

PLMA Live!

Beginning in the mid-2000s, years before it was commonplace for companies or even the major media organisations to do so, Sharoff saw an opportunity to leverage the power of video delivered via the internet to communicate directly with PLMA members and their customers in retailing, as well as with everyday consumers about the ever-increasing levels of quality, professionalism, and innovation that he envisioned for the own brands industry. He began by introducing a series of monthly video interviews that were distributed to an audience of PLMA

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members, retailers, and industry opinion makers. Then in 2009, in the same way that he had succeeded in bringing so many of his aspirations for PLMA to fruition, he launched the PLMALive! online video news platform.

PLMALive!, with industry Newsdesk reports and ongoing series featuring in-depth stories on finance, marketing, new technology, product innovation, and more, is now seen by over ten thousand executives every month. PLMALive. eu, which is offered monthly in five languages, has had similar impact on the industry in Europe. And in the past year PLMALive.cn, for China, launched with new international industry reporting via WeChat.

Over the past decade, Sharoff piloted the creation of two highly professional video production units within PLMA dedicated to industry reporting and content creation across multiple online platforms that are aimed at business as well as consumer audiences. Currently being presented via a Store Brands USA YouTube channel and promoted via Instagram, there are four ongoing series that were developed and produced under his direction. The original programming integrates positive consumer information to build awareness of own brands quality and value. Together, the shows have succeeded in building views that number in the millions.

On behalf of the staff at Global Retail Brands, We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Sharoff family and his friends at PLMA worldwide.

May his memory be a blessing.

He Despised The Term Generic, And Stressed Product “Quality” And “Value” Brian Sharoff was president of PLMA for four decades and was widely-considered a seminal figure in the development and expansion of store brands in the U.S., Europe and beyond. With him at the helm the association - and by extension the industry -- experienced enormous growth.

But Brian was no cheerleader. He could spot challenges and obstacles as well as opportunities and he was quick to speak out on them. He despised the term generic, and stressed product “quality” and “value” over and over again, to industry leaders as well as the public.

Welcome. Bienvenue. Willkommen.

Benvenuto. Bienvenido.

He was the man behind the signs. Right up there in huge type is all you need to know about Brian Sharoff.

Brian welcomed leading executives from around the globe who were eager to learn more about store brands. And he most likely also welcomed YOU to Chicago or Amsterdam or Shanghai. He would welcome you to the PLMA stand to discuss your salad dressing business in Ohio, or about sourcing exotic ingredients from Africa, or exchange views on Tesco and Lidl’s expansion plans.

He welcomed Wall Street to start tracking the private label market and welcomed suppliers to develop and innovate their offerings. In that same spirit, he welcomed retailers to own their shelves and promote private label, and welcomed consumers to try store brands and compare them to their favorite A-brands.

And as authentic as Brian was professionally, he was even more so personally. With his gregarious style, he welcomed me (and my family) into his. He welcomed me to dine with him, golf with him, see Broadway shows, and attend Mets baseball games at Shea. I learned, too, about him growing up in Brooklyn and how the Bronx congressional districts are divided, among many intriguing political back stories. But this is all too familiar to you, because Brian also welcomed you into his family.

Trade show after trade show, they’ve been hanging up there for me, and the PLMA family, and the entire private label industry to see and read. We’ve all walked by, or under, this oversized signage. Next show, when you enter the exhibition hall you might feel Brian’s warm smile still welcoming YOU. Sadly, Brian is gone now. But that smile remains behind all those Welcome signs.

ANTHONY ALOIA Corporate Vice President PLMA

He themed an early PLMA conference, Will Success Spoil Private Label? Yes, it was a light-hearted homage to his beloved movie business, but it was also a warning.

Store brands had begun its first boom and he was concerned it would lose its way amid celebratory back-slapping. A cautionary note, one he would frequently sound: Keep doing things right to ensure long term prosperity.

That’s leadership. Now he’s gone and we’re all challenged to carry on his formidable legacy. Brian would call that an opportunity.

JOE AZZINARO Special Projects PLMA Class of ’89

That Kind Of Enthusiasm And Insight Was Incredibly Inspiring To Me I first met Brian in the mid-1990's when I started out as a reporter covering the food retailing industry. Private label was one of my "beats." I spent the next 20 years covering the private label industry, so I had a firsthand look at Brian's enormous impact on the growth and success of private label. I was thrilled several years ago when he brought me to PLMA to write PLMA's newsletter. Brian was always supportive of my stories and always let me know how much he valued my work. That meant a lot to me. In every meeting, he had fresh new ideas and projects to make the most of my knowledge about the private label industry. That kind of enthusiasm and insight was incredibly inspiring to me. It was privilege knowing him and working with him.

CAROL ANGRISANI Newsletter Editor, PLMA 12

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His Legacy Is The PLMA Over the last 20 years Brian and I met each other just a few times per year but I remember all those encounters as engaging, energizing, encouraging and empathetic. His legacy is the PLMA: The best and biggest market and meeting place for Private Brands suppliers and retailers from around the world.

Brian Offered Me A Second Professional Life!

When visiting the WOPL show in AMSTERDAM, which was very much smaller than it is now, I first met Brian 25 years ago in 1995 when I was the Director General of the SIAL (90/97). SIAL was a branded supplier’s show, but I was personally convinced that PL was an interesting concept and would develop quite fast in Europe. I discussed that in detail with Brian and I told him that I will ask to all the SIAL exhibitors to mention if they were interested to meet PL buyers. I did, despite some opposition among the board members.

I was ready to go back to my previous management activities either in the Engineering business or in the Food Industry, but I also contacted a few Trade Shows that I considered as major ones and future oriented, among which PLMA. Brian immediately reacted and asked me to meet him a few days later at his hotel near Orly Airport in Paris and proposed to me to work with him and his team part time at the beginning (50% which became 70% then full time) from my own place and creating for this an independent company with a contract.

So what he did for me is to give me the chance to work with one of the brightest person that I ever met, who had a real passion for the PL world that he was able to communicate to others including myself, in a business that continues to fascinate me and with an outstanding team of persons who work in a family atmosphere although very professional which I never met before in my rather long career (57 years). So Brian ofered me a second professional life!

JEAN-PIERRE BONVALLET

ARJAN BOTH SVP Global Sourcing, Packaged Foods & Consumables Walmart

Brian Was Uncharacteristically Able To Find Humorous Banter In Any Condition In my first year of participation on the Board of Directors, the theme of the leadership conference was “Change Happens”. As I knew that Brian was always heavily involved in the theme of our meetings, I had to approach him at the dinner when the band hired to entertain us began playing Billy Joel’s Don’t Go Changing. I approached Brian and asked why we had such conflicting entertainment to the theme of our show and he immediately answered with his deadpan expression, “Clay, it is valuable insights like this that are the reason you have asked to be on the board!”.

Brian was uncharacteristically able to find humorous banter in any condition and that was just one of the reasons why he was both beloved and respected by all who knew him.

CLAY DOCKERY PLMA Chairman, Incoming Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA

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The Words Legend And Icon Often Feel Cliché, But For Brian, They Are Understatements.

We Smiled, We Laughed When I first met Brian I knew him as a tower of knowledge, standing tall on the podium at my first few PLMA shows. Years later, when I had the nerve to talk to him at one of the opening night parties, I was pleasantly surprised that he talked to me like I was as important as anyone else in the room. We smiled, we laughed, and we talked about what the organization meant to him, and how it was for always and forever.

PLMA was his life’s work, his passion, and for that, and for so many other things like allowing me the opportunity to sit on the board of directors, I thank you Brian. I thank you and your family for sharing you with us all for so long. My heart goes out to your family and to all who knew and loved you.

Rest in peace Brian, your legend will live on with all of us.

MARIA DUBUC PLMA Board Member, President MBD

I met Brian eleven years ago after I first began writing My Private Brand, we met in the PLMA’s New York City offices. We walked across the street to Docks Oyster Bar, where I experienced the first of many memorable lunches with Brian.

He was larger than life, inquisitive and gregarious quizzing me about My Private Brand (just a little blog at the time.) He regaled me with stories of private labels, NYC politics, and his favorite movies.

Brian shaped PLMA with an unwavering vision and passion. The words legend and icon often feel cliché, but for Brian, they are understatements, small words that fall short of encapsulating his life and impact.

It is impossible to overstate his influence on the industry.

Since that first lunch, I have been proud to be a part of his industry and proud to count him as colleague, mentor, friend, occasional boss, competitor, and inspiration.

CHRISTOPHER DURHAM MyPrivateBrand

I Still Don’t Know How He Did That.

Brian trusted his people. Once he knew you and had seen your best work, he would give you a lot of freedom, as long as you reached that high standard. When you didn’t, he got right to the point and told you to do it over again. And again, if need be.

I wrote scripts for PLMALive for eight or nine years and always submitted them to Brian, who usually made a few tweaks and approved them. But once or twice he called and said what I’d written wasn’t right. The old saying is that a good editor tells you what he wants, and a bad editor tells you what he doesn’t want. Brian didn’t do either. He would change the subject and talk about movies and shows he’d seen, or tell a joke, and it was always friendly and good-natured, and somehow at the end of the conversation I always had a better idea of what I should do to the script. I still don’t know how he did that.

BRAD EDMONDSON former editor-in-chief of American Demographics

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He Truly Made One Feel Appreciated And Respected.

He Was A Tremendous Mentor And Also A Good Friend Brian’s passing was quite a shock to all of us that knew him personally. What he accomplished at the PLMA is nothing short of amazing. He took a small trade organization 40 years ago and built it into one of the largest trade organizations in our industry spanning across 3 continents.

As Brian built the PLMA he created a true family of employee’s and vendor partners along the way. Over the last few days I have heard much praise, admiration, and kind words towards Brian. Even with all these things said it really does not capture the true essences of what Brian truly meant to us. Maybe if we put them all together we come close? For me, I will always be grateful to Brian. He was a tremendous mentor and also a good friend. Rest in peace Brian.

DEAN ERSTED PLMA Chairman, 2016-2017 Seneca Foods

Brian was a remarkable man, with many talents. I thought the scope of his knowledge was unbelievable. He could talk for hours about countries and cultures around the world, about food, wines and great restaurants, opera, old movies, politics, economy etc. No-one could switch from the one topic to the other, keeping up the high energy - and entertainment level. Brian was a strong debater, at meetings and calls one better be prepared.

He wouldn’t make it easy to sell something he didn’t want to buy. But, an agreement would always lead to 100% support all the way.

Brian was definitely funny as well. He was quick with a joke, but his imitations were the best! He also had a bit of a dare-devil in him. I remember crossing 3rd Avenue on a busy day going for lunch.

Of course I will miss our conversations about Private Label around the world. I loved his drive and commitment, it made a huge difference. He truly made one feel appreciated and respected. He always invited me to join the Roundtable Conference in Europe and the Trade Shows in Amsterdam and Chicago; the events won’t be the same without him!

EDGAR ELZERMAN PLMA LIve! EU

You Always Looked Forward To Time With Brian Brian Sharoff's dedication, leadership and vision made him special to me. Brian listened to everyone around him for nuggets of information that he used to shape the Private Label industry story and direction. It was not uncommon for a conversation from months ago to result in a new direction or initiative after he reflected on it and combined it with conversations from others. You always looked forward to time with Brian due to the breath of his knowledge and his curiosity to seek out the next new thing to keep the Private Label story fresh and relevant. I valued his perspective because time after time I saw the wisdom to his thinking and trusted the motivations of his actions. I loved the way he made those around him more productive and valuable; young inexperienced staff members learned from Brian and grew into leaders in the organization. His legacy will live on in all of us that he touched.

TOM EWING previous PLMA Chairman of the Board

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I Thought He, As The Organization’s Catalyst, Would Last Forever!

I’m shocked at the news: I thought he, as the organization’s catalyst, would last forever!

I knew Brian from his first day, elected as president at PLMA. I have great respect for his work and dedication, helping PLMA grow as, indeed, the private label industry itself grew over his 39+ year tenure. Often, I worked with Brian in that capacity. I know that the PLMA will have a difficult time finding a replacement equal to him, its life-force, Brian Sharoff.

PHIL FITZEL Editor/Publisher at Exclusive Brands LLC, former editor of Private Label magazine

“Welcome To The Family!”

I’ve known Brian for many years from my days back in the 90’s running private label at A&P but I only got to work with him this last year. He asked me to moderate a panel last March and afterwards came charging up to me and said, “That was great! We need to add some youth (which made me chuckle at my age) and you need to come back to your roots!” A few months later, he called me in, discussed the project, walked me out to the middle of the office and said “Welcome to the family!” and he really did make me feel that way from that day forward. He was a wonder to watch in meetings, creative, a visionary, hands on when it came to detail with a memory that just amazed me. I enjoyed being around him even if it was only a short time, enjoyed his stories over lunch and will truly miss him. He had so much more to give and really was one of kind.

DONNA L. GEORGE President DL George Consulting, LLC

He Had Opinions On Everything And Most Amazingly, Upon Reflection, He Was Right.

Asking for a comment on Brian requires a lot of thought because his expressed persona was so different from the real person. I have spent more than 25 years eating lunch with Brian and debating issues concerning every issue under the sun. To say that Brian had an opinion is a ridiculous understatement. He had opinions on everything and most amazingly, upon reflection, he was right. Coupled with that and generally concealed, he was extremely generous and tolerant of the people around him and in the final analysis his actions of understanding and generosity directly contradicted his gruff exterior exhibited at our frequent lunches at Docks and cigar smoking at the Carnegie Club where he was beloved by all. His passing has left a permanent void in my life and he will be missed.

ARTHUR M. HANDLER PLMA General Counsel

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The Conversation Certainly Made Me Feel Wanted While working at The Kroger Co. and involved in private label, I had done a number of things with the PLMA, beginning in 1995, including a pre-trade show special presentation, participated in a PLMA Roundtable session, was part of the Adjunct Faculty for the Executive Education Program, attended the PLMA Washington Conference and was part of the PLMA Retail/Wholesale Council.

Continuing that relationship upon my retirement from Kroger in 2007, seemed only natural. Brian and I discussed it, and he offered me the opportunity to become part of the PLMA Family as a consultant and doing special projects, the food safety inspection initiative is one that comes to mind.

Over the years, I was involved in much of what I had done prior to retirement and more. At some point, I thought that I might not be earning my keep, so I called Brian to discuss our arrangement. His response was that I had been there for the PLMA while working at Kroger and as long as I was satisfied with our arrangement, that he wanted me to be there to help the PLMA as needed.

I really could not have asked for more and the conversation certainly made me feel wanted. That is the Brian Sharoff that I knew and will always remember.

NICK HAHN Director, Corporate Brands (Retired) The Kroger Co.

The Private Label Business Model Had The Potential To Disrupt The Market.

Although, I had ran into Brian a few times before, it was not until 2004 that I had the pleasure of getting to know him on a personal level. At first I was invited as a speaker for a few PLMA Round Tabel Conferences, later on I became involved as a guest lecturer in the PLMA Executive Education program at Nyenrode.

We Dutch are known to speak honestly and may not always weigh every word carefully. Well, that's where I found my match in Brian. Outspoken as he could be, he and I had the most intense exchanges of views. Although we both had a different background and experience we often found common ground in our discussion or occasionally disagreed on topics related to private label. However, mutual admiration and respect was always maintained.

I was impressed by his visionary view on the market. At a very early stage some forty years ago, he recognized that the private label business model had the potential to disrupt the market. In spite of the fact that in the early stages many looked down on private label with a certain contempt (because of at that time poor quality and packaging), Brian was unstoppable and turned the private label shows into leading events on three different continents.

By now the whole world knows that he was right and his dedication and unwavering enthusiasm has made an indelible impact on the private label industry. From his side he has inspired me to set up IPLC and develop it into a successful consultancy aimed at the private label industry. I am grateful for that, it was a privilege our paths have crossed and to have known him.

KOEN DE JONG Managing Partner IPLC

www.globalretailmag.com

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Brian Was Mr. Private Label Brian was Mr. Private Label. He was the face, eyes, and ears of the industry. His loss is a void in my professional and personal life. Brian built a successful organization promoting Private Label that will continue on long after his death. Brian’s impact went far beyond the Chicago trade show. There were too many other successful programs to even mention here.

Many of these programs were international programs, cementing Brains leadership of the Private Label industry across the world.

I have had the pleasure to work closely with Brian as a member of the PLMA board of directors and a past chair for over twenty five years. Nothing happened without consulting Brian first. He had knowledge of everything, yes, literally everything. Brian will be deeply missed.

HOWARD KIRSCHENBAUM PLMA Chairman, 2014-2015 Trinity Plastics

Brian Always Had An Outstanding Restaurant Advice I had the honor of working with Brian over the last six years while servicing on the PLMA Board of Directors. Brian’s focus and dedication over the last forty years has evolved the PLMA through tremendous advances in the private label industry connecting retailers with suppliers resulting in incredible innovation. Brian and I shared a passion for travel and food and I often called him looking for restaurant recommendations.

Whether my travels took me to a major city in the US or international, Brian always had an outstanding restaurant advice and more often than not, he would even tell me the best thing on the menu! I will miss Brian’s vision and leadership, he truly was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

LISA MANZOLINE PLMA Chairman, Current Reynolds Consumer Products

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

The"Producer". In My Opinion He Was A Combination Of Walt Disney And Mel Brooks.

Brian Sharoff was a very dear friend. Over the last few days many associates have reach out to me because of our special relationship both personnel and professional.

“One Day You And I Are Going To Do Something With TV.” When he interviewed me back in 1995, His first words to me were: “Oh you’re from Houston. My son went to Rice so I know Houston real well.”

His next set of words were: “You have a major in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television.”

Finally he said: “One day you and I are going to do something with TV.” Well about 15 years later, after my second child was born (mind you I had left a year and half prior to raise children), he called me and said, “Do you remember our conversation when you were interviewed? I said one day we’re going to do something with TV. Well the day is now. Are you ready?”

I was so touched by that call. I said, “Wow Brian, I graduated in the early 90’s. I’m sure video equipment, style or shooting video, etc. has changed a lot.” He replied, “You’ll figure it out”. And this is a perfect example of who he was. HIs vote of confidence in people was remarkable.

And here we are today, more videos than ever.

He gave me this beautiful opportunity and forever I am grateful. He gave the entire company opportunities to grow. As an association, we’re going to maintain his legacy of 40 years.

On behalf of PLMA, We will miss his jokes. His voice. His stories. His love for food and movies.

He will be missed tremendously.

When I reflect on Brian, one word come to mind over and over again, "Producer". Brian was the "Producer" that made, grew and supplied the ideas and leadership to create the platform for the Private Label industry to develop. Brian was the "Producer" responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of making an event, conference, educational program and a Trade Show a "Hit".

His creativity and wit was special. He loved not only to write a script but also bring it to life.

In my opinion he was a combination of Walt Disney and Mel Brooks.

I was fortunate to be able to be a cast member for many years. During our 37 year relationship at PLMA I served as a member of the board, a committee chair, Chairman of the Board for 2 years and now as Chairman of StoreBrands USA. During this time I was lucky to be a member of Brian Sharoff's productions many times.

One of my favorites was when he cast me to play a bootlegger for a skit at a PLMA Leadership meeting.

Brian will be missed by many. He touched so many people. His mark on their lives and the Private Label industry will go on for eternity.

EDWARD SALZANO PLMA Chairman, 1998-1999 Chairman, StoreBrandsUSA

SONIA PETROCELLI Executive Producer, PLMA Live!

www.globalretailmag.com

19

“Round Up The Usual Suspects.”

I had the good fortune to know Brian for about 25 years and like many I could talk about his incredible sense of humor, his delight in great food and his knowledge of movies and more.

What always stood out for me, however, was his instincts. He had a better sense of so many business issues than virtually anyone I could name. His passion and support for private label products was more than a job, it was almost a calling and he had the honesty and integrity to say what needed to be said in countless ways and times.

He will be missed personally, professionally and more. It was a great honor to know him.

And regretfully I must admit that I let him down in one very big way. He wanted to join me in writing a musical version of the movie Casablanca. We got one song written (I did the lyrics, he had the tune) called, "Round up the usual suspects." Broadway should be very glad we never got any further than that!

MICHAEL SANSOLO Retail Food Industry Consultant

Can You Do It? Good! Welcome On Board!’

‘We need someone to organize a wine event for us. Can you do it? Good!

Welcome on board!’ My ‘job interview’ lasted just about 5 minutes. That describes for me the way Brian worked. At a high pace, thinking fast forward and quick decisions. I remember his reaction when he saw a room full of wine bottles at the first Wine Salute at the Hilton Hotel: ‘Wow, this looks like a lot of wine to drink!’ He was clearly happy with the event and he gave me the feeling he trusted me in my work. Although he had a lot on his mind, he always found the time to answer on my questions.

I feel honored that I had the chance to work with Brian and to be part of the PLMA-family. I will remember Brian as a charismatic, funny and straightforward leader and person.

HELEEN SCHREUDER Coordinator International PLMA’s Salute to Excellence Wine Awards

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

Brian Would Have Been A Superb Moderator For A Presidential Debate I was privileged to work with Brian for 14 years on PLMA’s Washington Conferences and PLMA’s public policy issues with the federal government. I admired and respected Brian.

He was a gentleman, leader and friend. Since I work in the public policy area, I was especially impressed with Brian’s political acumen. He was a master at applying the lessons he learned from his service in the New York Legislature to today’s public policy challenges. When I think of Brian, I’ll fondly remember Brian’s Tuesday night interviews of special guests at PLMA’s Washington Conference. Brian knew a little bit about everything and was superb at asking questions of the guests, including those with oversize egos. Brian would have been a superb moderator for a presidential debate.

Brian was a giant in the retail industry—we’ll miss him.

ERIK WINBORN Founder and President, Winborn Solutions LLC

It’s Not Important That We Find It, Only That We Look.

Brian had a tradition of hosting one or two dinners in the evenings prior to the PLMA Show every year. Late one summer, Brian called and told me of a restaurant that someone had taken him to in Chicago several years prior—a wonderful neighborhood place with brick walls, terrific food, and most notably, two elderly ladies that would greet you at the door as if you were long lost family. Unfortunately, he could not remember the name or exactly where it was located. Since I was from Chicago, could I help him find the restaurant and the two ladies? I spent weeks of calling everyone I knew in the city, but the best I could do was comments from a few who said “I think this might be the place.”

One seemed to be a good candidate; I told Brian and we went there. It was not the right place, but we all had a great meal and a great time. The following year Brian asked could I try again? Alas, it was not the place, but again we all had a great meal and a great time.

When I apologized for my lack of success. Brian pointed out that we had succeeded, “Look at all the terrific meals and great times we had. It’s not important that we find it, only that we look.” Today, I suspect Brian has found the two ladies and he is hosting all those that have arrived before him. We know in Brian’s company they are all having a great time.

JIM WISNER President Wisner Marketing

www.globalretailmag.com

21

“But Arthur…”

Some of you may know that Brian and I would meet at Carnegie Club in Midtown Manhattan for a cigar on a fairly regular basis. And by regular, I mean whenever Brian was in the mood.

Our first meeting was August 23, 2010 at 3pm. Our last, on February 7, 2020 at the very same time. We had 59 such “Cigar Meetings” and Brian arrived first for every single one. I was never late, almost always a bit early in fact and yet, there he was, waiting for me with that big smile of his, every single time.

Often, Arthur Handler would join us. When he did, I felt as if I had secured the best seat in the house to a new Broadway production. The conversation, for me at least, switched to auto-pilot. The banter and laughter between them was relentless. It was like a boxing match, but rather than punches, punchlines flew with fury. I can still hear Brian saying, rather loudly to emphasize the point, “but Arthur…”

I said hello, laughed for an hour or so then said goodbye. Knowing that will never happen again fills me with profound sadness.

During these meetings, we brainstormed a wide range of topics and did our best to solve the world’s problems. We were sometimes very silly, and at times, deadly serious. We hatched some great ideas, like the Private Label Wine Competition and the PLMA Live! Category Profiles and American Demographics. We plotted to influence Anthony Aloia’s personal life. We marveled at Edward Salzano’s inability to age and Arthur Handler’s sartorial elegance. We mourned Bob Vosburg’s passing and sometimes wondered if John Dean was still in the same room at the Hyatt answering Brian’s last question of the evening from the 2016 Washington Conference.

At our last meeting we spoke about Covid-19 and the implications for all of us. During crises such as these Brian was always measured, never overly optimistic and never the pessimist. But he was concerned, for his family, his colleagues, the association and our industry. Shortly after this meeting, the pandemic began to materially change our lives Yet, he continued to conduct business with the same zeal. Never missing a beat, he invited me to a zoom meeting before I had even heard of zoom.

I took great pleasure seeing him startled when I appeared on screen with my new, out of control, white beard. He laughed and said I looked like a Bolshevik Professor (a compliment?) and we then got down to business.

My favorite memory of Brian however is this. Ann (my wife) and I were invited to Brian and Judith’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. We were honored and enjoyed every single moment of this special occassion. But when the time came for them to dance, I was in for another surprise. Brian could dance…and very well at that. He and Judy glided, twirled and lit up the room. It was a delight to see and a memory I will always cherish.

I hope that Judith, Peter, Alexandra, Shirley, the grandchildren and in-laws find some comfort in knowing just how many people loved Brian.

I thank them all for sharing him with us.

PHILLIP RUSSO

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

www.globalretailmag.com

23

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JUNE 2020 / VOLUME 8 / NUMBER 2 OF 4

Phillip Russo

EDITOR / PUBLISHER phillip@globalretailmag.com

Jacco van Laar

EUROPEAN DIRECTOR jaccovanlaar@globalretailmag.com

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Melissa Subatch

CREATIVE DIRECTOR info@melissasubatchdesign.com

Andrew Quinn

DIGITAL DIRECTOR andrew.quinniii@gmail.com

Sabine Geissler

GREENTASTE.IT Italian Business Development s.geissler@greentaste.it

Luisa Colombo

Italian Business Development luisa.colombo76@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS

Perry Seelert

LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE LA CRÉATION ALIMENTAIRE THE FOOD CREATION MEETING

Emerge perry@emergefromthepack.com

Christopher Durham

My Private Brand christopher@mypbrand.com Daymon idc@daymon.com

NEW DATES

Denise Klug

8-9 SEPTEMBER 2020

PARIS PORTE DE VERSAILLES HALL 2.2

LZ Retailytics denise.klug@retailytics.com

Tom Prendergast

PLMA tprendergast@plma.com

Stephen Marshman SGK

Published, Trademarked and all rights reserved by:

Kent Media

Phillip Russo, Principal 240 Central Park South, Suite 9G New York, NY 10019 USA Tel. +1 917 743 6711 All rights reserved under the Library of Congress. No part of this publication may be r eproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing by the copyright owner. Opinions expressed by contributors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Global Retail Brands is published 4 times a year.

Editorial Submissions phillip@globalretailmag.com Advertising Inquiries – EUROPE luisa.colombo76@gmail.com Advertising Inquiries – AFRICA, AMERICAS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, MIDDLE EAST phillip@globalretailmag.com Subscription Information phillip@globalretailmag.com www.globalretailmag.com

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

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2. Choose your favourite from a wide range of tailor-made blends of spray-dried, agglomerated and freeze-dried coffee.

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CONTRIBUTORS

MARIA DUBUC Marketing By Design, President, Big Red Rooster, Vice President, Maria is a 25 year pioneer in creative management, Maria’s key talent is to combine a career’s worth of branding experience into something personal and unique for each and every client. Smart & Final, The Home Depot, 7-Eleven, and PriceSmart are among the retailer programs she currently runs.

STEPHANIE CHAVEZ is an attorney at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, where she counsels businesses in labor and employment matters. She may be reached at schavez@constangy.com.

CHRISTOPHER DURHAM Founder, My Private Brand and The Velocity Private Brand Conference.

Christopher Durham is an author, consultant, strategist and retailer with close to 20 years of real-world retail and corporate experience creating, launching and building numerous billion dollar Private Brands. My Private Brand, seeks to drive the changing Private Brand landscape, focusing on the emerging art and science of Private Brand management.

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

DENISE KLUG Senior Retail Analyst at LZ Retailytics covering German, Austrian, Swiss as well as Benelux grocery retail. Her fields of expertise lie in discounters, private label and health & beauty retail. Prior to her current position, she worked for five years as an analyst for Planet Retail and was head of the Modern Grocery Distribution team in the Frankfurt office. Denise speaks regularly at various international retail conferences.

KARA MIENCIER Kara Miencier, Private Brand Sales Executive for Paramount Roasters, has a passion for store brands and the coffee industry. As a Board of Directors Member for Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence, Kara finds great value in the diversity and inclusion mission of WISE and bridging the experience gap between generations.

PERRY SEELERT A retail branding and marketing expert, with a passion for challenging conventional strategy and truths. Perry is the Strategic Partner and Co-founder of Emerge, a strategic marketing consultancy dedicated to helping Retailers, Manufacturers and Services grow exponentially and differentiate with purpose.

T R A D E FA I R C A L E N D A R

AUGUST

4-5 Velocity The My Private Brand Conference Virtual www.mpbvelocity.com

8 - 10 NACDS Total Store Expo San Diego, CA CANCELLED

www.tse.nacds.org

SEPTEMBER

3-6 SANA Organic Trade Fair Bologna, Italy RESCHEDULED TO 9 - 11 OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

23 - 26 Natural Products Expo East Philadelphia, PA CANCELLED

www.sana.it

www.expoeast.com

8-9 M.A.D.E. Paris Paris, France

Sept 29 - Oct 1 SIAL Canada Montreal, Canada

STIL L S C H E D U LE D AT PRE S S T I M E

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.madeparis.com

www.sialcanada.com

20 - 22 Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas, NV

Sept 30 - Oct 2 Expoalimentaria Peru Lima, Peru

SEPTEMBER

1-4 CIBUS Parma, Italy

P OSTP O NE D 27-29 J U N E 2021

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.cosmoprofnorthamerica.com

www.expoalimentariaperu.com

RESCHEDUL ED 4-7 MAY 2021

www.cibus.it

3-7 Cosmoprof / Cosmopack Bologna, Italy RESCHEDUL ED SPRING 2021

www.cosmoprof.com

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

20 - 26 Thaifex Anuga Asia Bangkok, Thailand STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.thaifex-anuga.com

PLMA2020 Celebrating 40 Years of Store Brands Success

PLMA PRIVATE LABEL TRADE SHOW 15 -17 NOVEMBER • CHICAGO Registration now open at www.plmaregistration.com.

To exhibit, email: exhibit@plma.com.

Presented by the Private Label Manufacturers Association

T R A D E FA I R C A L E N D A R

OCTOBER

9 - 11 SANA Organic Trade Fair Bologna, Italy www.sana.it

18 - 22 SIAL Paris Paris, France

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.sialparis.com

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

8 - 11 Pack Expo International Chicago, IL

2-3 PLMA’s World of Private Label Amsterdam, Netherlands

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.packexpointernational.com

www.plmainternational.com

10 - 13 Cosmoprof / Cosmpack Asia Hong Kong

JANUARY 2021

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.cosmoprof-asia.com/en 13 - 14 Marca by Bologna Fiere 2021 Bologna, Italy

28 - 30 World Retail Congress Rome, Italy STIL L SCHED UL ED AT PRESS TIME

www.worldretailcongress.com

15 - 17 PLMA Private Label Trade Show Chicago Chicago, IL

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.marca.bolognafiere.it

STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.plma.com

Jan 31 - Feb 3 ISM / ProSweets Cologne 2021 Cologne, Germany STILL SCHEDULED AT PRESS TIME

www.ism-cologne.com

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

Whether you are a retailer or manufacturer, life is good in private label. Market share in Europe is nearly 40% or more in eight countries and consumer acceptance of retailer brands has never been higher.

Where can you find all the new products and new marketing ideas for private label? At PLMA’s 2020 “World of Private Label” International Trade Show. Come to Amsterdam and see for yourself how PLMA’s “World of Private Label” can help your company’s private label business.

Registration is open. Go to www.plma.nl/visit for more information. For questions, contact PLMA's Visitor Department in Amsterdam at visitorinfo@plma.nl.

AMSTERDAM•2 - 3 December 2020 Presented by the Private Label Manufacturers Association International Council

N O TA B L E

XXXXX

PLMA’s World of Private Label 2-3 December, 2020 Amsterdam AMSTERDAM - In light of government announcements prohibiting large events such as trade shows during the Coronavirus crisis, PLMA’s 2020 “World of Private Label”, which was originally scheduled for 26-27 May this year, has been postponed to 2-3 December (WednesdayThursday) at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam.

At the time of the date change announcement, PLMA added: “With all government restrictions, lockdowns, uncertainties and personal concerns, postponing was unavoidable. The PLMA team and all partners involved will work hard and with maximum enthusiasm and focus towards the new dates in December. We are totally confident that it will be a great show!”

The world’s biggest private label trade show is getting even bigger, featuring more exhibitors, more products, and more retailers. It’s PLMA’s 2020 “World of Private Label” International Trade Show, to be held 2-3 December at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The event is expected to attract more than 17,000 visitors from 120 countries. Visitors include retailers representing supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, drugstores and department stores, as well as importers and exporters, manufacturers, consultants, sales agents and packaging and design experts.

Visitors will have have the opportunity to see more than 2,800 exhibiting companies on the show floor. The exhibitors are manufacturers and suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods, including food, household and health and beauty products from more than 70 countries.

Also on the trade show floor will be more than 60 national and regional pavilions. Some national pavilions, like those from Germany, Italy, Spain and France, have participated in the trade show for many years. This year there are a number of new pavilions, including ones from Brazil, Belgium, Indonesia, Romania, Belarus and Bulgaria.

The “World of Private Label” extends beyond the exhibition booths. A special attraction is PLMA’s Idea Supermarket. It displays recently introduced private label ranges from more than 60 retailers in Europe, United States, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The products showcase the latest consumer trends, such as vegan and vegetarian foods, environmentally friendly products and premium health and beauty items.

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

Also on display will be hundreds of new and innovative food and non-food private label products, including all the winners of PLMA’s 2020 “Salute to Excellence” Awards. The Awards give recognition to outstanding food and non-food private label products that have been introduced by supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, drugstores, and specialty stores in the past year.

SEMINARS PLMA offers a special seminar programme prior to the show. Admission to the seminars is complimentary to all registered visitors and exhibitors in possession of a valid “World of Private Label” entrance badge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLMA’s 2020 “World of Private Label” International Trade Show,” contact the PLMA International Council at +31 20 5753032 or email: info@plma.nl

The seminars will be presented in the Forum room at the RAI Exhibition Centre on On Tuesday 1 December 2020, from 14.00 – 16.00. Presentations are translated into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

The 2020 programme will be available in October.

www.globalretailmag.com

37

N O TA B L E

PLMA’S 2020 Chicago Trade Show November 15-17, 2020 Adds International Flair

For 40 years, PLMA’s annual trade show has featured the best in store brands and PLMA’s 2020 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, November 15-17, will continue this tradition with an even greater international presence.

Celebrating the success of store brands in 2020, this year’s trade show will feature more international pavilions than at any time in the show’s long history. PLMA 2020 plans on having pavilions exhibiting private label products from 24 countries around the globe will be found among the 2,500 exhibit booths for the more than 5,000 visitors expected to attend. Over a dozen pavilions from Europe and five from countries in Asia and North and South America will be featured. These pavilions will

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

include companies from China, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Germany and Spain, as well as Vietnam, The Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom, among others.

The worldwide appeal of the Chicago show is nothing new for PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show.

At PLMA’s 2019 show, there were over 500 exhibiting companies representing 53 countries based outside the United States. These included companies from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Guatemala and Mexico from Latin and South America; as well as private label manufacturers from 25 countries across Europe and Asia.

Some of the larger delegations came from Canada with 111 companies, Turkey with 26 and India with

13 companies and in 2020 PLMA expects that international atmosphere to be greater than ever.

With store brands showing strong growth not only in the United States but around the world, it is not surprising that more international companies are interested in joining the $136 billion private label market in the United States and PLMA’s 2020 Private Label Trade Show will give them that opportunity.

For more information: www.plma.com

Our team looks forward to working on

your private brand coffee program

Vice President of Sales | 616.644.4742 rschaafsma@paramountroasters.com

PUMPKIN PIE

paramountroasters.com

N O TA B L E

PLMA Names Peggy Davies as Acting President The Board of Directors of the Private Label Manufacturers Association is pleased to announce that Peggy Davies has been named Acting President of the Association. Her appointment follows the death of Brian Sharoff, President, who passed away last month after a brief illness. Since 2016, Davies served as PLMA Vice President, Association Relations.

“For four decades, Brian was the face of PLMA,” said Lisa Manzoline, Director of Sales for Reynolds Consumer Products and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PLMA. “It is now our responsibility to focus on the future. As the Board of Directors, we understand this is a difficult and challenging time for many different reasons. We have full confidence that Peggy Davies will be a capable and dynamic leader of PLMA at this crucial juncture – one who is familiar with our member base and the unique challenges we face for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. Peggy has the experience and qualifications needed, and is 100% ready to carry forward the important work of the association from day one, as the Executive Board conducts a search to determine a permanent successor.”

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

Commenting on her appointment, Davies said: “I’m honored and deeply grateful to the PLMA Executive Committee and Board of Directors for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility. As we deal with Brian’s loss, we will best honor his decadeslong legacy by carrying on his vision, which we have worked together to build on these last four years. I have been inspired by my close relationship with him for more than 25 years, and with our outstanding and dedicated staff, I am eager to carry forward the exceptional programs we created.”

“I’m honored and deeply grateful to the PLMA Executive Committee and Board of Directors for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility.

Davies joined PLMA as Vice President in 2016. Before that she was elected to the Board of Directors in the early 1990s where, over the course of two terms, she either served on or chaired

the programming, trade relations, and communications committees. She was elected Board Chairman for two terms from 2003 to 2004 and, among many other accomplishments, dedicated efforts toward expanding PLMA’s commitment to education for industry executives.

In addition to PLMA, she brings three decades of private label industry experience in executive positions.

With Daymon Associates from 1985 to 1989, she was involved in building the private label program at Wegmans Supermarkets in Rochester, New York. From there she entered the manufacturing business as vicepresident of private label sales for Comstock Michigan Fruit-AgrilinkBirds Eye. Then, from 1999 to 2015, she was food service general manager for the ingredient business at McCain Foods USA, based in Chicago.

In 2012 Davies founded Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE), a non-profit professional development organization to promote diversity and inclusion in the store brand industry.

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N O TA B L E

SERVING THE PLANET

Grazie Natural Serving the Planet’s Needs During this difficult period, there is a paper that has served the needs not only of people, but also of the entire planet. It is Grazie Natural, the ecological paper launched in 2011 by the Lucart group, a European leader in the manufacture of MG, tissue and air-laid papers.

Grazie Natural is obtained by recycling the Tetra Pak® cartons discarded every day in waste separation, thus avoiding consumption of important resources for the planet and saving them for the present and future generations. It is a choice that helps achieve a zero waste economy, in which discarded materials are reused and not eliminated.

A technologically innovative production process is used to separate the various components of the cartons and what is obtained from the precious cellulose fibres they contain is Fiberpack, the new clean raw material used to manufacture all the products in the Grazie Natural range.

No dyes or optical brighteners are used in the production process, which is what gives the paper its unique and elegant light-brown colour, bringing to mind the colour of the Earth and nature.

Grazie Natural is not just ecological “on the inside”, as demonstrated by several important certifications obtained by Lucart S.p.A. (Ecolabel, Emas, ISO 14001, ISO 9001), but also “on the outside”.

In order to satisfy the needs of consumers who care about the environment, products such as toilet paper, kitchen roll and tissue papers have been launched on the market, packaged in an innovative, 100% recycled paper pack. The paper handkerchiefs and napkins, on the other hand, are packaged in a recyclable plastic wrapping.

Grazie Natural paper can be purchased in the e-shop www.grazieshop.it, currently only available in Italy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: order from the comfort of your own home and receive all the products in the range and the special kits designed specifically for larger families.

For more informations about Grazie Natural's products please contact: Dario Brandi, 335 1014765 dario.brandi@lucartgroup.com Giulia Arrigoni, +39 340 9175915 giulia.arrigoni@lucartgroup.com

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

The business of the future?

The one that understands people’s actual needs.

And the planet’s needs as well.

Grazie Natural is the brand of ecological paper obtained by recycling the Tetra PakÂŽ cartons that are discarded every day in waste separation. This avoids consumption of important resources for the planet and saves them for the present and future generations. It is a choice that helps achieve a zero waste economy, in which discarded materials are reused and not eliminated. Visit grazieshop.it to learn more about our products, which are packaged in an innovative recycled paper pack or recycled plastic wrapping.

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N O TA B L E

PROUD TO SERVE

Paramount Roasters Paramount Roasters is an employee-owned company based in Lansing, MI in their 85th year of business. Founded in 1935, Paramount has a rich heritage of meticulously roasting coffee, exceptional customer service and technical expertise.

Paramount holds a SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing certification and is additionally certified in the following programs: USDA Organic, Fair Trade USA, Kosher, UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, and Swiss Water Process.

Paramount services all facets of the coffee industry from retail, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, office coffee distributors, and beyond. With capabilities in premium bagged coffee and single serve coffee kcups- Paramount Roasters can help to grow your private brand coffee program in this competitive retail market.

Please reach out to Kara Miencier or Lindsay Penberthy for more information. The Paramount team looks forward to the opportunity to work with you! www.paramountcoffee.com

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

COVID-19 struck the United States and the entire food and essential good industry was flipped upside down trying to navigate the best way to service the market. At Paramount Roasters, we acted quickly and immediately put new health and safety processes in place as soon as first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the country. In early March, the entire sales team cancelled all travel and began to work exclusively, remote.

All of the essential office employees were given strict guidelines to stay within their desk area. The production plant team, where close contact was previously most common, faced some of the most changes. Employees are temperature checked and asked a host of questions before their shift each day to ensure they are safe to come into the building. Those who had any potential concern were asked to stay home, with no consequences to their position. The plant now has strict social distancing and mask use in place. With our quick reaction, we were thankfully able to continue servicing all customers during this tumultuous time with no delays in orders or services, and no employee layoffs.

As we look for light at the end of the tunnel, We can truly say that we are proud to be a part of the food supply chain. As tragedy swept the entire globe, it was inspiring to see how quickly both retailers and suppliers exemplified such valiant efforts to keep the country stocked- it was truly all hands on deck. While we continue to navigate these challenging times in a world that will be forever changed in how we operate, Paramount Roasters is here to help build and grow your private brand coffee program. With the economic challenges many are faced with, more and more customers are turning to store brands. With capabilities in bulk, bagged, and single serve pod coffee, allow Paramount Roasters the opportunity to provide your consumers with premium quality coffee that they can both enjoy and trust.

N O TA B L E

TAST Y, CONVENIENT SNACKS

Frostkrone Food Group Brings You Snacks at Home Production at the Frostkrone Food Group is firing on all cylinders. The reason: demand for deep-frozen finger food and snack variations in the foodstuff trade has risen because of global lockdown. Turning food trends into tasty snacks for home consumption - Frostkrone Food Group has been the innovation driver for years. Its range: exquisite finger food specialities, practical pizza pockets, hearty potato snacks and trendy snack ideas like the popular Mozzarella Sticks and Chilli Cheese Nuggets.

Represented worldwide The Frostkrone Food Group product diversity is found in supermarket freezers worldwide. The company group boasts over 700 employees and five production plants. Besides the Rietberg headquarters, there is another location in Germany, two plants in France, one in Great Britain and one in the USA. Especially when we had to stay at home, such tasty little snacks brought a welcome change and a dash of spontaneity into our daily routine. But even after lockdown, consumers still wish to buy the finger food and snack miscellany of the Frostkrone Food Group - to enjoy perfecting home treats in their own ovens their own way.

And when after minutes, the Mozzarella Sticks come out of the oven, golden and gently browned till crisp with their heart of cheese ready to melt in the mouth, then it’s time to relax with a snack. And the accompaniment?

Spicy Chilli Cheese Nuggets with soft cheese and fiery chillies in pastry.

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In times like these we all need some deliciously crispy comfort.

A reliable partner for customers Because the Frostkrone Food Group tailors its production volume flexibly to suit demand, it maintains close contact with its global trading partners.

Exchanges with business partners are now digital and very intensive. The Frostkrone Food Group can thus react swiftly to changing demands.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the companies in the Frostkrone Food Group have grown even closer. “All this would not have been possible without

our fantastic employees,” underlines Frédéric Dervieux proudly. He knows he can rely on his team. “Consultation within our Group is constant so that capacities in all plants are used optimally.” But safety always has top priority: “We have developed a hygiene concept mandatory for all our plants.

Tough hygiene measures have been again tightened up and we consult daily with all the officers responsible so that employee and customer safety is guaranteed,” assures the CEO. www.frostkrone-foodgroup.de

Finger Food!

TIME FOR HOT

Finger Food Moments

With our crispy selection of ďŹ nger food and snacks, we guarantee culinary variety within your own four walls.

HOT CHILI-CHEESE NUGGETS STRETCHY MOZZARELLA STICKS www.frostkrone-foodgroup.de

N O TA B L E

QUALITY ORGANIC

Gruppo Germinal:

Commitment and Perseverance Don’t Stop Quality, safety and care are the pillars of Gruppo Germinal which has been working in the organic industry for over 40 years, becoming a benchmark in this field.

Gruppo Germinal is based near Venice, Italy, and manufactures premium quality organic products, also for specific nutritional requirements such as gluten free, vegan and baby food.

In Germinal we continue to work with the usual commitment and dedication as ever guaranteeing the operativity of our production while ensuring the maximum security for customers, collaborators and their families.

Over the years we took pride in always implementing high health and safety standards within the company premises, and these measures came in handy when we had to adapt the operativity of the factory to Covid-19.

As internal measures, now all our employees are scanned upon entering the company premises, we provide everyone with disposable PPE, we have rearranged all the working stations to maintain enough spacing from one another, guaranteeing a safe environment for everyone.

External suppliers are not allowed to enter the company premises and the drivers of the means of transport must remain on board of their vehicles while our personnel carry out all the loading/ unloading and documental activities.

During this period we maintained our high standard of control of our supply chain ensuring that all our suppliers were compliant with the safety regulation and never turned our back to our commitment to sustainability, as now more than ever being “green� is the way to go.

All these measures allowed us to pass with full marks several health and security tests carried out by the competent authorities during the emergency.

www.germinalbio.it

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Even during these challenging days we have continued to realize our authentic organic products with the same honesty and transparency as ever.

N O TA B L E

READY-TO-EAT

Cake to Go –

More Sales With Wrapped Cakes Eating habits are changing. This not only affects what we eat, but also how and when.

It has to be quick, and we like to have it in between meals as well. As a result, on-thego enjoyment is becoming increasingly important - and so is impulse business.

With the innovative Cake to Go concept, erlenbacher provides the right answer to this. This includes four bestselling cakes that come as practical “Ready-to-Eat” products.

Individually portioned and appetisingly packaged, the gluten-free Raspberry Brownie, Caramel Cheesecake, Marble Cake and Triple Chocolate stimulate spontaneous purchases - ideal for take-away and to go at railway stations or airports, drive thru or delivery service offers. Also an ideal partner for bake off stations as a supplement to the offer.

After defrosting, the cake snack can be kept for up to five days. Provided with the appropriate shelf life, the Cakes to Go can be offered individually: in a basket on the counter, at the cash desk, coffee dispenser or even in the refrigerated counter. www.erlenbacher.com

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MORE SALES #DRIVETHRU

#DELIVERY

TO GO • Single packaged

• Ready to eat, perfectly portioned • Shelf life 5 days (room temperature or cooled) • Popular flavours • No colourings, no artificial flavours but #TAKEAWAY

#TOGO

full taste experience

ONCE TASTED – FOREVER TEMPTED www.erlenbacher.com

N O TA B L E

ITALIAN LEADER

LA DORIA S.p.A. La Doria, established in 1954, is an Italian leading corporation in the canned food sector and particularly in the production of tomato-based products, pasta sauces, canned vegetables, fruit juices and beverages. Today the company is the leading European producer of canned vegetables and tomato-based products (peeled and chopped tomatoes) in the retail segment, the first producer of pasta sauces under private labels and one of the main Italian producers of fruit juices and beverages.

A leading position abroad The company can also boast leading positions on some demanding foreign markets such as the UK, Australia and Japan. It ranks first on the English market of tomato-based products and baked beans under private labels. La Doria is a major supplier for mass market retailers both in Italy and abroad, and is specialized in the private labels sector, or the supermarket’s brands.

LA DORIA S.p.A. Via Nazionale, 320 - 84012 Angri (SA) – Campania - Italy +39.081.5166111 www.gruppoladoria.it

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www.gruppoladoria.it

N O TA B L E

PROTECTING YOUR BRAND

Brewing Up Greatness in Every Cup During this difficult time, trust in private brands is more critical than ever. Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA understands the importance of consistency in blends and a reliable supply chain. Our strong, dedicated operations team is focused on shared responsibility for personal protection and product integrity. Our commodity team continually monitors producing countries to ensure that harvesting and exporting is continuing while the safety of all workers is protected. At Massimo Zanetti, protection of your brand is as important to us as it is to you. www.mzb-usa.com

Pacific Coast Producers Pacific Coast Producers is an Agricultural Cooperative, owned by 158 family farmers located in California, Washington, and Oregon. We specialize in canning fruits and tomatoes for Private Brands throughout the world. Our founders, proud farmers themselves, have built a legacy that has been passed down through generations. Now, over 40 years later, we still have the same pride in our farms and products.

Our seasoned, experienced, and knowledgeable management group, along with many dedicated and hardworking employees and committed grower-owners, give us a unique perspective. We strive to be true partners to our customers, and we believe it shows through our service and reliability.

Our breadth of products include conventional and organic options of canned, fruit cups, or pouches of peaches, pears, apricots, mixed fruit, tomatoes, as well as maraschino cherries and import fruit items such as pineapple, mandarins, mango, and oysters. www.pacificcoastproducers.com

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At

,

6 feet apart. Pandemic or not. We stand with you today and every day.

Our entire team is dedicated to our commitment to deliver produce that is sustainable, economical, high quality and available year-round. Our fruits and tomatoes are grown and packed in the USA and shipped to our customers to feed communities throughout the World. As we continue to move forward, you can be certain we'll be here standing with you.

Â

N O TA B L E

AU T H E N T I C TA S T E O F N AT U R E

code of nature® by Symrise – delivering the authentic taste of nature More than ever, consumers would like to know what the food contains that they eat. How it has grown, and how did that impact the planet. They are looking for exciting and unique sensory experiences that they recognize, on some level, as familiar or evocative of simpler times. They look for garden fresh tomatoes that taste like a hot July day and remind them of summers spent on their grandparent’s farm. They want assurance that food has been minimally processed, contains natural ingredients, and will do them good. They would like to buy food and beverage products with labels they can understand and trust.

What does this mean for food and beverage manufacturers? They need to create meaningful, compelling narratives that are relevant to consumers. Engaging stories that provide reassurance in a rapidly changing world.

As one of the founders of the taste industry with nearly 150 years of expertise, we combine technology with a respect for nature. This forms the foundation of the Symrise code of nature®.

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Our commitment to signature taste solutions – made with the best of nature.

on mutual respect. This helps local communities and creates value for all stakeholders.

code of nature® forms a holistic approach, based on four pillars: acting Consumer driven, using Best naturals and Applied science, while offering Regulatory guidance.

‘Applied science’ means using our proprietary technologies and gentle preparation methods to develop natural tastes and enable tailor-made taste solutions with distinctive flavor profiles.

Acting ‘consumer driven’ means decoding consumer trends and developing natural taste experiences that consumers love.

Active investigation feeds our deep understanding of what drives food choices. Over the past 3 years, we worked with more than 15,000 consumers. We investigated their attitudes, perceptions and preferences.

We use these insights every day in our development projects to help deliver what consumers want.

‘Regulatory guidance’ helps you to navigate the complex and changing regulatory landscape. Proactive advice from a trusted partner can ensure compliance, and drive opportunities to create labels that consumers understand and trust.

‘Best naturals’ cares about respectful sourcing from people and places we know and trust. This presents one of the ways where we act different. We make direct connections with fields and farmers. We source the best products.

We build long-term partnerships based

Discover how Symrise can help you to decode consumer trends and create natural taste experiences that consumers love. www.codeofnature.symrise.com

Discover our taste solution platform code of natureÂŽ!

It helps you unlocking and amplifying the authentic taste of nature in your products.

Master your challenges around natural product solutions with our holistic approach.

Would you like to learn more? Discover how Symrise can help you to decode consumer trends and create natural taste experiences that consumers love. www.codeofnature.symrise.com

Your four key benefits from code of natureÂŽ:

N O TA B L E

F O R T O D AY ’S C O N S U M E R

Le Bontà Srl immediately reacted to the Coronavirus emergency by adopting z special protocol for health surveillance that provided ad hoc measures to prevent and control the transmission of the virus in the company: • temperature measurement at the entrance for all employees

Le Bontà’s Nuova Terra Le Bontà was founded in 1994 in Prato, in the Tuscan hinterland, with the aim of creating sauces, meat sauces and patès that express the best Tuscan gastronomic tradition. In 2011, the giant Drogheria&Alimentari, leading herb and spice company, purchased Le Bontà, which expanded the productive force of the Tuscan brand while still integrating its rural and genuine identity. In 2012, the brand Nuova Terra, a valuable player of the cereal, legume and seed market was purchased.

NUOVA TERRA: A NEW BRAND IDENTITY FOR AN INNOVATIVE RANGE. The Carapelli and Barbagli families continue to invest in Nuova Terra, a historic brand and one of the most important players in the soup, cereals, legumes and seeds sector.

The innovation of Nuova Terra is seen through the restyling of the packaging: a new contemporary, distinctive graphic image capable of telling the different stories of the brand and giving strong visibility to the new logo that is both modern and traditional but strongly linked to the earth and its elements and which speaks to the evolution of the brand towards ever increasing solutions that fits the needs of the consumer. Today Nuova Terra is close to the consumer but also to the planet and to the theme of sustainability: the new packaging is 100% eco-sustainable with a totally recyclable paper wrapping. www.nuovaterra.net

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• daily distribution of masks • disinfectant gel placed at each door • directions on how to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water • distancing of desks • closure of departments (other than production) whose activities continued in smart working • sanitizing of all surfaces (keyboards, touch screens, mice) several times a day Outside suppliers were not allowed inside the facility and the opportunities for contact between employees and external staff have been reduced to a minimum.

All these activities have allowed to protect not only the company's employees but also the company itself and its productivity. The products of Le Bontà have never been missing on the shelf and shipments have always been guaranteed over time both in Italy and abroad.

At Seneca, we're still doing things the way we always have - the right way.

Think globally, grow locally.

99%

of our produce is grown by AMERICAN FARMERS

Please visit www.SenecaFoods.com to learn more about our company, people and products.

N O TA B L E

A CRISIS CAN BRING PROGRESS

No Problem: The V-Label Brand is Here!

Albert Einstein said that: “The crisis is the greatest blessing for people and nations, because the crisis brings progress. Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born from dark night. It’s in crisis that inventiveness is born, as well as discoveries, and great strategies.”

While each of us has been forced to change habits and limit interactions, we have also found new solutions, we have tested ourselves, and we have discovered that we are able to do our job even better, in radically different ways. Above all, we have understood how closely we are connected to each other, how much this increasingly technological world unites people thousands of kilometers apart with a click, breaking down any border, real or virtual.

More importantly, we have been forced to reassess what is important and what is not, and this was only possible thanks to a change in our way of life, albeit for a limited period of time. There was a moment when fear was not due to the virus itself, but to the consequences that social isolation and the closure of businesses would bring. For this reason, in every country in the world, when the restrictions were introduced, we witnessed a phenomenon of panic shopping: endless queues in front of supermarkets, overflowing carts, and the anxiety of not being able to find everything you need. Until recently, going shopping was just one of the many tasks in our daily routine; in recent weeks it has become the most important activity for thousands of families.

Everyone was in line waiting to enter shops and supermarkets, knowing they must hurry, hoping not to forget anything. For some consumers, however, fast shopping is not easy to do.

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the consumer to identify products in line with their food choices: clear, safe and simple, it has always been a guarantee and a point of reference in the vegetarian and vegan world. Not only that. In these times, enhancing one’s products is fundamental for many companies, and the V-Label brand does nothing but highlight a product feature that is often hidden from the public. Not to mention that the V-Label brand has already been adopted by several distribution chains throughout Europe precisely to highlight their own private label and demonstrate closeness and attention to vegetarian and vegan consumers.

Vegetarians and vegans, for example, have always been forced to read the labels to be sure they are buying suitable products. And even when reading the ingredients, there is always a chance you will find an additive or a substance that is not always of clear origin. How do we solve this problem? The V-Label brand serves precisely this purpose: helping

So even in these difficult times, the V-Label brand has become a perfect solution, helping companies to make themselves visible and reassuring consumers when they are shopping.

Contact us at: Email: segreteria@vlabel.it Phone: +39 02 3546319

CRAFTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN PACKAGING DESIGN. Growlers and crowlers offer recyclable and reusable packaging alternatives for your favorite craft beers.

BOSTON | PHOENIX | SAN DIEGO | CHINA | UK

SEVENTH ANNUAL WINNERS EDITION

Brought to you by

+

THE WINNERS ARE...

Every year, the Vertex Awards brings us the best in private brand packaging design, and this year was no exception. With a record number of entries, from 33 countries representing the absolute best in package design from around the globe including the first ever entry from India.

Seven years ago, we could never have imagined the impact that the Vertex Awards would have on private brands globally. This year’s record-setting class of entrants is evidence of not only Vertex’s influence on design but strategy. We have pushed retailers, agencies, and manufacturers to explore the boundaries of private brand, to move beyond the expected and create brands, and package design that genuinely differentiates.

This year’s competition included more than 400 entries from 27 countries and 49 retailers.

You will discover outstanding designs that retailers are using to win. Private brands have moved from mimicry and fast following to trendsetting branding and design.

We want to thank this year’s panels of 18 judges, which includes design luminaries from nine countries: Paco Adin, Danielle Beal, Paula Bunny, Connie Cao, Chris Cheung, Charlene Codner, Steven Cox, Maria Dubuc, Michael Duffy, Guillermo Dufranc, Masanori Eto, Loe Limpens, Todd Maute, Fred Richards, Tatiana Ryfer,

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Jens Sievert, Nick Vaus, and ZHOU Wenjun.

This year several winners from the last four years have agreed to join the jury.

Thanks also to market research firm VOCCII for once again partnering with us on the awards. Their diligence and integrity ensure the integrity of the voting process.

In this year of COVID-19, we have had to quickly evolve and reinvent, which resulted in the cancellation of both of our planned Vertex Awards celebrations in Amsterdam and at the Velocity conference in the United States.

To celebrate this year, we will host a Vertex Awards content track as a part of the expanded Velocity Global Virtual Conference.

The track will feature presentations and interviews with this year’s winners from around the world.

This competition has been a labor of love.

We know you will find inspiration in the winners, and we hope to see your entry next year.

Christopher Durham

Phillip Russo

President, My Private Brands Co-founder, The Vertex Awards

Publisher, Global Retail Brands Co-founder, The Vertex Awards

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

BEST OF SHOW

BOWL & BASKET SPECIALTY KETTLE CHIPS PRIVATE BRAND: Bowl & Basket Specialty RETAILER: Wakefern Banners COUNTRY: United States CATEGORY: G3. Packaged Goods AGENCY: Pearlfisher/ SGS Co.

CREDITS: Laura Kind, VP Brand Strategy, Wakefern Glenn Pfeifer, Design Mgr. Wakefern Design Team, Pearlfisher Production Team, SGS Co.

SUMMARY: As Wakefern embarked upon re-imagining all aspects of our private brand portfolio, we knew our food brand needed to be extra special and memorable. It needed to move from blending in to standing out. Our banners were already well-known pillars of their communities – and our new brand needed to reflect that sense of community – and of sharing. Bowl & Basket is food that brings people together and creates memories for our shoppers and their families.

It is a brand that celebrates the diversity and deliciousness of all our products, the care that went into making them, and their ability to bring people together.

www.globalretailmag.com

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RETAILER OF THE YEAR EUROPE, ASIA, THE MIDDLE EAST, OCEANIA, AND AFRICA The Vertex Retailer of the Year award is given to the two retailers who achieve the highest overall score based on their winning entries. The globe is divided into two large regions, each region will have one winner.

This year, Spanish Department Store El Corte Inglés continues its Vertex Award-winning streak with its first Retailer of the Year honor.

EL CORTE INGLES

PUBLISHERS CHOICE:

EL CORTE INGLÉS BOARD GAMES

EL CORTE INGLÉS WINES AGENCY: Supperstudio

AGENCY: Supperstudio

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EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL PIZZAS

FRUTOS SECOS CLUB DEL GOURMET

AGENCY: Supperstudio

AGENCY: Estudio Maba

TURRÓN ROCA CLUB DEL GOURMET

EL CORTE INGLÉS VEGETABLE SOUP

AGENCY: Estudio Maba

AGENCY: Supperstudio

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

CHOC-FULL OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS. Packaging that shares helpful information on sustainable practices and how to recycle after use.

BOSTON | PHOENIX | SAN DIEGO | CHINA | UK

RETAILER OF THE YEAR NORTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND SOUTH AMERICA Vertex Retailer of the Year award is given to the two retailers who achieve the highest overall score based on their winning entries. The globe is divided into two large regions, each region will have one winner.

This year marks the first Vertex entry Lakeland, Florida based grocer Publix and their first Retailer of the Year Award.

PUBLIX

PUBLISHERS CHOICE:

PUBLIX PREMIUM LIMITED EDITION ICE CREAM AGENCY: Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services

PUBLIX PREMIUM ICE CREAM AGENCY: Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services

PUBLIX DELI PACKAGING AGENCY: Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services

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PUBLISHER’S CHOICE

PUBLIX PREMIUM LIMITED EDITION ICE CREAM PRIVATE BRAND: Publix Premium RETAILER: Publix Super Markets, Inc. COUNTRY: United States CATEGORY: B4. Holiday Or Limited-Edition Private Brand AGENCY: Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services

CREDITS: Scott Grafton Manager, Packaging Design Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services Gabriella Arnold, Creative Director. Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services Lacee Perez, Project Manager, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services Serena Wu, Brand Marketing Manager, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Creative Services SUMMARY: The opportunity to launch Publix Premium Ice Cream in a new quart offering was made possible by the popularity of Publix customer seasonal favorites, Publix Premium Limited Edition Ice Cream. Rotated in-store on a trimester schedule, the seasonal and on-trend flavors are the perfect partner for visual expression. Inspiration for each flavor’s custom illustration can come from their natural sources, a physical location, or simply allow a story to unfold. While each ice cream scoop is consistent in execution, it allows for the unique flavor inclusions to be clearly displayed.

EL CORTE INGLÉS BOARD GAMES PRIVATE BRAND: El Corte Inglés RETAILER: El Corte Inglés Country: Spain CATEGORY: H11. Toys And Games AGENCY: Supperstudio

CREDITS: Paco Adín, Creative Director, Supperstudio Lourdes Morillas, Account Director. Supperstudio Susana Seijas, Account Manager, Supperstudio José Antonio Rojano, Corporate Private Brand Management, El Corte Inglés SUMMARY: El Corte Inglés launched a new unified private brand in toys.

The new brand has a strong visual presence characterized by a large circle of color, which includes the El Corte Inglés logo and product name. The brand design is an honest communication that instills consumer confidence.

www.globalretailmag.com

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AGENCY OF THE YEAR 3 OR MORE OFFICES

This year we are excited to introduce the Agency of the Year Vertex Award. Each year we will recognize two agencies, one Large (3 or more offices) and one Boutique (2 or less offices). The award is given to the studio, agency, or in-house team that receives the most overall points for wins across all categories.

We are delighted to announce that the first Agency of the Year Vertex Award – Large (3 or more offices)

EQUATOR Equator is an international branding agency with offices in Cincinnati, Manchester, Chicago.

Founded in 2003, the 300+ strong global team is led by Global Creative Director Michael Duffy.

Take a look at Equators winning entries:

SPARKLI SPIKED SELTZER WATER

SCHNUCKS OLIVES

RETAILER: Walmart

RETAILER: Schnucks

NERO D’AVOLA WINE

ENHANCED PLUS+ WATER

RETAILER: Walmart

RETAILER: Sam’s Club

CHARLES CELLAR BOXED WINE

OLD VINE ZINFANDEL RETAILER: Sam’s Club

RETAILER: Walmart

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SAUVIGNON BLANC

MARKET DISTRICT PASTA

RETAILER: Walmart

RETAILER: Giant Eagle

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

AGENCY OF THE YEAR SINGLE OFFICE

This year we are excited to introduce the Agency of the Year Vertex Award. Each year we will recognize two agencies, one Large (3 or more offices) and one Boutique (2 or fewer offices). The award is given to the studio, agency, or in-house team that receives the most overall points for wins across all categories.

We are delighted to announce that the first Agency of the Year Vertex Award – Boutique

SUPPERSTUDIO Supperstudio is an independent branding agency with offices in Madrid and Bilbao, Spain. Founded in 2003, the team led by Creative Director Paco Adin specializes in branding and package design.

This year’s four wins are below:

PUBLISHERS CHOICE:

EL CORTE INGLÉS BOARD GAMES

EL CORTE INGLÉS WINES RETAILER: El Corte Inglés

RETAILER: El Corte Inglés

EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL PIZZAS

EL CORTE INGLÉS VEGETABLE SOUP

RETAILER: El Corte Inglés

RETAILER: El Corte Inglés

www.globalretailmag.com

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IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

By Maria Dubuc President Marketing By Design

Green has always been my favorite color. I think my love for the bright hue started when I was a young girl growing up in a small town in Connecticut where the green colors of nature were absolutely stunning.

As time passed, I realized my association with green represents my love for the peace and happiness nature brings.

And I want to help keep it that way!

I’ve felt moments of joy over the past few months reading stories of Mother Nature’s relief as the world quieted during the pandemic. Some of my favorite “silver lining” examples include the clear waters of the Venice Canals caused by the reduction in tourist boat traffic, vistas of the Himalayas seen for the first time in decades with the reduction in air pollution, and daily carbon dioxide emissions dropped 17% globally as traffic reduced.

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Green first to go.

As we’ve shifted to a world more concerned with safety precautions over environmental efforts, some of the green acts are being challenged, especially in sustainable packaging.

In-store refill systems and refill packaging efforts pose risks and are in jeopardy. Many grocery stores have reverted to single-use plastics at check-out in place of shoppers’ reusable tote bags. Starbucks, has paused its use of personal cups in North American outlets, swapping out sustainability for safety.

Does this mean we should stop our efforts toward sustainable initiatives? No! It’s the opposite! It’s now more important than ever for retailers and private brands to take a stand because of the added scrutiny of shoppers.

TAKING A STAND The COVID-19 crisis has increased consumer trial of store brands and boosted perceptions of private label, paving the way for more consumer acceptance. With this increase in market penetration, private brands can lead by standing for the ideals they believe in. This is the perfect opportunity to show your customers that you care about sustainability and are pursuing it despite the pandemic.

As for retailers, brands are responding with the message of “we’re here to help” as well as detailing how they are supporting employees and customers, which will have an enduring impact on consumer expectations of companies going forward. Now is your chance to also engage your shoppers by showing them the things you value and how you’re making a difference.

This will strengthen your relationship with them and build brand loyalty.

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HOW to get started My advice to retailers who are just beginning their journey:

GET THE INFO: Look to the companies that have been in the spotlight and notice their approach. Sustainability in the retail space is a hot topic right now so many national retailers are speaking loudly on what they’re doing to show they’re involved and taking a stand.

Look to conferences like Packaging Speaks Green and GreenBiz to learn as well. I was fortunate to be involved in the Packaging Speaks Green conference in Italy this year. It was comprised of some of the most innovative sustainability organizations and 500 attendees. The conversations were informative and forward-thinking and confirmed the importance packaging plays in sustainability. A big thank you to Phil Russo and Luisa Columbo for introducing me to this event!

GET INVOLVED: If you haven’t done so already, I’d suggest you join the following relevant organizations as an easy way to learn and become involved immediately.

ALIGN INTERNALLY: As you begin to join the talk, regroup with your internal team and align on your vision of what sustainability looks like for your brand or company as a whole.

SET SUSTAINABILITY GOALS: Once you have created SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) goals, you can set systems into place to work towards your benchmarks.

Target has a full department dedicated to their sustainability efforts. This team is solely focused on making sure Target’s sustainable initiatives are carried out across the company.

START THE CONVERSATION: Look to your vendors for sustainable innovations. Pose the packaging questions at the start of your conversation. Ask your suppliers, and require answers, to learn about their printing methods, recycling opportunities, harmful packaging materials (BPA, PFAS, EPS), involvement with certifying agencies (Fairtrade certification, Marine Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance etc., How2Recycle etc.)

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Samsung created new packaging for its Lifestyle TVs that lets customers upcycle the cardboard in useful ways (cat house, shelf, magazine rack).

WALK THE WALK!

My life took a turn from that small-town, greengrass life, to leading MBD, a global packaging agency who designs and produces thousands of packaging SKUs per year. With such a large output of materials, We feel a responsibility to take a stand for packaging sustainability.

At MBD, we developed a process where we start each qualifying new job with these questions: • Is there a better way to package this item?

• C an the weight or size of the of the packaging be reduced?

• I s the packaging material recycled and/or recyclable?

• I f this is plastic, does it have to be? Are there better alternatives?

Whenever possible MBD will design options that demonstrate a more sustainable solution, even if there’s no budget for it. Whether it’s an alternate sustainable concept, a slight adjustment to reduce packaging materials, or an entirely different packaging type, we show it. It may not be enough to change the project’s trajectory, but it shows an awareness and a mindfulness that we’re thinking about this issue and encouraging our clients and partners to invest in it as well.

IMAGES: Samsung’s new 'Eco-Packaging' for its Lifestyle TVs comes with a corrugated cardboard design that lets buyers shape the packaging into small end tables, magazine racks, shelves, or houses for pets.

STAY OPTI MIS TIC If I can impart anything on you today, it’s to stay optimistic! We can’t let the current challenges that face green efforts get us down, especially when it comes to packaging.

Recent studies show that consumers view sustainability efforts as the responsibility of food and drink companies. Brands must take the lead on sustainability as consumers are looking to manufacturers, retailers and brands to do the good work for them.

We have a long road ahead of us and it’s not going to be an easy journey. We all need to join together and work towards truly making our Packaging Speak Green!

MARIA DUBUC President, Marketing By Design Vice President, Big Red Rooster A 30-year pioneer in creative management, Maria’s key talent is to combine a career’s worth of branding experience into something personal and unique for each and every client. In the Private Label space, she has coordinated both new and rebrand programs for a diverse set of retailers including Wild Oats, Smart & Final, Sprouts, The Home Depot, WinCo Foods, PriceSmart, 7-11 and Natural Grocers.

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SERVICE WITH A SMILE...NO,

“MASK”

BY PERRY SEELERT

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How the Coronavirus has Shoppers Missing the Sensory Experience and the Effect on Private Brands I miss the grocery store, I mean I really miss it.

But, there are many who don’t.

For shoppers who already saw it as a mind-numbing, robotic and repetitive chore that just had to be done, then you might not be missing a thing, embracing the digital or curbside experience in all its passionless glory during the coronavirus pandemic. It is this group, the newer digital/curbside shoppers, who private brand marketers should worry about.

Yet I miss it, and I especially miss the sights, sounds and everything sensory as it applies to my local supermarket. The smell of the bakery, the

color-breaks and display pyramiding of a good produce section, product sampling munchies, chickens turning on the rotisserie and even the smiles and conversation from customer service. My local store succeeds in everything sensory.

have basically been taken away. No

But today COVID-19 does not have us valuing anything sensory. Rather it has us valuing the functional experience, premised on safety and efficiency. For the foreseeable future, it more like service with a mask, not service with a smile.

down, walking with the forced aisle

A Sensory Gut-Check.

product samples and in-store cafes, so really no “taste”. You can only count “touch” if that includes touching something with rubber gloves.

“Sight” is also a little impaired, as most shoppers just have their heads flow, and just trying to go as fast as they can. We also can’t see any people’s expressions in the store, as they are covered by masks.

That leaves “smell” and “sound”. As for “smell”, it is tough to smell anything except the overpowering scent of hand

Sight, sound, touch, taste, smell

sanitizer these days, and the “sounds”

our five basic senses. Two of them

of the store have also been muted.

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For retailers and CPGs, taking a sensory gut-check is really important as you move post-COVID. How do you powerfully start to bring these sensory elements back into the shoppers’ psyche, how do manufacturers think differently about the pointof-sale merchandising in the future (since shoppers aren’t stopping to read anything these days), and how do we think about getting those digital shoppers back. Bottom line, if your sensory experience is not powerful, then you may lose post-COVID shoppers forever.

Good for private brands, but don’t be complacent.

share that they lost. Again, just don’t be complacent, we still have many marketing and private brand stories to reinforce.

Not that the two topics are entirely unrelated, one, COVID-19 and, two, a significant Recession (which coronavirus was the catalyst to), but I believe it is the recession that will produce more “sticky” Private Brand behaviors than the coronavirus. The desire for more value and limited budgets, will make certain channels (Limited assortment and Dollar) even more attractive and will further shoppers’ desire for Private Brands.

All the statistics and syndicated sales information show that coronavirus has been good for Private Brands, and the thinking is that shoppers have been [forced to be] more experimental during this time because lack of availability. The working theory is that consumers who have tried Private Brands and appreciate the quality may become loyal. I am not so sure.

I had two sub-par experiences with Private Brands during the crisis, and one was with Bath Tissue at Costco, their #1 selling sku in the entire warehouse, Kirkland Signature 2 ply, which our family didn’t care for. The other was in Paper Towels and Boxed.com, which have a sheet count of only 112 sheets. Now I am not picking on either of these beloved retailers, where I buy a lot of Kirkland Signature and Prince & Spring products, but in these two instances, they did not “convert” me.

It actually had me yearning for the brands I could not find.

My message here is do not be complacent. Not every new Private Brand experiment is going to amount to a conversion. Some will, yes, but some will just reaffirm some shoppers’ prior loyalties to brands they enjoyed, and just couldn’t find. I also think there is another important dynamic at play to watch out for, and that is the CPG claw-back. Do you think Procter & Gamble is just going to be content having lost share in some household categories? Absolutely not. They will invest heavily in marketing promotions post-COVID all designed to claw back

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Promotional cadence that is changed.

The coronavirus will have lasting effects on the way we shop. We have learned to shop less during the virus, plan better with lists, and buy more extensively and deeply when we are in the store once a week or once-every-other-week. These visits are certainly more “functional”, with a lot fewer impulse buying decisions happening, as shoppers really have their blinders on.

So if shopping cadence changes from 1.6 trips per week (prior to the pandemic), to once a week or twice a month, then this also changes the way manufacturers should promote. Promotions that are less frequent, promotions that might be deeper, and promotions that consider the digital-social vehicles a little more seriously than prior to COVID-19 in terms of their balance-of-spend.

Your private brands and SEO We know one of the shopper behaviors that will be forever accelerated and swayed is the amount of digital and curbside that consumers have already adopted. Household penetration for E-Grocery hit 33% in May according to Brick Meets Click.

Now these increases may not be shockers. But what I think is shocking is how Private Brands have not invested in any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on the very retail sites and platforms on which they sell. Just one example we conducted by entering “diapers” into multiple retailer websites, showed some interesting variations. Wegmans and HEB with their strong Private Brand programs,

< Marks & Spencer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; produce revamped for sensory. Photo courtesy of Fresh Produce Journal

also show many of their diaper products on the first page of the search.

However, retailers like Amazon, RiteAid and [surprisingly] Kroger didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fare so well. None of their own brands appeared.

If consumers are moving to more dot. com grocery buying, then Private Brands and the retailers that own them have to invest in better SEO thinking in a post-COVID world.

Categories, rationalization and new space allocation Retailers in a post-COVID world also have to think carefully not just about amplifying their sensory experience instore, but also think about their range of categories and their space allocation differently. Do you think about slightly bigger paper sections in the future, or how about enhanced frozen opportunities, or do you just leave them the way

they are? How about end display appl cations and which categories get this prime real estate? I also believe that certain categories might be prone for assortment editing and rationalization for efficiency, as some consumers may lean towards bigger sizes and stock-up behaviors that could be long-lasting in the future.

As much as COVID-talk is in itself exhausting, the consumer, shopper, retailer and brand behaviors real-

ly have to be thought through and re-evaluated for the future if you are a retailer or supplier. I shudder to think of a contact-less shopper experience in the future, but one devoid of smile, expression and humanity is even more daunting.

As always, if this has provoked any thinking on your part, then just reach out to me freely. In the meantime, stay safe and well.

Perry Seelert is a retail branding and marketing expert, with a passion for challenging conventional strategy and truths. He is the Strategic Partner and Co-founder of Emerge, a strategic marketing consultancy dedicated to helping Retailers, Manufacturers and Services grow exponentially and differentiate with purpose. Please contact Perry at perry@emergefromthepack.com

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N O TA B L E

D AYM O N

Private Brands

Navigating the Way Forward The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted governments and industries around the world, forcing them to adapt to the current climate by tapping into their various strengths and problem solving to improve their business models and outcomes.

Daymon, a global expert in Private Brands, has examined consumer behaviours to help its clients build stability and plan for the post Covid-19 retail environment. Daymon has identified Four Key observations to support businesses as they continue to shift gears during and post pandemic.

Categories | Re-Prioritize In the early days of the pandemic, toilet paper, hygiene care and pantry products led the charge in terms of purchasing power. However, this has since shifted as consumers look beyond the basics and demand items such as entertainment related products and healthy cookingat-home solutions. The economic reality on household income will drive consumers to look for more affordable solutions when they are shopping for these items. Private Brands will play an important role by giving consumers options to continue buying products of high quality without sacrificing budgets and quality of life.

Supply Chain | Reliable. Flexible.

Transparent.

One of the key lessons learnt early on, was that product developers need to pay close attention to having in place a transparent, reliable supply chain and strong supplier base. One that allows them the flexibility to react swiftly to change. In countries like Japan that rely heavily on imports and have complex supply chains it was difficult for retailers to predict and address disruptions. These same retailers are now utilizing processes such as score carding to help focus on collaborative relationships with suppliers.

While at the other end of the scale, smaller stores are thriving as people shop closer to home indicating that loyalty and trust are assets to capitalize on.

eCommerce | Partner Up The stay-at-home order was extended in many countries, resulting in some such as Brazil, seeing consumers moving their spending habits to online channels, causing a dramatic rise in demand. As consumers changed their shopping habits both due to reduced opening times of stores but also limiting possible exposure to the virus, eCommerce was forced to explore delivery options such as partnered home delivery apps to meet the demand. In Europe, the demand for the Click & Collect service, reached an all-time high, with self- serve, automated lockers giving retailers a way to make deliveries more efficiently. Partnerships between the likes of non-competing retailers, parcel networks, brand and intermediaries will become more commonplace building win-win scenarios.

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2 NEW REPORTS FROM DAYMON COVID-19: THE REPURPOSE AND REFOCUS OF RETAIL The COVID-19 crisis has impacted governments, industries and consumers alike, and now that the dust has started to settle after the initial volatility, now is the time to start planning for the ‘new normal’.

Retailers need to adapt their strategy to this post-pandemic environment and redefine the role that their Private Brand has to play within their categories.

Core Category Findings The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that retail plays an essential role within society. Consumers have had to adapt their shopping behaviors, caused by concerns of stock availability, alongside hygiene and safety fears. It has shown us what customers think are the most essential products and also the newly adopted consumption habits. Clearly, consumers are refocusing on products they need as opposed to ‘nice to have’.

FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FOMO) Toilet Paper Frozen

A look at consumption behaviours following the initial surge in UK stockpiling indicated that sales were impacted positively, driven by FOMO, daily needs and new priorities.

DAILY NEEDS Cooking Products

(Fresh and Shelf Stable)

According to IRI and BCG, cleaning products such as deodorant and personal wash were up by 40.9% and 26.3% respectively for the week ending April 12, 2020 versus the comparative spend a year ago.

Confectionary

Cooking products were also up by 45.5% highlighting the home cooking trend – this can be seen by the gaps on shelves for eggs and flour, not to mention the activity seen on social media. The lockdown has also created new eating patterns at home, consumers are having to cook at home, as on-the-go and eating out are no longer an option. By default, retail has had to keep up.

To succeed retailers must review and understand these developments in order to meet consumer’s needs.

NEW PRIORITIES Personal Care Cleaning Products Health/Hygiene Products Consumers refocusing their products needs

JOINT PARTNERSHIPS | Supplier . Stock . Supply Chain The unprecedented demand and resulting availability issues have caused many challenges, including questions over the origin of certain products. It’s also resulted in changes to retailer-supplier relationships with alternate sources investigated – some products that are usually produced abroad are having to be sourced locally to ‘plug the gap’ in supply.

Consumers have had to become more promiscuous, shopping at different stores to get what they need, with local convenience being big winners. According to Kantar, while larger stores continue to supply the majority of Britain’s food and drink, smaller stores are thriving as people shop closer to their homes with proximity being the key decision factor. Loyalty and trust are therefore assets to capitalise on.

With customers making limited shopping trips and trying to spend less time in stores, ensuring stock of customer essentials and favourites is vital to customer satisfaction, so avoiding supply chain issues are more important than ever! It is therefore vital to have a robust, reliable supply chain, one that allows flexibility to react to change.

About COVID-19 The Repurpose and Refocus of Retail With the pandemic creating a dichotomy impacting governments, industries and consumers, critical consideration had to be tabled in terms of the future of retail and the associated role of Private Brands within this ever-changing ecosystem.

The availability of Private Brand products should be a focus area – it’s a retailer’s USP and brings customer loyalty.

The paper examines consumer behaviours in order to stabilise and plan the post COVID-19 retail environment and the implications for Private Brand management. It addresses findings on core categories for a Private Brands refocus, that must be paired with guiding principles that inspire, offer affordability, and take into consideration long-term health and sustainability.

About The New Normal: 5 Keys to Private Brand Success

Innovation | Keep Pushing Focusing on innovation at this time will be key to maintaining Private Brand trials and continued loyalty. An opportunity to take a fresh approach and review the development of new pack formats – bigger, bulk or saver packs. Or for retailers to invest by increasing the offer around the meal kits home cooking trend. Emphasis should be placed on thoughtful development that offers solutions that are affordable, inspiring, healthy, and sustainable in the long term to meet consumer needs.

While there are many unknowns in the future of the industry, what retailers – and specifically, Private Brands – can prepare for is how they are going to address the fundamental shifts in consumer shopping and spending behaviors because of COVID-19.

This perspective dives into the five key action areas for retailers to focus on to ensure success in their Private Brand programs in the New Normal.

THE NEW NORMAL

5 KEYS TO PRIVATE BRAND SUCCESS

1

With 70% of shoppers reporting they are purchasing a new or different brand then they had pre-COVID, now is the time to drive further brand penetration and cultivate deeper banner loyalty. Retailers can elevate their Private Brand programs for continued growth by prioritizing innovation, enhancing solutions, educating on benefits, delivering inspiration and leading in e-commerce.

For more insights and recommendations for driving your private brand, contact: idc@daymon.com www.globalretailmag.com

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N O TA B L E

Keeping Private Brands Professionals Connected with WISE Connect As we entered 2020, no one could have predicted what challenges the first half of the year would bring for everyone professionally and personally. The terms “social distancing” and “the new normal” are spoken every day. The challenges businesses are facing are numerous and critical. Adding to the pressure, each of us is challenged to define what level of social distancing makes us feel safe and balance that with what those around us have defined as their own safe distancing. After more than two months of COVID lockdowns, the need for personal connection has grown significantly.

In May, Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE) launched a new virtual networking event, WISE Connect. While this program planning was in place before COVID-19 changed the way we work and live, it seems the timing was providential. WISE Connect is designed to be a place to

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connect with store brands industry peers on topics that provide support both professionally and personally.

The groups are specifically kept small (a maximum of 10 participants) so that the conversation is meaningful and everyone can actively participate.

None of these sessions are recorded for later playback in order to offer a space for very open dialog.

“It’s always both nerve-wracking and exciting to launch a new program, and to my delight, the inaugural WISE Connect Online event turned out to be a smashing success!” states Kara Miencier, WISE Events Committee Chair. “Both the small group format and video feature really helped facilitate open discussion and allowed for true connection.” The group discussions not only generated several ideas on self-care, but also brought to light how many participants were experiencing the same thoughts and emotions. “Even though logically I

know I’m not alone with coping during these times, sharing experiences with others was a tremendous boost for me,” quotes Vicki Smith, Treehouse Foods. WISE Connect participants also shared their contact information so one-on-one dialogue can continue long after the event.

WISE Connect is open to all professionals in the store brands industry. To inquire about WISE Connect, please contact Kara Miencier, kmiencier@ paramountcoffee.com, or visit womeninstorebrands.com to sign up for the WISE newsletter

WISE is a non-profit professional development organization, founded by women, to champion the power of diversity and inclusion which drives profitable growth within the store brand industry. WISE membership and programs are open to anyone in the store brands industry.

At Emerge, we are focused around two simple client objectives, which are at the heart of everything we do.

1.

FOR SUPPLIERS

Looking to expand and differentiate their business or take new innovations to market

2.

FOR RETAILERS

Wanting to build a unique roadmap and actionable tactics for Private Brand greatness

CALL US

We would love to start a conversation with you www.emergefromthepacck.com Perry Seelert, Partner; Mark Dickinson, Partner Perry@emergefromthepack.com Mark@emergefromthepack.com +1 203 529 3668

N O TA B L E

P R I VAT E L A B E L W I N E S E R I E S

A Call For Good Wines The messages about drinking wine during Corona times are somewhat confusing. Some people are proud to tell their grandchildren later they don’t remember the pandemic very well: ‘Since I was drunk almost all that time, grandson’. Somehow understandable as the crisis goes along with a lot of psychological stress and boring lockdowns. A bottle of good wine every day could relieve the instant pains.

On the other end people turn to an extreme healthy lifestyle in which they don’t drink alcohol anymore, despite the pleasure wine can give. But, in the middle, we find the biggest group: fortunately not drunk everyday and still enjoying a good glass of wine when their clock strikes five (somewhere).

What about them, us, quite normal people?

Looking at Europe, as a consequence of the Corona crisis most of the wine loving population was condemned

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to stay at home in the last months.

Normally 30 percent of the wine consumption takes place in bars and restaurants. The other 70 percent comes from retailers. Due to Covid-19 measures the wine sales in the out of home channels stopped. Wine sales through retail increased, the grocers however could not fill the gap.

According to a report from the European Commission Short-Term Outlook For EU Agricultural Markets in 2020 (1), which appeared this spring, the wine consumption in Europe is strongly affected by the Covid-19 measures, even though the impact varies by the type of wine.

‘Consumers are mainly buying average priced still wines at the detriment of sparkling wines, mostly consumed for celebrations, and the highly priced wines, mainly consumed in restaurants and bars’, conclude the writers in the EU Commission’s report.

Wine consumption Certainly not: for instance ALDI Süd expanded his Exquisite Collection of wines with smaller producers from undiscovered regions and offers reliable and high-quality wines that customers might choose blindly.

It’s expected in the current marketing year the EU wine consumption will fall to 24 liter per capita, which is 8 percent less than the average in the last five years. Between October 2019 and now, the consumption dropped with 6.7 percent compared with the wine season before. In 2018/2019 the consumption rose with 2.5 percent. Also the wine production rose 37 percent then, whilst this year it dropped with 14 percent.

Still, the Europeans stand for a good consumption of 108 million hl in total this year.

expected to occur, were they already were at a record level at the end of the previous marketing year.

Opportunities for PL quality wines Is there nothing but bad news then?

As the world is turning upside down due to the Corona virus new opportunities arise. Look at the increase of the supermarket wines. Look at the stocks and

Also in the US the wine consumption out of home stopped and as a result online and direct to consumer sales grew enormous. In the new normal, after the Covid restrictions are over, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expected multi channel sales will stay. During the Covid-week so far, according to Nielsen (2), there has been an unprecedented demand in the US for larger package sizes, ten times higher for boxed wines. Without being able to have celebrations in bars or restaurants they take place in other ways, likely in home.

Exports and imports of wine In Europe in the first half of the current marketing year from October 2019 the export increased a little.

This is not going to last, according to the EU-report mentioned above: the exports are expected to fall by 14 percent in 2019/2020 compared to the last five years. Actions to keep market share for EU wines are ongoing, but Covid-19 measures in main exporting destinations like China and the US (with additional import tariffs) are not favorable.

Imports on the other hand are affected to a lesser extent than the exports, they are expected to decrease 11 percent compared to the year before. Despite a below average 2019/2020 harvest, in the EU a further slight increase of stocks is

closed restaurants and bars. What a better opportunity private label manufacturers of wine will ever have to introduce to the largest, average consumer groups, unknown and affordable quality wines in the supermarkets. Drinking less is no shame, drinking better, there is no one to blame. Although the first half year was disrupted, we still have a summer, fall and winter to enjoy a good glass of wine.

Hans Kraak is educated in biology and journalism and wrote two books about nutrition and health. He worked for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. As editor in chief he publishes in Voeding Nu, a business to business platform on food and health, as a food and wine writer he publishes in Meiningerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine Business International and reports for PLMA Live EU and PLMA USA.

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Preparing to Reopen During the COVID-19 Pandemic: EMPLOYER CONSIDERATIONS

BY STEPHANIE CHAVEZ 92

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ince the COVID-19 pandemic began, hundreds of related lawsuits have been filed. Claims have been filed against cruise ships, hospitals, seniorliving facilities and airlines. Employers, including retail businesses, want to know what they can do to promote employee and customer health and well-being and mitigate their risk of COVID-19 related litigation. Though much is still uncertain, there are several practical steps employers can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 related litigation. These include creating reintegration policies, safety and health procedures and taking steps to prepare for a possible employee illness or exposure.

For Public nIteraction:

A.

Prepare the Physical Workplace Before employees return to the workplace, steps should be taken to prepare the space to ensure employee wellness.

Employers should try to implement what is feasible and practical for each specific workplace, and consult and comply with state and local ordinances that might apply to reopening.

Employers should also review U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on cleaning and disinfecting their facilities, which are available online here. These procedures should remain in place after employees have returned and should include: F O R W O RK P LA C E S: • D isinfect all surfaces that might be touched before employees return to the workspace and regularly afterwards.

Also follow guidelines regarding increased sanitizing stations, inventory and restocking requirements, and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO), CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.

• C lose or restrict community spaces where large groups of employees may congregate. The area can be closed entirely or chairs can be removed to limit the number of employees in the space.

• I f employees directly interact with customers, install physical barriers between them, such as clear plastic sneeze guards, or establish a drive-through or curbside pick-up systems. Also, customer access to the workplace should be limited, by enforcing entry capacities and marking six feet measurements between customers waiting in line.

• R estrict access to work environments by outside delivery personnel by establishing a drop-off location with designated employees provided with Personal Protective Equipment and training to process the deliveries.

• P ost reminder signs for customers regarding safe distancing and proper respiratory etiquette.

The risk of exposure to employees delegated to clean is relatively low. However, if the employer assigns its own employees to perform cleaning and disinfecting, the employer must: • Provide training on how to properly clean/disinfect and how to properly use and remove Personal Protective Equipment to avoid potential exposure, according to CDC guidelines; • Provide disposable gloves and gowns for all cleaning tasks and enforce their use; • Provide additional Personal Protective Equipment if required due to type of cleaning/disinfecting products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.

These measures should continue in the workplace on an ongoing basis until otherwise directed by the CDC. Employers should continue to communicate with employees regarding good hygiene and provide refresher training and reminders regarding proper Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning/disinfection methods and hygiene and etiquette.

All Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning/ disinfecting supplies should be purchased by the employer at its cost.

• D iscontinue the use of high-touch services, such as vending machines or coffee makers.

• I f possible, install high-efficiency air filters and increase ventilation in the workplace.

• E ven if employees are spaced out, install physical barriers between them.

• S tagger work schedules to reduce employee interaction, or promote remote work, if feasible.

• S tagger meal and rest breaks to avoid employee interaction.

• P rohibit equipment sharing, such as office supplies, tools and personal items.

• P ost reminder signs for safe distancing, proper respiratory etiquette and hand washing.

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B.

Communicate with Employees

Regular communication with employees will reduce employee uncertainty and anxiety during the pandemic. There are several avenues of communication that can be utilized, including conference calls, town hall meetings via video or teleconference, emails and digital signage on employee intranets. When communicating with employees, be sure to establish clear guidelines and expectations regarding returning to work. This should include the policies and procedures put in place regarding employee health screens, cleaning and disinfecting, altered work schedules and workplaces, and infected and exposed employee procedures.

Employers should practice the following to establish and maintain effective communication with employees:

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procedures, including concerns regarding the employer’s response to COVID-19.

• Create regular town hall meetings (remotely or via telephone conferences) to discuss health initiatives and promote safe work policies and procedures.

• P ost necessary legislative information of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises, available online here.

• R evise and circulate employee policies and handbooks to communicate new procedures related to COVID-19.

Revisions may be necessary to the following policies in your handbook:

• Monitor public health communications about COVID-19 recommendations and ensure employees have access to that information.

- Attendance policies

• Create a system where employees can criticize, report or file concerns or violations of health and safety procedures.

Take all reports and complaints seriously by investigating the report. Do not retaliate against any employee who issues a report or complaint. Employees should not be disciplined or terminated because they raised or escalated complaints about a potential violation of health and safety laws or

- Schedules and Reporting Time

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / JUNE 2020

- Vacation/ Paid Time Off - Remote Work - Leave Policies, including Sick Leave - FMLA - Americans with Disabilities Act - Travel Policies.

C.

Maintain Social Distancing and Good Hygiene Practices

No one knows for certain when the need for social distancing will subside. It is important that employers follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and hygiene. If litigation arises, the question will be whether the employer upheld its responsibility to provide a safe workplace free from serious recognized hazards.

Retailers should establish the following to ensure a safe workplace: • Space out work stations no closer than 6 feet.

• Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, keyboards, payment devices, telephones, handrails and doorknobs.

- If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

- For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

- T he CDC provides that employers should provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks.

• Continue to encourage remote work where possible.

• Permit but do not require more vulnerable population of employees to work remotely, if possible.

This includes: - Employees who are over 60 years old.

- Employee with underlying health conditions (do not require doctor note).

• C onsider that requests to continue remote work may be considered a request for reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Proceed with the interactive process with the employee to determine whether any obligations exist to provide such an accommodation.

• Continue to limit travel to business essential only.

• P rohibit gatherings of 10 or more people, such as conferences, in break rooms, and only if proper social distancing practicing can be observed.

• P romote frequent and thorough hand washing and provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Appoint a staff person to enforce these policies and procedures.

• Create training for these policies and procedures to educate employees.

Each workspace will require an individual assessment regarding the spatial and engineering changes possible.

Consult with counsel regarding your space for an assessment prior to reopening.

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D.

Prepare for Employee Illness or Exposure As the pandemic continues, employee exposure and illness are likely to occur. Employers should create and implement a plan to identify and manage employees who are exposed or ill in order to protect all employees and minimize the risk of exposure and spread.

Health Screening and Communication: • Consider conducting daily health surveys before employees begin shifts and enter the workplace, including taking temperatures. On March 19, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued updated guidance specifically concerning COVID-19, the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act and indicated: “If pandemic influenza symptoms become more severe than the seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus in the spring/summer of 2009, or if pandemic influenza becomes widespread in the community as assessed by state or local health authorities or the CDC, then employers may measure employees’ body temperature.” As of April 24, 2020, employers can test for COVID-19, according to the EEOC.

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- Ask about symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath).

- Ask about exposure to persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

- Ask about family and household member symptoms.

- Ask about travel.

• B e sure to compensate employees for the time they spend waiting for and conducting health screens to avoid any FLSA issues.

• C onsider creating a designated “workplace coordinator” and hotline to self-report symptoms and receive guidance.

• S hare employee and manager contact information so that employees can provide notice of possible symptoms and exposure and receive feedback on procedures.

• A ll these procedures should be enforced consistently to avoid an appearance of discrimination among protected classes.

• A ll information derived from health screenings should be kept confidential, and physical records are not recommended due to additional confidentiality requirements by privacy statutes.

E.

Plan for Absenteeism In order to continue operations safely while implementing these procedures, it will be necessary for you to plan for potential absenteeism as employees are required to self-isolate.

Additionally, employers should plan for a second and perhaps even a third wave of the pandemic to prolong employee illness and create absenteeism. In order to prepare for such events, employers should:

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, all CDC guidelines should be enforced. These include the following procedures: 1. I solate/Quarantine the Confirmed Employee.

Send the employee home immediately and do not permit them to enter the workplace. According to the CDC, persons with COVID-19 symptoms who were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

• C ross-train employees to carry out essential functions so the workplace can operate when essential staff are out.

• C reate succession plans in the event employees become sick and cannot work.

• I dentify your fundamental business operations and plan to continue these functions with minimal essential personnel.

• I dentify alternative vendors that are critical to your business continuity in the event that primary vendors are unable to provide services. Initiate and continue regular communications with vendors.

• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and,

If an employer is not prepared or cannot provide the required social distancing, cleaning and other safe work procedures, they should not reopen their workspace until they are able to do so.

• Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,

Having a plan that prioritizes employee and customer health and well-being prior to reopening and resuming operations during the pandemic is critical to a retail business’ successful operations. It can reduce employee and customer anxiety and mitigate the business’ risk of litigation.

• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

2. Isolate Possible Exposed Employees.

Employees who worked near the confirmed employee (for 48 hours prior to symptoms) should be identified and sent home for 14 days to be sure no symptoms develop. If you are an essential business, asymptomatic employees who have been directly exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 can continue to work if certain CDC guidelines are met, which are available online here.

3. C lean and Disinfect the Workplace.

Once an employee has been confirmed to have COVID-19, following all CDC guidelines for disinfecting the workplace, which are available online here.

4. Notify Surrounding Employees.

Notify all employees who work in the location or area where the employee works of the situation without identifying the employee or exposing any confidential information. In addition to notifying employees of potential exposure, notify them of the health and safety procedures you have taken and their duty to selfmonitor and report any suspected symptoms.

If an employee is suspected to have COVID-19 but is not confirmed, all procedures above should be followed as if the employee were confirmed.

Stephanie Chavez is an attorney at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, where she counsels businesses in labor and employment matters. She may be reached at schavez@constangy.com.

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SIAL PARIS 2020 : AN INSPIRING AND AMBITIOUS NEW EDITION RESOLUTELY FOCUSED ON CHANGE !

18 - 22 OCTOBER 2020 PARIS SIAL PARIS, business generator, innovation catalyst and the biggest agri-food trade fair in the world announces its return to Paris Nord Villepinte. The 2020 edition will launch a new dynamic by opening debate around a powerful and unifying theme: #Own the Change. At a time of transitions, reinventions and global social responsibility, SIAL Paris is reaffirming its ambition by uniting food professionals around the major transformations taking place in the industry.

As the sector reinvents itself to rise to the environmental, ethical, digital and demographic challenges of a world in movement, SIAL Paris 2020 will be giving its 7,200 exhibitors and 310,000 visiting professionals the tools they need to master the issues and become drivers of change in their own right. SIAL Paris will be by their side to surmount the obstacles and is inviting each of them, in their own way, to become advocates for the positive, sustainable future of food.

“The rapport with food is changing and we have to make new choices. There is now an urgent need to re-think our relationship with agriculture, with the transformation and distribution of products, to deliver a meaningful experience to consumers. At the SIAL, we believe that business performance only makes sense if it leads to improvements in health, the environment and society as a whole. Our role is to understand, analyze and develop the trends at work in our ecosystem by giving our exhibitors and visitors the keys to create the solutions of the future” Nicolas Trentesaux, General Director of the SIAL. With #Own the Change, SIAL Paris 2020 is transcending product innovation We will always need to eat, so agriculture and agri-food will always have a future. But considerable changes are forecast in these growth areas. Between now and 2030, the worldwide population will rise from 7.6 to 8.6 billion – a substantial increase that represents an immense challenge for the food community. Ensuring there’s enough food for everyone will call for innovation, and

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it will have to take all the new paradigms into account: produce more while polluting less, find alternative supply sources, become more transparent…

New solutions will need to be initiated or reinforced that respect people and the environment: distribution formats, logistics chains and innovative food processing systems. That’s why, in 2020, SIAL Paris is urging the food community to seize the reins of change and co-create the solutions of the future, both during the event and beyond.

Dominique Crenn: an exceptional ambassador, comitted to change.

THE GREAT FOOD DEBATE: a vast consultation to empower our collective intelligence Throughout the year, SIAL Paris will drive this community, thanks to its partnership with the citizen participation platform Make.org. A founding member of the Big Cause “How Can We Enable Everyone to Eat Better?”, SIAL Paris is now joining forces with the European Civic Tech leader to mobilize food professionals across the globe around the vital question: “How can we provide healthy food that respects the environment to a rapidly growing worldwide population?”.

During this vast international consultation, food professionals everywhere will have the chance to propose solutions and concrete actions to respond to the enormous changes facing the sector. The results of the consultation will be shared and developed during the 2020 edition of SIAL Paris.

Discover the SIAL/Make.org consultation on future-alimentation.make.org

An active member of the international culinary community, fully aware of the precious relationship between people and nature, Dominique Crenn is a driven chef who brings the source and quality of all her ingredients alive in every dish. Born and raised in France, she moved to San Francisco in 1990 and opened “L’Atelier Crenn” – an ode to her mother’s garden in Brittany and a homage to her father, an artist, whose paintings adorn the walls.

In 2018, she became the first woman to earn three Michelin stars in the United States and in 2019, “Atelier Crenn” entered the world’s 50 best restaurant list at N°35: welldeserved recognition for this international food activist. This year, she will be taking a short break from Angel Island to bring her inspirational ideas and creative talent to SIAL Paris. She will be joining us at the opening ceremony on October 18, 2020 and will participate in several events to share her own interpretation of #Own the Change. She will also lead the SIAL Innovation jury, which will honor the best innovations on display among more than 2,000 entries.

DRIVING RETAIL DIFFERENTIATION, GLOBALLY. FROM CONCEPT TO CONSUMER Brand Strategy, Market & Retail Insights Brand & Product Development Design & Creative Services Demonstrations & Interactions Category Management & Analytics Global Sourcing & Trading Retail Merchandising Contact the International Development Center for more information: idc@daymon.com Europe | Middle East | Africa | Asia | Latin America

The global leader in private brand development.

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VELOCITY GOES GLOBAL 4-5 AUGUST 2020 Velocity, The My [Private] Brand Conference, will respond to the global COVID crisis by transforming this year’s annual event into a unique virtual experience.

The new format will expand the scope and reinvent the experience with unmatched opportunities for networking and business development.

This year’s Velocity will be repositioned as “Velocity Global: the My [Private] Brand VIRTUAL Conference,” once again bringing innovative experiences to attendees.

However, this time it will be accomplished using an exciting virtual technology platform that widens the audience, increases insights, enhances networking, and boosts the ranks of exhibitors, said Christopher Durham, president of My Private Brand and founder of Velocity.

SUPPORTING PRIVATE BRAND COMMUNITY Velocity Global will be held August 4 to 5, 2020, the same dates already announced for Velocity. The format change was driven by pandemic-related challenges to in-person forums, but the result is the first truly global Private Brand event. Velocity Global will leverage technology to bring together the U.S. and international Private Brand communities during this transformational period. The new format will reduce attendee costs, including through lower admission fees and the absence of hotel and travel expenses.

“This isn’t just about changing a live event to a virtual one,” said Durham. “This approach will enable elements that weren’t previously possible and will encourage the development of the global Private Brand community throughout the year.”

WORLD-CLASS SPEAKERS Velocity Global will mix live and on-demand elements. The event will feature more than two dozen presenters, including retail senior executives and thought leaders. Speakers will include Private Brand leaders from Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour, Walmart, Sonae MC, Shufersal, IGA, Wakefern Food Corp., Coop

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Italia, Boxed, CVS Health, Schnuck Markets and Sobeys. The format will enable audience Q&A, in-session live polls, and on-demand playback.

EXPANDED EXHIBITION The virtual Innovation Expo will offer a valuable year-round sourcing tool for Private Brand retailers. The new format opens the expo to an unlimited number of exhibitors from North America and around the world.

An Interactive Digital Directory will enable attendees to quickly find the exhibitors and sponsors most relevant to them. Attendees can easily request information from exhibiting companies, share contact info, and conduct 1-1 virtual video meetings.

ENHANCED NETWORKING The ability to connect will be enhanced through 1:1 Virtual Video Meetings and the opportunity for pre-scheduled Video Group Conferences. Participants may use the Interactive Digital Directory of attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships.

ADDITIONAL TRACKS For the first time the event will supplement the Velocity main stage with additional ondemand presentation tracks, as follows: • COVID-19 — Leading with Private Brand: The latest insights and thought leadership about the pandemic’s impact on Private Brand and implications for the future.

• Vertex Awards: Interviews and case studies from the winners of the 2020 Vertex Awards competition.

REGISTRATION The standard ticket cost for Velocity is $495. The early bird rate is $395, with an early bird deadline of midnight EST on Friday, June 12. Retailer attendees pay $95.

Register at: mpbvelocity.com

THE FIRST GLOBAL PRIVATE BRAND EVENT!

AUGUST 4-5, 2020 MPBVELOCITY.COM

36+ Private Brand Executive Speakers Including:

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IN TURBULENT TIMES, ISM IS RELYING ON ITS INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY NETWORK AND STRONG PARTNERSHIPS 31 JANUARY - 3 FEBRUARY 2021 COLOGNE, GERMANY Like all international trade fairs, ISM will also play a decisive role in the post-corona era in showing the industries involved the solutions and trends for a successful future. Production, logistics, sales and communications will increasingly change.

Connecting stakeholders, reactivating commercial relationships and establishing new business will become more important than ever before. Trade fairs will play a special role here, because they are an important element for the economic growth of companies. Hence, the leading global trade for sweets and snacks – ISM – is today already working on suitable formats to encounter these challenges. In times like these the aim is to offer all of the market participants new solutions, which present a chance for fast economic recovery and lay the foundation for the further future success of the industry.

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An important pillar of Koelnmesse here is its global network of trade fairs in the Food & FoodTec section. This offers unique access to the entire international food industry, among others to growth markets like Brazil, Colombia, China, Thailand or the United Arab Emirates. Comprising of around 19,000 exhibitors and nearly 600,000 visitors in total, the network has achieved a size that is unique within the industry worldwide. The events planned in Asia in the autumn already will provide new opportunities to activate one’s own business.

Tapping into the potential of the network, ISM offers its exhibitors and trade visitors additional support via numerous communication channels in order to keep up-to-date and reach one’s own customers in these times of cancelled trade fairs.

“In this way, we would like to support the food industry in staying in contact with their customers, in sharing know-how and above all in networking more strongly with each other. For all of our trade fairs in the Food & FoodTec section, we are currently engaging

in an active and very constructive exchange with our customers. Many of the exhibitors are already looking forward to important events in their segment, because these are essential for them as a means of presenting their products, providing the industry with impulses and pushing their economic growth.

We are thus working flat out on devising new, creative and digital solutions so that our customers continue to dispose of suitable platforms for their business and innovations in times of increased uncertainty. We believe that particularly at present it is all the more important to share best practices in how to deal with the current challenges, because we can only create industry-relevant solutions for the changing demands through mutual exchange. The positive feedback and the high interest of our customers promise a positive outlook for the coming trade fairs and encourage us to continue working at full speed on new formats and improvements for our customers,” explained Anne Schumacher.

For more information: www.ism-cologne.com

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BOLOGNAFIERE IS BRINGING THE WORLD OF NATURAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS TOGETHER FOR THE EVENT SANA RESTART 9 -11 OCTOBER BOLOGNA The world of organic and natural products is due to come together in Bologna for the event SANA RESTART from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October. These three days have been planned to meet the requirements of businesses that need to recommence in complete safety following the pandemic.

The discussion forum that will get the event under way will be the second edition of RIVOLUZIONE BIO (THE ORGANIC REVOLUTION), the SANA initiative launched in 2019 that returns this year with a series of themed round table discussions involving experts and key players from the sector. RIVOLUZIONE BIO is organised by BolognaFiere in collaboration with FederBio/ Assobio and, once again this year, will benefit from the support of the Office of the Organisational Secretary of Nomisma.

The General Overview of the Organic Sector, which in its first edition in 2019 concluded with the presentation of the “2030 Organic Manifesto” compiled by institutions and associations, will offer a forum for discussions that have been made even more relevant by the Covid-19 emergency that has further highlighted the importance of respect for, and protection of, the environment.

The RIVOLUZIONE BIO will also include the presentation of the 2020 SANA Observatory – promoted by BolognaFiere, curated by Nomisma with the support of Federbio and Assobio and the support of the Italian Trade Agency – that monitors the key statistics concerning the organic production chain, from production to market dimensions.

Among the planned appointments is the convention organised by Gruppo Cosmetici in Erboristeria di Cosmetica Italia scheduled for Saturday 10 October. The event will provide an in-depth examination of the sector of natural and organic cosmetics. The demand for natural products is reflecting a growing trend in the world of cosmetics: furthermore, numerous consumers are prioritising

sustainable solutions when it comes to their choice of beauty products or personal care items, in line with the growing attention to the environment. e-commerce: new frontiers for business Digital channels are playing an increasingly important role in the sale of certified organic products with online sales experiencing a markedly positive trend: the digital realm is proving to be one of the most strategic channels and still offers vast development potential. BolognaFiere is shining a spotlight on these new businesses by incorporating into the exhibition some in-depth sessions with leading players in e-commerce such as Amazon and Alibaba.

In particular, the collaboration between Amazon and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which began in January 2020, continues to grow stronger. BolognaFiere and FederBio are supporting organic companies that wish to display their products at Amazon’s “Made in Italy” showcase, which is assertively promoted on the European and American markets. BolognaFiere will host Amazon at SANA RESTART providing support and opportunities for training for the sale of products through Amazon’s channels. The agreement between Amazon and the ITA will also offer added opportunities for visibility for products of companies involved in the Made in Italy showcase with plans for digital advertising on some foreign Amazon channels promoted by the ITA. Similarly, BolognaFiere intends to support the activities of internationalisation of Italian Organic companies also on Alibaba’s B2B platform, which will be presented directly to the business community at SANA RESTART. In the area dedicated to the digital experience there will be an abundance of in-depth sessions dedicated to the theme of blockchain, a fundamental tool (and one that is becoming increasingly widespread) to ensure traceability and the prevention of fraud.

Organics the protagonist of the leading distribution channels To meet the growing demand for organic products, the Italian grocery retail sector

is increasingly incorporating them into its product ranges, also offering private label ranges. In 5 years the revenues from organic products in the grocery retail sector have doubled and in the first nine months of 2019 organic-ecological ranges contributed 7.7% with a growth rate of 8% (source: IRI). This trend has been further highlighted by the Covid-19 emergency that has led to the superior performance of organic products compared with traditional products. This recognition, also by new categories of consumer, derives from the perceived quality and safety of the organic production chain that is the arguably best expression of national agricultural production and the transformation of food products. Today Italy is the European leader for organics with more than 68,000 farmers and more than 10,000 companies that transform products that are the best testimonial of food excellence in our country and its heritage of local food and wine specialities.

Safety is the event’s leitmotiv Exhibitors and operators attending the event will be able to concentrate on the focus points of interest and their commercial aspects, secure in the knowledge that BolognaFiere will ensure the utmost safety of the spaces in which the event will take place. All phases of the event, from preparation and assembly to the exhibition and visitor attendance, are being analysed in detail to establish formats and procedures capable of ensuring the highest safety standards for Bologna between 9 and 11 October.

Planning: a priority requirement The Covid-19 emergency, which has led to the postponement to 2021 of numerous events originally scheduled for 2020, has further highlighted the need for advanced planning when it comes to participating in trade fair events.

With this in mind BolognaFiere has already announced the dates for SANA 2021: the International Exhibition and Conference for the Organic and Natural sector, which is due to take place from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 September 2021.

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GROCERY RETAIL PLAYING A CENTRAL ROLE IN THE RECOVERY 13 - 14 JANUARY 2021

BOLOGNA

The 2021 edition of MARCAbyBolognaFiere, the leading event for Private Label Products, in which the Grocery Retail sector plays a central role, will also provide the first opportunity for key players in the market to discuss and analyze their responses and strategies implemented to deal with the unpredictable scenario caused by the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide in 2020.

On 13 and 14 January, the event organized by BolognaFiere with the support of ADM, the Italian Association for the Grocery Retail sector, will become a huge showcase and forum for developing business strategies for the year ahead and planning activities together with the leading retail groups.

Bologna, June 2020 -Since the beginning of the Covid-19 emergency, Grocery Retail has been playing a central role in the market, becoming a key ally for consumers who have been forced to adapt to limitations and new habits. In the period between 17 February and 3 May, sales increased by +4.2%. This increase, when broken down into geographical

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areas, revealed growth of +7.4% in the north east of the country, +5.2% in the south, followed by +3.5% in the north west and +1.8% in central Italy.

In recent months the Grocery Retail sector has demonstrated a strong capacity to react, responding rapidly to consumers’ new requirements: from the changing composition of the “shopping basket”, which is now characterized prevalently by pantry staples, basic ingredients and health and cleanliness

items, to the growing use of online shopping with home delivery or in-store collection.

The performance of the e-commerce channel has been indicative. Over the same period, sales of mass consumption products recorded three-digit growth of +144.6%, with a peak in the fourth week of April of over 300%.

Driving eCommerce was the digitalization of purchases by a large number of consumers with limited mobility.

The trend “prevention and health”

(in order of size in relation to revenue generated) was driven by sales of: cleaning sprays (+43.6%), rubber gloves (+128.3%), solid or liquid hand soap (+57.5%), bleach (+49.5%), denatured alcohol (+154%) and wet wipes (+82.5%).

The “staying at home”

category was determined by consumers’ new habits and requirements as people became more active in the kitchen and willing to allow themselves extra comfort food. This category registered (in order of size in relation to revenue generated) notably high percentages of growth for: flours (+121.5%), hen’s eggs (+36.2%), baking ingredients (+77.8%), butter (+44.1%), mascarpone (+65.9%) and brewers’ yeast (106.1%). There was also a significant trend for comfort foods led by sales of: sweet spreads (+39.1%), ice cream products (+22.1%), cakes and pastries (+24.6%), honey (+41.1%), crisps (+15.9%) and for drinks, wine (+11%), beers (+12.8%) and alcoholic aperitifs (+14.4%).

Source: Nielsen, Market*Track, Iper+Super+Liberi Servizi+Discount+Specialisti Drug. Vendite figures per category in the period from week 8 of 2020 to week 18 compared with the same period in 2019.

The New Shopping Basket

The health emergency in these months has had a significant impact on the composition of the shopping basket. Nielsen has identified three macroeffects: “stock”, “prevention and health” and “staying at home”.

The “stock” effect was generated by consumers’ need to stock up their pantries with food products and non-food items for daily use: in order of size in relation to revenues generated, this category includes: canned meat or fish products (+22.8%), tinned/bottled tomatoes (+38.9%), pasta (+21.7%), ground coffee (+17.3%), biscuits (+12.5%), rice (+30.2%), seed oil (+27.3%), jams/marmalade (+22.1%) and extra virgin olive oil (+9.1%). For nonfood products, recording the greatest growth were: kitchen roll (+27.5%), toilet paper (+11.9%), cling film and aluminum foil (+41.4%) and dishwasher detergent (+24.5%).

In the drinks category, wine is worth examining in greater detail. In fact, in the Grocery Retail channel since the beginning of the year wine sales have seen substantial growth (in both volume and value). During the Covid-19 emergency, there has been a significant acceleration, in particular Private Label Wines that have seen a more rapid increase on the market with growth of +10.7% in volume since the beginning of the year and +17.4% during the emergency period. Consumers’ purchasing choices have favored Italian and certified wines. The top two categories in terms of growth, in fact, are Italian DOC and DOCG wines and IGP and IGT wines (with increases of +8.7% in sales and +8.2% in volume during the Covid-19 emergency). Source: IRI The event MarcabyBolognaFiere is scheduled for 13 and 14 January 2021 when participants will be able to meet with the key players in the market and develop new business strategies.

www.marca.bolognafiere.it

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THE JUMP-START OF THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY AT WECOSMOPROF The first digital event organized by Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna has ended with excellent results.

The first edition of WeCosmoprof, the digital event for the beauty industry organized

by Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, has successfully ended. From 4 to 10 June, the innovative format was made available to the 3,000 exhibitors registered for the 53rd edition of the event. More than 40,000 operators from over 100 countries have joined the initiative.

The core of the event was the networking platform, Cosmoprof My Match, which allowed companies, buyers, retailers, and distributors to re-establish relationships with key players in the industry, thanks to the implementation of messaging services and virtual rooms for exclusive video calls.

The webinars scheduled during the event have been particularly appreciated.

CosmoTalks - The Virtual Series involved over 50 speakers, including representatives of trend and design agencies, market research experts, managers of leading international companies, and media partners of the Cosmoprof network. The ten meetings of Cosmo Virtual Stage meetings offered an overview of the professional channel in Italy, with 15 experts who shared suggestions and indications for operators, struggling with the reopening of the activities. Furthermore, 15 selected exhibitors presented their novelties to the WeCosmoprof virtual audience. Over 6,000 operators attended the live sessions as a total. On social medial, the event reached over 170,000 unique users, with more than 970,000 views.

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WeCosmoprof hosted the official presentation of CosmoTrends, the trends report based on the products proposed by exhibitors. During the last editions of Cosmoprof, the initiative created in collaboration with Beautystreams, has become a fundamental tool for visitors and companies. CosmoTrends 2020 has allowed companies to promote their latest launches: the report is the starting point for reorganizing the business activities in the coming months.

“WeCosmoprof is the result of the research and innovation of the latest editions of Cosmoprof - says Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof. - This project will match with the physical trade show. In this way, Cosmoprof enters a new decade as a protagonist: by 2030, we want to offer cutting-edge business platforms integrated with our annual event. The fair is a key meeting point for the industry, and

it will always play this role: face-to-face meetings facilitate networking and increase the possibilities for new collaborations. With WeCosmoprof, we offer our exhibitors digital technologies to optimize further the time they spend on the show floor. The digital evolution of Cosmoprof does not stop here: we are evaluating new initiatives for the coming months, with the support of international players”.

On the occasion of WeCosmoprof, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna presented an exclusive digital catalog with over 800 Italian exhibiting companies, named “Beauty Made in Italy”. The record is available on the cosmoprof.com website in 6 languages - Italian, English, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Portuguese - and was created thanks to the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ITA - Italian Trade Agency.

"Many companies in our country are experiencing serious economic difficulties, due to the spread all over the world of COVID19 - says Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere. - With the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with ITA and with Cosmetica Italia – the personal care association, we are at the forefront of the restart for Made in Italy".

"Since the beginning of the lockdown, Cosmetica Italia and Cosmoprof have collaborated side by side to find alternative and concrete answers to support the business - says Renato Ancorotti, President of Cosmetica Italia. – Today, the negative trends registered in the past weeks are being replaced by signs of recovery. Italian beauty industry has the opportunity to reaffirm itself as the flagship of Made in Italy in the world and to prove to be a strategic sector for a new Italian Renaissance".

"Since the start of the health emergency, ITA has implemented new services for Italian companies, in particular for SMEs - says Carlo Ferro, President of the ITA Agency.

- Today we want to combine reaction and vision, supporting the new start with specific initiatives for companies facing new digital challenges in international markets. ITA is

presenting new projects, including Smart 365 Fair, to equip the fair system with virtual tools; 59 initiatives of e-commerce and mass-market distribution; and, specifically for this sector, a digital promotion campaign in 17 countries of the “Beauty Made in Italy” catalog. These are just some of the many projects in our schedule. The agreement for export, which we have recently signed, confirms the commitment of our agency in innovation".

A second edition of the “Beauty Made in Italy” catalog will be ready in October with more translations, to promote the excellence of the Italian industry among the most important international players. To download the brochure, click here: https:// www.cosmoprof.com/beautymadeinitaly/

For further information, www.cosmoprof.com

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