Magazine: Retailers cast their eyes on Amsterdam in May

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) organised the 34th ‘World of Private Label’ trade fair in Amsterdam on 21-22 May. This was the biggest event in the history of PLMA: in 15 exhibition halls covering almost 42,000m², more than 2,700 companies from 70 countries showcased their food- and non-food products to more than 15,000 trade visitors from 120 countries. There were 60 national and regional pavilions too. This year’s new exhibitors were Israel, Dubai, Egypt, Latvia and South Africa.

All food categories were present, from fresh and frozen foods to cured meats and drinks. In the non-food section cosmetics and beauty care, cleaning products, kitchen, garden and car care products, plus DIY products were present.About 600 companies brought organic products, more than 250 producers came with vegan and vegetarian foods, nearly 200 lactose-free food makers and 150 sugar-free product manufacturers came. Hungary’s Agricultural Marketing Centre (AMC) was present with a 144m² collective stand, where 16 Hungarian companies introduced their products and services.

‘Listen to the buzz’ was the motto of trade show and on 20 May – on the so-called Zero Day – there were two presentations. From IGD global insight director Ben Miller spoke about the strategies that can help offline stores to keep up with the development of e-commerce, and about how to recreate online experiences in physical stores. Lidia Palubina, Kantar Consulting’s e-commerce and omnichannel senior consultant shed light on Alibaba’s development directions, and on how the omnichannel strategy is realised in the online market’s leading country.

It was also at this 20 May event that the winners of the International Salute to Excellence Awards were announced, in food, non-food and wine categories. More than 500 food and non-food products and 350 wines from 88 retail chains of 23 countries were competing. The most winners, 17 came from Germany, followed by Dutch and Irish retailers with 12 victories each, Spain and France both won 6 awards and retailers from the United Kingdom and Denmark returned home with 4-4 awards.

Many of this year’s winners represented the free-from, eco-friendly, convenience and gourmet segments. The winners included innovations such as Aldi Ireland’s Thai-inspired vegetarian burger, Rewe’s organic hummus tahini or SPAR’s gluten-free snack. Among non-food products some of the award winners were ICA’s eco-friendly laundry detergent and dm’s 183 Days Trend it Up tutti-frutti lip gloss.

Those private label products were eligible for entering the competition which were put on the market in the previous year by retailers. The jury that evaluated the entries consisted of industry experts, chefs, academics, dietitians, journalists and packaging technology experts. PLMA presidents Brian Sharoff told: the awards prove that private label products are now the leaders in retail trade, they don’t just imitate branded products.

In the Idea Supermarket section of the trade fair retailers from all over the world presented their latest product and packaging innovations. No less than 62 retailers gave an insight into the needs of consumers in their own countries, in categories such as free-from and premium organic groceries, eco-conscious products and convenience stores. At the New Product Expo Gyulahús Kft., Mogyi Kereskedelmi Kft., Szamos Marcipán Kft. and Szimita-Trade Kft. exhibited their products. //