Gratitude
There’s a very good chance that you are reading this during Anuga, considered by its organizers to be “the most important trade show for the trade and food service/catering market!” And who could blame them for this point of view; after all, the show is bigger than some small towns and better managed than most countries. The truth is that Trade Fairs are a vital component of most industries and perhaps the most accurate barometer of their health and well being.
So no surprise that PLMA’s 2009 World of Private Label in Amsterdam was a tremendous success. Everyone seems to be trying to jump on the private label wagon. National news outlets email us daily for facts and figures, morning news shows conduct taste tests, retailers promote shopping carts full of store brands that promise savings of Euros, Dollars, Pounds, etc. Of course, this “new” market is hardly new to PLMA or our readers. In fact, a recent US edition of Private Label magazine honored A&P as our “Store Brand Retailer of the Year”. A&P is a mere 150 years old.
Those who know me probably have faith that I am going somewhere with all this. Those who do not, deserve some explanation. As publisher of Private Label and Private Label International, I have had the great fortune and pleasure to meet people I consider exceptional store brand leaders. Some are suppliers, others retailers and some trade show organizers. Without exception, they’ve shown a tremendous respect for the industry, keen insight and a more than generous willingness to teach someone who knew little, if nothing, about private label 7 short years ago.
The point is, without Trade Fairs, I might not have had the opportunity to meet these individuals to whom I am very grateful, I certainly would not have met them as quickly as I did and under such instructive surroundings. So to those of you I’ve shared a cigar with, enjoyed a glass of champagne at your stand, sampled your delicious pizza, Mortadella or gnocchi…to those who have helped with logistics, lent your time, given a tour of your facility, made an important introduction or written a great book and especially to those who have extended their support to Private Label International, I’d like to say…Thank You.
As you may have noticed, I have assumed the additional role of Editorial Director for Private Label International and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Peter Berlinski, Editor-in-Chief for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the dialogue and our company President, Andrew Williams for his commitment to our industry.
So please feel free to stop by and say hello during Anuga, or Marca Bologna, or MDD Expo or PLMA Amsterdam… we’ll be grateful you did. And please feel free to email with your thoughts on our industry @ philpl@ewwpi.com.
