What a Wonderful World It Would Be.
I recently sent an email to suppliers asking them to consider a marketing program in Private Label magazine’s PLMA Chicago issue. In that email I mentioned the fact that we in the private label industry should be proud that our businesses afford consumers choice, innovation and value. During some very trying economic and political times, store brands have been a consistent force for good. I mean that sincerely.
Recent reports show that more US citizens are living in poverty than ever before. Not surprising with continued high levels of unemployment combined with soaring energy and food costs. For those in Europe, depending on the country in which you are reading this, that economy is either dragging the EU community up, down or sideways today and who knows where tomorrow.
Fortunately, the store brand industry dances to a different beat. Striving, always, to do more with less. Searching for ever more efficiency, economy, speed, transparency and sustainability. All the while endeavoring to perform community service and increase shareholder value. If our governments operated on such a model, what a wonderful world it would be.
It should be.
Why do we accept such a level of incompetence from our elected leaders? I will not share my full opinion on the U.S. government’s recent silly behavior during the debt crisis, my doctor advises me not to. But the US is not alone in political folly. Pick up a newspaper and guaranteed you will find a headline that causes you to shake your head.
If our elected politicians were compelled to abide to the same forces guiding the private label industry, everyone would be better served.
On a lighter note, I hope you are having a successful Anuga. 6,500 exhibitors in one place at one time all for the purpose of bringing innovation and choice to consumers worldwide, it is fantastic. As are some of the new suppliers advertising in this issue, which we hope you have a chance to visit.
Speaking of fantastic, we are producing a special issue of Private Label magazine for this year’s Shanghai Private Label Fair. This fair, produced by PLMA and The Shanghai International Sourcing Promotion Center is the gateway to private label business in China. If you have been to China, I do not need to tell you about the upside potential. If you haven’t been…what are you waiting for? And if you want to be part of this issue, I am only an email or phone call away.
As we conclude 2011 and look ahead to 2012, I want to say thank you to all who continue to do great work in this industry, especially those who have been supportive of our magazine. Please feel free to to let us know how we can better serve your business needs.
Very best regards,
Phillip Russo, Publisher, Editorial Director
philpl@ewwpi.com
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