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 Scroll down to read the latest press information from PLMA member companies or click PLMA News for current press releases from PLMA. |
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(Raleigh, North Carolina)—Showline Soaps has announced the creation of a new division, U.S. Soaps Mfg. Co., to incorporate more product lines. The company also plans two new manufacturing plants for locations in the West and Northeast in addition to an expanded plant in Raleigh, N.C. The new base of operations in Raleigh, to be operational in the first quarter of 2012, will be a 64,000 sq. ft. facility vs. the prior facility of 15,000 sq. ft. The upgraded facility and equipment will allow the company to manufacture and package household cleaners, body care, laundry care, and dish care item in addition to it mainstay of manual dish soap.
(Lake Forest, Ill.) -- Prolamina Corp. announced two executive appointments. Matthew Conlin has been named Vice-President of Sales and Paul Schabow has been named Vice President of Procurement. Matt Conlin brings to Prolamina extensive experience in the flexible packaging industry and specific expertise focused on leading commercial efforts in flexible stand up pouches and high performance rollstock laminations. Paul Schabow has over 16 years of procurement leadership experience with strong global sourcing expertise and vast petrochemical industry knowledge in the flexible packaging and plastics industry.
(Danvers, Mass.)—High Liner Foods (USA) announces that its new Seasoned Alaskan Pollock Loins and Flame Grilled products are now available for immediate development. Each product line is available in four savory flavor options. Both are naturally low in fat, high in protein and easy to prepare.
(El Paso, Texas)--The board of directors of Elamax recently announced the appointment of Gary A. Ricco as the new President and CEO of Mount Franklin Foods LLC, parent company of Sunrise Confections and Azar Nut. Mr. Ricco had served as CEO of Jel Sert and President of Farley Foods.
(Linden, N.J.) -- J.V. M Sales Corp. d/b/a Milano's Cheese Corp. is forming a global broker and regional sales force under the leadership of Anthony Caliendo, vice president of sales and marketing and master broker for Milano's Cheese Corp. Caliendo will recruit nationally and gradually expand into international markets. The sales team will be responsible for increasing awareness and sales for the Milano's brand through distributions across the U.S. and abroad.
(Fairport, N.Y.)--LiDestri Food & Beverage has acquired M.H. Zeigler's & Sons, LLC, located in Lansdale, Pa. Zeigler's has been in existence for over 75 years and is the largest producer of fresh apple cider in the country. The company produces and bottles a variety of fresh and shelf-stable juices, lemonades, ice teas and other beverages under the Zeigler's brand and for both private label and contract manufacturing customers. LiDestri is the largest privately-held contract manufacturer of pasta sauces and salsas in the nation producing over 40 million cases of products and now owns and operates six manufacturing facilities.
(Coldwater, Ohio)--Tastemorr Snacks announces that its new 8 oz. size Pita Chips is now available for immediate development for all private label programs. The company also expects to launch several new flavors to its current Pita Chip program item mix this year.
NEW YORK - Greg Baskin, Director of Specialty Products, Hormel Foods was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of PLMA. The election took place March 23 during the Association's Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Aventura, Florida.
In remarks, Baskin took note of the how the private label industry historically has risen to the dual challenges of an ever-changing business environment and the growth of retailers' brands. He he called on PLMA member manufacturers, brokers and suppliers to become agents of change within their individual companies as well as the industry as a whole.
Members also elected Howard Kirschenbaum, Vice President of Sales, Trinity Packaging Corp., to serve on the Executive Committee of the PLMA board in the position of First Vice Chairman. Greg Dragan, Vice President and General Manager, Ralston Foods, was elected to the Second Vice Chairman post.
Five individuals were elected to the Board for three-year terms from 2012-2015. They are: Christian Strong, Perrigo Company; Mark McCumby, PL Developments; Charlotte Marsh, Windsor Foods; Dave Olson, Conagra; and Clay Dockery, Massimo Zenetti Beverage, USA. Tyler Cook, Lance Private Brands was elected to fill an unexpired term on the Board ending in 2014.
Continuing members of the PLMA Board of Directors include: Bill Bond, Willert Home Products; Peggy Davies, McCain Foods USA; Kent Dell, ADM Cocoa; Dean Erstad, Seneca Foods Corporation; Tom Ewing, T. Marzetti Co.; Jo Osborn, Bay Valley Foods, LLC; Edward Salzano, LiDestri Foods Inc.; Philip Shaoul, Global Tissue Group. and David Walcoff, Reynolds Consumer Products. Representing PLMA member brokers is Wayne Redfearn, Caliber Sales & Marketing, while Paul McOsker, North Cliff Consultants, Inc. represents PLMA member suppliers.
Arthur Handler of Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass, serves on the Board of Directors as General Counsel; outgoing PLMA Chairman Tom Chaffee of Sturm Foods also continues to serve ex-officio.
“The days of stocking four walls with product and expecting people to come are over,” says Doug Stephens of Retail Prophet Consulting. Stephens, a guest speaker at PLMA’s Annual Meeting in March, discussed the impact of new technology, like mobile apps and the internet. Stephens explains that in the past, consumers had to go to a store to buy what they wanted. In today’s world, consumers shop online via their mobile device and get product reviews from fellow shoppers via social networking sites.
In a PLMA Live! report entitled, “Are Male Shoppers Taking Over?” Len Lewis says that men are increasingly becoming the primary grocery shopper in many households. Using statistics from Symphony/IRI, Lewis argues that men are 40% more likely to put store brands products on their shopping lists than women. He also mentions that men are more likely to prefer items that are portion controlled, and need to have ingredients for meals organized in close proximity.
Brad Edmondson, former editor of American Demographics, turns his attention to the gluten-free diet and asks if this is just a fad like the lemonade diet or cabbage soup diet, or in fact a trend. With one percent of Americans having Celiac Disease and another two percent strongly allergic to wheat, Edmondson believes that this in fact more than a fad that will dissolve into memory like so many others in the past. Edmondson estimates the core market for gluten-free products is 12-18 million American but predicts the sale of gluten-free products will slow down and become a specialty diet.
Dr. Kantha Shelke describes how new techniques for creating scents and aromas can be utilized in the shopping experience. Shelke explains the use of scents is not just for perfumes and food and drink flavors, but for ways to appeal to the consumer. Real estate agents often use the scent of freshly baked cookies or brewing coffee when showing off a house. Airlines have used the scent of peppermint to refresh passengers after long flights. Even the movies have experimented with smells during viewings. Shelke suggests retailers will start to use scents and aromas to entice shoppers to buy a particular product.
All four video reports are available in the latest edition of PLMA Live! and may be accessed by visiting www.plmalive.com.
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