10 Mar 2010 --- Private label faces new challenges and opportunities as retailers across Europe now rely more than ever on their own brands to attract loyal shoppers and improve financial results. The growing importance of private label will be examined from different perspectives by seminar speakers at PLMA’s 2010 ‘World of Private Label” Trade Show. The seminar will be held on 17 May, one day before the exhibition begins at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam.

The viewpoint of a top retail executive will be given by Serge Papin, President of système U in France. He discusses how private label is playing a pivotal role in the supermarket retailer’s strategy to succeed against increasing competition from discounters and other formats.

New product development and marketing is essential for private label to keep gaining market share. Lu Ann Williams, Head of Reseach, Innova Market Insights, focuses on emerging trends and how retailers and manufacturers can take advantage of them.

Another seminar presentation focuses on an EU initiative that could have an impact on retailer brands. Xavier Durieu, Secretary General of Eurocommerce, gives the latest developments on a proposed study concerning the effect of retailer brands on small and medium size enterprises.

Brian Sharoff, President, PLMA, says: “Retailers are turning to their private label programmes to meet the
extraordinary competitive challenges in today’s marketplace. Future success depends on retailers and manufacturers working together even more effectively than in the past.”

To help accomplish this goal, PLMA is introducing a new executive education programme, to be held 18-19 May at the RAI Exhibition Centre. Courses cover a range of industry topics and offered in multiple languages. The classes are taught by academic instructors and industry professionals.