{"id":824,"date":"2018-12-08T05:55:06","date_gmt":"2018-12-08T05:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends\/?p=824"},"modified":"2019-02-03T15:54:29","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T15:54:29","slug":"conference-beat-private-label-manufacturers-association-plma-chicago-november-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends\/conference-beat-private-label-manufacturers-association-plma-chicago-november-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference Beat\u2122 – Private Label Manufacturers Association PLMA, Chicago, November 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) show showcased more than 1,400 suppliers representing almost all consumer product categories, including fresh, frozen, and refrigerated meals, snacks, and beverages available to retailers and wholesalers for private label, store brands, and co-branding.\u00a0 The PLMA is the perfect show to review at the end of the year because it provides a glimpse into which of the trends spotted through our research and attendance at all of the other shows and conferences of the year are becoming mainstream products.<\/p>\n

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Trend Spotting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tantalizing Textures \u2013<\/strong> layers of flavors and multiple textures in captivating convenience
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Enlightened Indulgence \u2013<\/strong> free from claims dominated labels in many product categories; nutrient-dense, protein-packed snacks fed the grab-and-go market<\/p>\n

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Handcrafted, Small Batch Specialties \u2013<\/strong> handmade desserts in a glass that appeared pastry chef inspired and made to order<\/p>\n

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The Heat is On \u2013<\/strong> Asian foods with hot, spicy, and challenging new flavors were packaged in single-serve portions<\/p>\n

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Old Favorites, New Forms \u2013<\/strong> ready-to-drink Italian ice cream positioned as a contender in the luxury beverage category<\/p>\n

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Global Flavors \u2013<\/strong> international exhibits were larger and more extensive than those seen at many of the foodservice trade shows this year<\/p>\n

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Comfort Classics<\/h3>\n

This show is known for its abundance of pizza manufacturers and this year both ends of the healthful and indulgence spectrum were well represented \u2013 numerous cauliflower and vegetable crusts as well as 5 meat stuffed crust pizzas.<\/p>\n

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Comfort Classics<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This show is known for its abundance of pizza manufacturers and this year both ends of the healthful and indulgence spectrum were well represented \u2013 numerous cauliflower and vegetable crusts as well as 5 meat stuffed crust pizzas.<\/p>\n

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Implications for Food Marketers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Innovation Pipeline \u2013<\/strong> speed to market, quality and value are the three big drivers for continuous private label product introduction.<\/p>\n

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Convenience Takes Many Forms \u2013<\/strong> from convenient portion sizes and recipe flexibility to reusable to-go packaging with utensils built into the lid and single serve packaging for meals, snacks and toddler food.<\/p>\n

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Premium is Often Clean, Sustainable \u2013<\/strong> consumer demand for mindfully produced products with natural ingredients is becoming the point of entry for premium products, along with a premium price tag.<\/p>\n

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Taste Talk Tweet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Social media chatter included:<\/p>\n