Technology Update
By Peter Berlinski

PLMA Debuts Innovation Hall

PLMA is introducing a major new exhibit section to its annual Private Label Trade Show this year to be held November 15-17 in Chicago at the Rosemont Convention Center. Called Innovation Hall, the new exhibit space will showcase suppliers of leading edge technology for the benefit of store brand retailers and manufacturers.

PLMA describes the new Innovation Hall as a “show-within-a-show” that will offer special hours, exhibits, demonstrations, and seminars.

The new exhibition space will feature an array of companies that offer innovative products and services for private label that go beyond product development.

“The Innovation Hall represents the next logical step in the evolution of store brands,” says Brian Sharoff, president, PLMA. “Over the past decade, store brands have expanded to annual sales of $80 billion. This has been driven by remarkable gains in product quality and assortment. But as business gets larger, more complex and demanding, there is a strategic need by both retailers and manufacturers for more than just products.”

PLMA’s Innovation Hall will concentrate on the following services and technologies: laboratory testing and certification: to ensure product quality, consistency and safety; market research, marketing services, business consulting: sophisticated data and expertise to manage store brands as brands; software and technology: information systems that can be applied in all aspects of sales, marketing and supply chain operations; packaging design and graphics: to reflect the greater importance of premium products and expansion into new categories; logistics and supply chain: to guarantee superior service and greater efficiency; international sourcing: to give retailers and manufacturers access to the global marketplace; manufacturing equipment: to increase the capability of suppliers to produce new products quickly and achieve higher volumes; financial services: to allow retailers to offer their customers financial services that round out the shopping experience.

PLMA’s new Innovation Hall will occupy the mezzanine hall. In addition to company exhibits, there will be demonstrations and classes open to all trade show attendees. The new Innovation Hall will also open the day before the regular show floor starts so that exhibitors and visitors alike can participate.

FMI Creates SQF Website

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) launched a new website in March 2009 – www.sqfi.com – organizing the content according to the needs of the community of users including: food suppliers, retail buyers, auditors and certification bodies, and training centers and consultants.

Representatives of each group can find the information and services they require grouped together on separate web pages. A list of more than 40 guidance documents, codes, applications and registration forms are also grouped by user.

Retailers can perform highly targeted searches for SQF-certified suppliers, specifying, for example, the product category, company type (primary producer or manufacturer), level of certification (1, 2 or 3) and country.

SQFI is a division of the Food Marketing Institute. The program provides independent certification that a supplier’s food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations.

PMMI Launches Packexpo.com

PMMI has announced the launch of its new Packexpo.com website which is redesigned and fully aligned with PACK EXPO events. The new show-centric site will support packaging professionals with all aspects of attending the upcoming PACK EXPO Las Vegas (October 5-7; Las Vegas Convention Center) and allow them to continue to take advantage of those resources throughout the year.
“PACK EXPO trade shows are valued for bringing the entire packaging supply chain together under one roof, making it easy for brand owners to identify ways to improve productivity and efficiency, enhance shelf presence and meet sustainability goals,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. “The new Packexpo.com supports this strategy by providing packaging professionals the resources they need year round.”

New Features

Visitors to the new packexpo.com will find several innovative features and enhanced functionality. For example, exhibiting companies will have comprehensive online booths that include detailed product pages, press releases on new innovations and information on show-related benefits or added-value programs available during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Online listings will remain active for several months after PACK EXPO Las Vegas ends, ensuring attendees can follow up with exhibitors and close the loop on business activity.

NSF Issues PC Standard

NSF International in February 2009 announced that NSF/ANSI 305: Made with Organic Personal Care Products was adopted as an American National Standard.

The NSF 305 personal care logo will identify personal care products that have achieved certification to the standard.

NSF/ANSI 305 establishes materials, processes, production criteria and conditions specifically for made with organic personal care products. NSF/ANSI 305 allows “made with organic” claims for products with organic content of 70 percent (O70) or more that comply with all other requirements of the standard. Products covered by the standard include rinse-off and leave-on personal care and cosmetic products, as well as oral care and personal hygiene products. To obtain a copy of the new standard, visit: www. nsf.org.