European e-Grocer Rohlik Ramps up Expansion Plans

The rapidly growing Rohlik Group relies on a simple strategic combination of wide assortment, freshness, great service, sustainability, and value for money.

Petr Chvojka, Group Head of Private Label at Rohlik Group, shares the company's ambitious growth and expansion plans for the next few years. He encourages manufacturers to get ready for the e-food revolution, saying the automation of fulfilment centres and AI optimization will be key factors to success.

Next-Level Loyalty Programmes

Boosting engagement and gathering data have always been the primary functions of loyalty programmes. Judith Kolenburg reports on how retailers are thinking further ahead and combining traditional loyalty cards with digital platforms to enhance the customer experience and drive sales. Carrefour, Delhaize, Lidl, and Aldi are among the retailers profiled. 

In other news, retailers and manufacturers are urging consumers to trust their sense of taste, smell or sight before discarding products that are near or even past their 'best before'-date. Pascal Kuipers examines the latest efforts to combat food waste in grocery retail. 

The Key to Successful Buying and Selling

One of the major challenges of today’s modern leadership is understanding and communicating effectively in a five-generation workplace. 

Karen Green, experienced retail seller and buyer, and founder of Buyer-ology®, outlines her matrix and five-stage B-U-Y-E-R process to effectively profile targeted customers and ultimately increase success in selling opportunities.

Private Label Sales Surge in U.S.

Annual private label dollar sales in the U.S. have increased by 34% over the past four years. Judith Kolenburg shares an overview of this diverse and expansive retail market, which promises many opportunities for European players and their expertise on private label. 

In other news, Hans Kraak explains the rise and risks of the ketogenic diet, which inspired new product ranges and is expected to reach approximately 18.5 billion euros in value by 2033. 

The Private Label Push in Europe vs. U.S.

While European private label manufacturers and retailers operate substantially differently than their US counterparts, some parallels can be made between the two markets.

Jan-Benedict Steenkamp, author and marketing professor at European and American universities, discusses US Walmart's concept and sees opportunities for highly sophisticated European manufacturers in the US market.

Trends Spotted at PLMA's World of Private Label Trade Show

More than 31.000 industry professionals gathered to connect, source and grow at PLMA’s 2024 World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, 28-29 May.

Join the PLMALive.eu news team for direct-from-the-show-floor reports, including:

- Judith Kolenburg discovering new trends and innovation displayed in the Idea Supermarket;
- Edgar Elzerman walking the trade show floor in search of unique foods and beverages;
- Pascal Kuipers browsing some of the best novelties in the nonfood aisles.

Improving Supply Chain Sustainability

FMCG retailers and brands that map and collect data on their supply chain can use these insights to create change in environmental and social conditions, says Leontien Hasselman-Plugge, CEO of ImpactBuying Group.

Hasselman-Plugge discusses how ImpactBuying helps retailers and manufacturers understand their supply chains, identify risks and make a positive impact on buying.

A Preview of the Salute to Excellence Awards

New and improved plant-based products are some of the trends that stand out among the entries for the 2024 International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards. 

Judith Kolenburg reports on these and other products evaluated by judges. In the wine category, indigenous grape varieties like Albariño and Verdelho are prominent among the submissions. This demonstrates that retailers are catering to younger, more adventurous generations. 

This year’s winners will be announced and displayed at PLMA’s World of Private Label International Trade Show, 28 and 29 May.

Also, Pascal Kuipers discusses rising cocoa prices. He outlines what’s new in sustainable options, including the launch of cocoa-free chocolate at Rewe, WinWin and Nukoko.

Top Reasons to Invest in a Digital Strategy

The growth of private label and digital marketing brings new challenges as well as new strategic opportunities.  

Pedro Mendonça da Silva, Adjunct Professor at Porto’s Accounting and Business School in Portugal (ISCAP), shares the results of his recent study on whether private label manufacturers should invest in digital strategies. 

Mendonça da Silva highlights the vital role of digital technologies across the value chain, as well as the importance of forming alliances in private label supply with strategic partners for mutual benefit. 

The Rise of Self-Care Solutions at Retail

The aging population along with the rise in chronic disease and other factors have led to more demand for doctor, hospital and other healthcare services. What does this mean for retailers? Judith Kolenburg reports on the opportunity for retailers to leverage their store brands to strengthen their position in the healthcare market. Meanwhile, while consumers want to life healthier lifestyles, convenience and taste make ultra-processed foods appealing. Hans Kraak discusses the widespread consumer confusion surrounding the definition of ultra-processed and which foods fit into this category.