"This initiative is a call to action for all sectors of the industry and all classes of retail trade to highlight the exceptional value of store brands to consumers, especially in these challenging economic times," said FMI president and CEO [image-nocss] Leslie G. Sarasin. "FMI will work with retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and other trading partners to facilitate innovation and increase consumer awareness of private brand products."
The mission of the FMI Private Brands Initiative parallels that of the association itself-to promote policies, programs and learning opportunities in five areas: Industry Cooperation Education Food Safety Public and Consumer Information Government Relations "This initiative will allow our entire industry to speak with one voice to educate consumers, public officials and the retailing industry at large about the importance of private-brand products," said Steve Smith, chairman and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores in Abingdon, Va., and board chairman of FMI.
A Private Brands Group composed of retailers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers, all with equal voting rights, will guide the program and report directly to the FMI Board of Directors. Initially, the group will focus on industry opportunities, education and membership development.
"This is a new FMI organization and a new way of inspiring collaboration among all member constituents," said Danny Wegman, chairman of Wegmans Food Markets Inc., Rochester, N.Y. "We are in an era of tremendous competition from all channels of trade, which makes total industry inclusion and collaboration more critical then ever. This is a powerful group spearheading a powerful initiative."
In 2009, FMI plans to debut a Private Brands Summit and a Business Conference. The summit will feature research and educational programs exploring consumer attitudes about private-brand products and how to increase loyalty. The conference will enable trading partners to plan the strategies and tactics needed to maximize private brand sales.
"Industry education and member advocacy are core competencies of FMI, and this exciting new initiative underscores the significance of private brands and the industry's commitment to this important segment of our business," said Jeff Noddle, chairman and CEO of SUPERVALU INC., Eden Prairie, Minn.
Added Milt Sender, chairman of Stamford, Conn.-based Daymon Worldwide, the world's largest private brand broker, "I applaud FMI for taking this action to bring all industry constituents together for such a powerful common cause. Private brand is an integral and growing part of the retail food industry and an area of our business that requires greater focus and collaboration. FMI is the ideal organization to drive this process.VbCrLf
Arlington, Va.-based Food Marketing Institute conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its 1,500 member companies-food retailers and wholesalers-in the United States and around the world.
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