ECRM Launches New European Business Unit 12/26/2017
In an effort to expand its capabilities to assist European retailers and distributors in discovering new and emerging global brands in food, health and beauty care, and general merchandise, ECRM has launched a new business unit, headquartered in Utrecht, The Netherlands, that consists of a team of multilingual sales and account management staff.
ECRM Europe is looking to mirror the success of its U.S.-based counterpart, making the product discovery process more efficient through its Efficient Program Planning Sessions (EPPS) – private, pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings between buyers and sellers.
ECRM has been hosting several EPPS sessions in Europe for the past several years, and already has a successful track record in connecting global suppliers with European buyers. Toronto, Canada-based beauty supplier Hollywood Alliance Canada/Look Beauty Products, for example, has been attending ECRM’s European beauty sessions for the past five years.
“ECRM’s sessions, with their private, dedicated face-to-face meetings, has helped us expand sales of our products to retailers in more than 50 countries,” said Allan Lever, CEO of the beauty supplier. “Each session, with the large number of retail buyer meetings we have, is a huge time- and cost-savings for us versus setting them up ourselves, and I can think of no easier way to get greater exposure to global communities. It sure beats standing in a booth all day hoping someone will stop by.”
The ECRM Europe Team
To best serve its European customers, ECRM has engaged Michael Wheeldon, an International Business Consultant, to help create its European Business and develop the ECRM Europe team of sales managers and account managers, each of whom speaks several languages and is familiar with the European retail markets. They are:
Retail Sales Team - Responsible for all retailers and distributors across Europe:
- Linda Bijsterbosch: International Retail Director (linda@ecrm.marketgate.com); Languages: Dutch, English, German and French
- Mihaela Savu: Retail Development Manager (msavu@ecrm.marketgate.com); Languages: Romanian, Italian, English
- Una Bolger: International Sales Manager (ubolger@ecrm.marketgate.com); Languages: English, German, Dutch, Portuguese and French
- Julio Sismanoglu: International Sales Manager (jsismanoglu@ecrm.marketgate.com); Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish and French
Building on the success of 2017, ECRM’s 2018 International sessions will include its existing food and health and beauty sessions, with a couple of new editions in the general merchandise category. Following is the full schedule of International sessions that will be managed by the ECRM Europe Team:
European Cosmetics, Fragrance and Bath EPPS
February 4-7, 2018 at the Marriott Budapest (Budapest, Hungary)
Manufacturers of Color Cosmetics, Accessories, Nails, Fragrance and Bath will present programs to buyers and distributors from Europe.
European Skin, Personal, Hair and Sun Care EPPS
February 4-7, 2018 at the Marriott Budapest (Budapest, Hungary)
Manufacturers of Skin Care, Hair Care, Baby, Shaving/Toiletries, Family Planning, Feminine Hygiene, Oral Care, and Sun Care will present programs to buyers and distributors from Europe.
European Premium Beauty Care EPPS
February 5-6, 2018 at the Marriott Budapest (Budapest, Hungary)
Manufacturers of Higher End and Niche Cosmetics, Bath, Fragrances, Hair Care, Natural/Organic, and Skin Care categories will present new programs to department stores, prestige buyers and specialty stores from Europe.
European Dry Food, Snack and Confectionery EPPS
March 25-27, 2018 at the Hilton Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Branded and Private Label Dry Food, Confectionery, Snack, Natural and Organic suppliers will present products to global retailers and distributors across all channels.
European Health, Nutrition and Wellness EPPS
September 30- October 2, 2018 (Location Revealed Soon...)
September 30-October 2, 2018 (Location Revealed Soon...)