The educational lineup at this year's ECRM's European Dry Food, Confectionery, Organic/Bio & Free From Program coming up this March in Rome will address two key areas of focus among European retailers and their global supplier partners: Meat and dairy alternatives and the regulations around them, as well as private label strategies -- particularly concerning value-added private label products.

The educational presentations will be held Sunday, March 22, beginning at 5:00 PM (1700 Hours). Each presentation will have an live audience question-and-answer session with the presenters.

Following are summary descriptions of each of the educational sessions, as well as information about each presenter. Click here for more information or to register for the program.

Capitalizing on the Consumer Trend for Alternatives to Meat or Milk Derived Protein Within the EU’s Regulatory Framework

March 22, 2020, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Consumers transitioning to a more vegan or vegetarian diet is one of the most significant food trends of the last decade across Europe and globally. To capitalize on this transition, retailers and suppliers need a strong understanding of the requirements for such plant-based diets. As new meat alternatives emerge quickly on the market, they present opportunities and the potential for interesting consumer messaging, but also come with a unique set of challenges and regulations. 

Luca Bucchini, Managing Director of Hylobates Consulting, will provide some insights on these plant-based food opportunities and guidance on how to navigate some of the challenges through a combination of research and best-practice case studies. He will also provide recommended steps for selecting and marketing alternative sources of protein. 

Opportunities in the Value-Added Private Label Market

March 22, 2020, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Mainstream retailers in Europe increasingly seek to drive shopper loyalty and category growth with value added private label products -- which include premium, organic, free-from, eco-friendly and regional private label items -- making them particularly important within the private label architecture of retailers across Europe.

Apart from margin improvement, private label products are crucial in helping retailers differentiate themselves from the competition, enabling them to develop unique initiatives to meet specific consumer needs, helping to build shopper loyalty.

To better understand and define value-added products in the private label architecture, the International Private Label Consult (IPLC) in 2018 conducted an extensive study of the European market based on store checks, interviews and additional sources. During this presentation, IPIC Partners Remy Medina and Paolo Palomba will share highlights of their research on opportunities in the value-added private label market, and deliver insights into this area of growth for retailers and suppliers alike. They will cover the current private label landscape and also identify areas of growth and opportunity for the future. 

IPLC is a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategic consultancy services and project management support to manufacturers and retailers. Founded in 2003, IPLC has been involved in many international assignments for manufacturers, retailers and the supply industry. With a broad and unrivalled understanding of the private label industry, IPLC helps clients with a pragmatic and action-oriented approach.

Remy Medina has a background as a buyer with more than 10 years of experience in private label sourcing at various supermarket chains. Remy's specific areas of expertise are the French private label market, retail price negotiations and the multi-cultural business management.

Paolo Palomba has held senior positions in leading food retailers in Italy and abroad during his 25 years of experience in the industry, with expertise in procurement, trading, marketing, retail, private label and category management. He is author of the book, Marketing dei Prodotti Tipici (2009) covering premium private label products in large retailers. He also is professor at Global MBA Food & Wine and Agrifood Management at Bologna University Business School.