Member Voices
Don't take our word for it.
Take theirs.
The value of PLMA membership is best described by those who experience it firsthand—the manufacturers and brokers who grow their business through PLMA, and the retailers who come to discover products, capabilities and new partners. In their own words.
From the Supplier Side
Manufacturers and brokers, on what membership builds.
Relationships, category growth, professional development, and in some cases the partnership that changed the trajectory of the business.
Manufacturer Member
"LNK has been a PLMA member since the association's inception, and we get the most value from the trade shows and leadership conferences. One of our most important retail supply partnerships — with a leading regional retailer — came directly from attending a PLMA Chicago show."
Doug Bausch, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
LNK International, Inc.
Broker Member
"We've been PLMA members for over 30 years, and as an independent broker we find many of its services invaluable. The annual trade show has been paramount in building our business — we use it to meet with existing suppliers, discover emerging categories, and connect our customers and suppliers in ways that benefit everyone."
Chris Leahy, Owner
Acclaim Marketing
Manufacturer Member
"I find tremendous value in attending the Leadership Conference. The educational seminars are beneficial and timely, and the keynote speakers provide insights we couldn't get elsewhere. My favorite part is the networking with customers and fellow manufacturers."
Jeanine Antiporek, Senior Director, Retail Sales
Refresco
Manufacturer Member
"PLMA is a unique organization that brings customers and vendors together to drive private label growth through collaborative promotional planning and new item development. The key to getting the most out of PLMA is engagement — attend the functions, join committees when opportunities arise. That engagement has helped Seneca grow as a company and helped me grow personally."
Dean Erstad, Senior Vice President, Sales
Seneca Foods
Broker Member
"PLMA membership has been incredibly rewarding for both me and the Federated Group, an association we are proud to have supported since day one. The educational programs gave me a true look at how every piece of our industry connects, which directly helps us build smoother, more effective brand solutions for our clients. More than anything, the connections and close friendships I've built have become an invaluable network I lean on constantly."
Christina Fogal, Marketing Director
Federated Group
A Closer Look
"For the past 25 years, the Private Label Manufacturers Association and its annual trade show have played an important role in the growth of Catania Oils and in my own professional career. PLMA has given us the opportunity to strengthen long-standing customer relationships, build new partnerships, and stay closely connected to the evolving needs of the private label industry. More than just a trade show, it has been a place where meaningful business relationships are formed, ideas are exchanged, and Catania Oils has been able to demonstrate its commitment to quality, service, and innovation."
Mark Coleman, Senior Vice President of Sales · Catania Oils
From the Retail Side
Retailers, on why they source at PLMA.
The other half of the marketplace. Retail and private brand leaders on what brings them, and their teams, back every year.
"PLMA is our innovation pipeline."
Retailer
"The PLMA trade show is our most valuable trade show of the year. We can source new items and new vendors and connect with current suppliers, all in one location over a couple of days — every department and category under one roof. The morning keynotes keep us current on industry trends, and the education program for young executives and college students is wonderful. We bring a larger contingent of our associates to PLMA than to any other show, simply because of the number of relevant vendors. PLMA is our innovation pipeline!"
Retailer
"The benefits of the PLMA show are three-fold for private brand retail leaders: it gives you the chance to meet with your largest and most important suppliers for business planning and open discussion; it lets you seek out specific suppliers you want to vet for new product opportunities; and it lets you wander and discover something you've never seen or considered before. No matter how many years I walk the floor, I always find something new and exciting to bring back to our procurement teams."
Retailer
"What keeps me coming back to PLMA is finding suppliers I won't see at other trade shows — the networking and relationships give us real options when it's time for RFPs, and help us understand who the leaders are in each private label category. The Leadership Conference has been just as valuable: connections with industry experts, and keynote speakers my whole team has learned from."
Retailer
"We continue to attend PLMA looking for new and unique products for our stores, and over the years we've found numerous suppliers who fill gaps in our product mix — everything from coffee, eggs, and spices to pet and frozen foods. The networking pays off too: reconnecting with current suppliers has even opened the door to cost savings. I'd highly recommend attending — plan on two full days and do your homework beforehand. And if you've never volunteered for the University Outreach Program and let a student shadow you at the show, you're missing out on an awesome experience."
Who's Already In
5,200 companies. One industry.
PLMA's membership spans the full private label supply chain, from global manufacturers to independent brokers, across more than 80 countries.
ManufacturersFrom family-owned producers to global suppliers
Brokers & Trade SuppliersThe partners who keep private label moving
80+ CountriesA truly international membership
Membership is how your company gets inside that network.
Ready to add your company to the list?
You've heard from the members. The next step is yours: start your application, or revisit everything membership includes.
Apply for Membership
Questions first? Contact Barbara Cruz at bcruz@plma.com