2023 Private Label Hall of Fame: Roger Scommegna, Flying Blue Imports
16 leaders from the world of private brands were recently honored as the newest inductees to the Private Label Hall of Fame.
During a ceremony held during the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., members of the Class of 2023 shared stories of the challenges each has overcome to succeed in a highly competitive industry.
Created in 2006 to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the global private brand industry, this year’s event featured updated categories that each included two retail and two supplier honorees. The categories are Next Gen Private Label Leader, Private Brand Innovator, Private Brand Champion and Lifetime Achievement.
“We proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of these proven leaders and innovators,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “Their hard work and dedication are instrumental to the success of the store brands business.”
“The 16 honorees represent the best of the best from across the world of private label and showcase the depth of talent the industry has to offer,” said Greg Sleter, executive editor and associate publisher of Store Brands. “This august group of retailers and suppliers have had a major impact on the private label business and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
This special section features profiles of each of the new Hall of Famers.
Roger Scommegna
CEO
Flying Blue Imports
Private Brand Innovator
The private label wine segment continues to grow, and as it does, the category will need innovative thinking to grab the attention of consumers who are looking for a quality varietal at a good value.
A 2023 Private Label Hall of Fame honoree in the Private Brand Innovator category, Roger Scommegna, CEO of Flying Blue Imports, is cited as a leader in creating unique approaches to connecting consumers with wines sold under various private brands.
Among the many praises he received for his work in the segment, Scommegna is credited with curating an international collection of wines to create an “adventure” for consumers. This included unique varietals, unexpected regions and interesting labels, along with a social media campaign to enhance the connection with consumers.
The world of retail/consumer goods caught his eye at a young age as the industry’s constant changes fit well with his personality.
“What has always fascinated me was how the industry is constantly evolving, with new products, trends, and technologies emerging all the time,” he said. “There is always something new to learn. I also love the thought of being able to have a direct impact on consumers by providing goods that people use and enjoy on a daily basis.”
With a Hall of Fame honor now under his belt, Scommegna said there have been a combination of factors that have led to his success.
“Keeping a perpetual focus on creating high-quality products that appeal to consumers,” he said. “My products gained a loyal following by being well-crafted, unique, and competitively priced. The next important factor would be relationships. Building strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and other industry professionals is crucial.”
He also pointed to his creativity in developing new products and marketing strategies, along with having a strong understanding of business principles as key underpinnings of his success.
While Scommegna has utilized his talents to build a successful career, he said his father – a physician – has a major influence on how he does business today.
“I learned traits and skills from my father and applied them to my own profession,” he said. “My father had excellent communication skills, which are essential in any sales job. He also had a deep understanding of the importance of building relationships and trust with his patients, which is a trait that I applied to building relationships with my customers. Additionally, his work in the medical field instilled a desire in me to help people.”
And as he moves forward in his career, Scommegna has a few straightforward goals.
“I want to constantly improve my knowledge and skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape,” he said. “I also have a desire to create opportunities for others to succeed and I desire to give back to my community and to make a positive impact on the world. I would also like to put a greater priority on my personal life, spending more time with my family and pursuing projects near and dear to my heart.”