Australian Suppliers Eye Growth In U.S. Private Label Marketplace
Retail buyers shopping the aisles of the PLMA 2023 Private Label Trade Show may notice this year’s event will have an enhanced international flavor.
According to PLMA, the Chicago event will feature more than 700 specialty food and nonfood exhibitors from nearly 60 countries in Europe, South America and Asia. Vendors from these countries will feature their products in more than 30 national pavilions on the show floor at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
With the private label marketplace in the United States continuing to grow, so too do opportunities for international suppliers to find their way onto the shelves of leading retailers. In the third of three interviews with international trade groups, Store Brands spoke Joan Kimball-Morgan, senior trade director, Food Industry North America, with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission. She shared insight on the unique products suppliers from Australia offer and the opportunities to expand business in the U.S.
STORE BRANDS: How many companies from your country will be featured at this year’s PLMA Show in Chicago? How has the presence of companies from your country grown at the show in recent years?
JOAN KIMBALL-MORGAN: There will be around 15-20 companies from Australia on the show floor, either walking or exhibiting. Last year’s show was the first Australian Pavilion at PLMA and we continue to grow our presence and awareness of the opportunity for private label in North America for Australian private label suppliers.
STORE BRANDS: What are the opportunities within the U.S. private label sector that your organization sees for product suppliers from your country?
KIMBALL-MORGAN: Australia has innovation and product quality and meets the food safety requirements for private label opportunities in the U.S. Australia shares systems recognition on food safety that puts American private label buyers at ease when sourcing from our suppliers. By nature, our products are premium. Our suppliers have world-class research and development and because of their geographical position in the world, they bring insights, flavors and formats that will innovate store brands in North America. I hear capacity is a major issue in sourcing. Our suppliers have capacity in many of the products/product categories that are experiencing capacity issues. Some of the suppliers exhibiting in the Australian Pavilion this year will have those products.
STORE BRANDS: What types of products is your country best known for?
KIMBALL-MORGAN: You name it, and Australia will most likely have it. They include, but are not limited to:
• Premium Wagyu beef and lamb
• Premium wine, craft spirits and beer
• Coffee and tea.
• Grass-fed butters and cheeses.
• Sustainable fish and seafood such as bluefin tuna, octopus and lobster.
• Innovative packaged foods across all categories
• Premium produce such as citrus, cherries and mangoes.
• Grains and oils
STORE BRANDS: What are the advantages of doing business with companies from your country?
KIMBALL-MORGAN: There are several advantages to working with product suppliers from Australia. One is capacity; food and beverage suppliers across the country have capacity. With food safety, we share systems recognition with the U.S. Therefore, U.S. buyers don’t have to think twice about food safety. Also, our suppliers have world-class research and development and because of their geographical position in the world, they bring insights, flavors and formats that will innovate store brands in North America. Sustainability is also a strongpoint. From meat and seafood to upcycled food, sustainability is in our nature.
STORE BRANDS: Have there been any enhancements/changes made recently within your country to supply chain, business or other factors that make it easier to do business with companies in your country?
KIMBALL-MORGAN: Australian suppliers are constantly innovating through new technology. Currently, there is also a favorable exchange rate which can serve as an advantage for U.S. buyers.
STORE BRANDS: When doing business with companies from your country, what are some important factors U.S. retailers need to know?
KIMBALL-MORGAN: Our suppliers have the capacity, products, and innovation insights to drive growth in your brand. They are global suppliers who understand U.S. business practices and criteria. They know how important quality, food safety, consistency and communication are and they respect the trust that is placed in them by choosing them as a partner. Australia is an excellent, low-risk and high-return choice for international sourcing.
