A conversation with Perry Jowers
In 2006, Perry Jowers joined SOPAKCO Packaging, a Mullins, S.C.-based manufacturer of shelf-stable ready-to-serve foods for private labeling, as vice president of sales and marketing. In this role, Jowers directs and manages all aspects of new business development and sales for SOPAKCO.
Store Brands asked Jowers to discuss what’s going on with his company, as well as what he sees going on in the store brand industry today.
Store Brands: What would you consider the most exciting store brand categories right now, and what makes them so exciting?
Perry Jowers: While the technology of shelf-stable meals has been around for a while — SOPAKCO started using the technology for MREs (meal, ready-to-eat) for the U.S. military in the 1960s — the introduction to the retail marketplace is still new. The category is experiencing a lot of exciting growth right now. From fitment pouches to entire meal kits, we are beginning to see innovative concepts take off within the shelf-stable industry, and it is earning these products recognition in the marketplace.
Store Brands: Which categories aren’t getting the attention they deserve in terms of product development?
Jowers: A recent major breakthrough in the shelf-stable industry has been the introduction of organics and natural ingredients in shelf-stable products. Consumers are demanding more sustainable, healthier and responsible options when it comes to convenience foods, yet the shelf-stable options are not receiving as much exposure as I would have expected. Most don’t realize they can get just as nutritious of a meal option in [a] shelf-stable meal concept as they would in the frozen food aisle or going out to eat.
Store Brands: What are your favorite products from SOPAKCO?
Jowers: My favorite products are those that come out of our commercial lines for shelf-stable meals. SOPAKCO has expanded our convenience food products tremendously over the last 10 years to include meals, sides and sauces in microwaveable pouches, bowls and trays. Two favorites that come to mind are our dual-compartment bowl made for an entrée and side, and the shaped pouch, which has a pitcher shape to it that makes it easy to pour sauces or gravies.
Store Brands: What is your fondest memory in your career so far?
Jowers: At this stage in my career, I have had many fond memories, from my first job with a major food company to the additional opportunities to work at some great organizations in the consumer product goods category. I have had the privilege to meet and work with many of the great leaders who helped innovate the retail grocery trade, implement “new” ideas and grow their businesses through incredible merchandising philosophies.
Store Brands: Who is your greatest hero and why?
Jowers: If a hero is one you have an immeasurable respect for and have admired as an example to follow, then my father comes as close to a hero as I can imagine. He had outstanding integrity, always treated everyone with respect and honesty, and commanded the respect of all those who were associated with him both personally and professionally.
Store Brands: How would you sum up your work philosophy?
Jowers: Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” I think I live my career by those words in many aspects. Whether it is working hard for that promotion, preparing and pitching to win a new customer, or staying up nights to get a project deadline completed, the hard work always pays off in the end.