IGA CEO to Keynote at November PLMA Trade Show

John Ross, president and CEO of IGA, Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the Private Label Manufacturers Association's annual trade show in Chicago this coming November.

Ross will speak during the morning of Monday, Nov. 13 and offer his presentation entitled, “Economics, Global Retailing and the Opportunity for Private Label Growth.” He will focus on changes in consumer behavior based on global data from more than 6,500 IGA stores worldwide. Ross will discuss how new shopping behavior will plot the course for the industry in the short run and guide investment strategies over the long haul. 

Ross oversees domestic and global operations for IGA, the world’s largest independent supermarket network.

Other speakers scheduled for the annual trade show include:

Sunday, Nov. 12:  

• Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor, Retail, Circana, “Retail Compression: Private Label’s Big Opportunity.” 
• Kevin Ryan, founder/CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, "Taste of Tomorrow: Forecasting the Future Forces Reshaping Private Label Food."
• Sara Williamson, Ph.D., assistant professor, Marketing, SUNY Old Westbury, will reveal key findings from PLMA’s new Gen Z Shopper Survey.
• Laureen Schroeder, owner/founder of Bespoke Beauty Partners, “What’s Next in Beauty: Top Trends for Innovation. 

Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Retail Trends Breakfast:

• Ken Harris, managing partner, Cadent Consulting Group, will identify many of the topics highlighted in the press today to provide a real-world view of what is truly happening with his clients.

PLMA officials also announced that exhibitor space at the show has sold out. This year’s trade event will feature 1,650 exhibiting companies and 2,760 booths. Strong demand for exhibitor space required the use of an additional show hall. Show officials reported a 20% increase in both space from the 2022 show, with a 40% increase in non-food exhibitors.