Sprouts' Sinclair Highlights PLMA Leadership Conference Speakers

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has unveiled the agenda for its Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, which will also feature a new format. 

Themed “Private Brands: Spirit of the Past, Force for the Future,” the two-day conference unites manufacturers, retailers, and others to discuss trends in private brands and retailing. The event will be held April 2-4 at the Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“PLMA is thrilled to announce the new format and dynamic speaker lineup,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “We look forward to welcoming some of the top minds in business who will address impactful topics to educate and inspire attendees.” 

The speaker lineup includes Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market, who will be featured as part of the Fireside Chat. Sprouts continues to expand its store count across the U.S. and its private label business is also growing. Store Brands recently named Sprouts Farmers Market its 2024 Retailer of the Year.

The conference agenda features several trending topics including Turning Private Labels into Powerhouse Brands, Accelerating Innovation for Private Brands, and Adapting to a Changing Consumer Landscape. Another featured panel will focus on the impact of GLP-1 medicine. 

Guest speakers include: 

• Maria Arand, director, Office of the Customer Team, 84.51° and Kroger, “Private Brand & Consumer Behavior: Adapting to a Changing Consumer Landscape."
• Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director, Strategic Resource Group, “Saving America: Private Brands Helping Retailers, Consumers, and Farmers.”
• Rachel Dalton, head of Retail Insights North America, Kantar, “Accelerating Innovation for Private Label Brands.”
• Angus McQuat, partner, McKinsey, “Turning Private Labels into Powerhouse Brands.”
• Neil Saunders, president, Retail GlobalData, “Innovation and Trends in Private Label.”
• Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP & chief advisor, Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights, Circana, “From Growth to Transformation: The U.S. Private Brand Opportunity.”
• Thomas Bailey, executive director, Consumer Foods, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, “The Perfect Storm (for private label growth).”

Along with addressing pertinent industry topics, the event will also include the induction of the Private Label Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The event will honor those who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the global private label industry.