03.22.24
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and Store Brands have inducted individuals into its Private Label Hall of Fame at the association’s 2024 annual meeting and leadership conference on Wednesday, March 20.
Lifetime Achievement
Clay Dockery, vice president, private label and co-manufacturing, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA;
Peter Kroner, managing partner, Marketing Concepts Group;
Edward P. Salzano, president, EDNJ Associates; and
John W. Solomon, The Kroger Co. (Retired).
Private Brand Champion
Nils Clement, founder and CEO, Euro Caps BV;
Pam Ofri, senior director of Own Brands, Wakefern Food Corp.;
Jac Ross, vice president, Sprouts Brand, Sprouts Farmers Market; and
Nick Scangas, president and COO, Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods.
Private Brand Innovator
Pascale Courtemanche, R&D director, Plats du Chef, C.H. Guenther & Son;
Jackie Li, senior vice president, Private Brands and Global Sourcing, Dollar General;
Dr. Rakesh Rathore, COO, TrueChoicePack; and
Brooke Rice, senior director of Own Brands, Southeastern Grocers.
Next Gen Private Label Leader
William Crosby, EVP, Crosby Foods Ltd.;
Hope Lenhart, director of brand management for essentials, beauty and hardlines, Target;
Chad Mallory, senior product manager, Amazon Fresh Private Brand; and
Mohan Valluri, vice president of sales and R&D, Alamance Foods.
The Next Gen Private Label Leader category honors those who are under the age of 40 and have grown their businesses through innovative thinking. Private Brand Innovator awards those who have demonstrated out-of-the-box decision-making leading to a new way of doing business. Private Brand Champion recognizes those with a track record of developing successful initiatives that lead to category growth and who have vision and determination that cut through barriers and obstacles. Lifetime Achievement pays tribute to those who – over the span of their careers – have distinguished themselves as a leader of store brand development and innovation.
“We’re thrilled to honor this incredible group of men and women for their excellence in these four important categories,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “They truly deserve this special recognition for going above and beyond in their contributions.”
Presented by PLMA and Store Brands, the Private Label Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize high achievers and thought leaders who have made significant contributions in their own organizations, as well as those who have set standards of excellence and accomplishment throughout the industry.
Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers, wholesalers, members of the press, market researchers and consultants were among the potential candidates.