Serbian Companies Participate for the Fourth Time at the Prestigious PLMA Private Label Trade Show in Chicago

Companies from Serbia once again stood shoulder to shoulder with global leaders in the private label industry this year. Ten Serbian companies are exhibiting at the largest North American private label trade show, PLMA Chicago, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Serbian Development Agency. Under the slogan “THE STORE BRANDS MARKETPLACE,” the event brings together more than 1,800 exhibitors from nearly 60 countries and around 5,000 professional visitors from the retail, import, distribution, and e-commerce sectors.

At the national pavilion of Serbia, from 16 to 18 November, the following companies are presenting their offerings: Agranela (Valjevo), Cold Pressok (Belgrade), Mambikom Agrar (Belgrade), Agro Partner (Lućani), M Pet (Belgrade), Budimka (Požega), MTM Sirela (Preljina), Packom International (Belgrade), Laki (Arilje), and TM Culinary Solutions (Belgrade).
Their diverse assortment includes frozen and dried fruit, jams, spreads, juices, pet food, vitamin gummies and supplements, soups, and ready-to-eat meals developed according to buyer specifications, as well as professional solutions for the food industry. Visitor interest is high, as Serbian products have recorded growing international demand in recent years.

Participation in this fair represents an important step in strengthening the position of Serbian companies in the global private label industry. For domestic producers, PLMA Chicago is one of the key platforms for establishing contacts with leading retail chains in North America and beyond, which contributes to export growth, business expansion, and positions Serbia as a reliable partner in this sector, emphasizes Zorana Delić from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

She notes that on the day before the fair’s opening, thematic seminars are held focusing on innovation, development, and differentiation of private labels, as well as understanding the modern consumer. The fair traditionally begins with a working breakfast accompanied by lectures by leading representatives of retail chains. This year’s speakers included Joel Rampoldt, CEO of Lidl US, and Hunter Thurman, founder of Alpha-Diver, who presented the latest trends based on behavioral science.

During the three-day event, Serbian companies scheduled a large number of meetings with retail chains, importers, specialty stores, distributors, and packaging and design experts from North America and around the world. These interactions open new opportunities for partnerships, product placement, and long-term positioning of Serbian brands in the demanding U.S. market.

PLMA, the Private Label Manufacturers Association, was founded in 1979 and brings together more than 4,000 companies from over 75 countries. It organizes the two largest global private label trade shows, in Chicago and Amsterdam, which have become central hubs for all those who follow and create trends in this industry.

Photo: Zorana Delić, CCIS