Best In Class
In the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps, a “colonel” title denotes nearly the highest-possible rank achievable -- besting the second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain and major officer titles. Such status generally requires years of hard work and stellar performance -- and military personnel who reach such a rank command a great deal of respect.
PL Buyer’s Category Colonels also stand above their peers in terms of hard work and performance, demonstrating a commitment to product quality and strong relationships with their retailer partners. Nominated by the retailer representatives who know them best and can vouch for their “best in class” status, these private label manufacturers boast superior skills in helping their customers drive store brand volume, profits and competitive differentiation.
For 2008, PL Buyer is pleased to honor 84 private label manufacturers with well-deserved Category Colonel Awards. The winners come from diverse categories -- ranging from air fresheners to frozen pizza to vitamins and nutritional supplements. Moreover, many of these honorees are repeat winners -- with a handful of them earning the honor every single year since the award program’s inception in 2001.
Retailers understand the end results that distinguish a Category Colonel from a mere “Category Lieutenant.” But how do private label manufacturers get to that point? What qualities are most important when it comes to the “ideal” supplier-retailer relationship?
To find out, PL Buyer turned to some expert consultants within the retail arena. (OK -- we asked the retailer community to weigh in as well, but apparently you nominators are too shy.) For a look at some key qualities that comprise that relationship -- as well as how private label supplier-retailer relationships have evolved over the years -- see our Special Report titled "Relationship Building 101," also in the July issue.
