Logistics and the ability to supply increased product volumes at short notice rank high on a checklist of issues to consider when bidding for private-label business from European retailers.

That's the view of Remy Medina, a private label and niche marketing expert at the IPLC consultancy based in the Netherlands, which published the book "The Private Label Revolution," containing advice that may apply as much to the US market as it does to Europe.

Selection Criteria used for Private Label Suppliers
  • Innovation skills
  • Differentiation capacity
  • Supply chain and product skills
  • Strategic orientation of the management
  • Culture and organisation
  • Financial stability

Source: IPLC

Medina, who has been involved in private-label negotiations for fish products, said depending on the country, logistical considerations may be crucial.