Recently, FPA members gathered in Chicago, Illinois for the 2005 Fall Executive Conference to discuss Retail Driven Change: How and Why Retailers Influence Packaging Decisions.

Nick Vafiadis of Chemical Market Associates, Inc. discussed the polyolefins market and the profound long and short-term changes that are occurring within this market. Nick detailed the impact Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had on the polyethylene market, new global polyethylene production capacity and large low-cost capacity growth in the Middle East. An article by Nick detailing his presentation at the Fall Executive Conference follows within this issue of the FPA Update.

Bruce Deckman of Strategic Analysis Inc. detailed the results of market research on the Impact Retailers are Having on Packaging Decisions. Conducted on behalf of the Flexible Packaging Association, SAI’s research gathered information on several types of retailers including superstores, grocery stores, club stores, convenience and drug stores, “category killers” and department stores. The Impact Retailers are Having on Packaging Decisions Report will soon be distributed to FPA members at no charge. The report will be available to non-members for $3500.

Luncheon speaker, Dr. Robert Genetski presented his optimistic economic outlook for the economy and financial markets. He also discussed how the applications of classic economic principals promote growth in the economy and financial market.

Shelf Impact editor, Jim George, moderated an End-User Panel discussion on Meeting Customers Needs. The discussion featured a lively exchange of information between FEC attendees and panelists Duane McDonald of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Valerie Sooky of Masterfoods and Neil Myers of Pennington Seed, Inc.

Jim Peters, director of education for IoPP discussed What’s Happening on the Shelf and the diversity of product packaging from club stores to discount dollar stores; and globalization expert, Tom Faranda discussed retail and retailing from a global perspective.