BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING


about exploring how third-party providers can support their needs effectively. Having met BCMPA members at the event, attendees left feeling elated, knowing they had discovered a valuable resource to access the services required to support their businesses.” Co-packers’ ability to pivot quickly to meet unexpected demands is an asset that proved invaluable during Black Friday, arguably the  speed are paramount. In 2023, Black Friday sales reached an astonishing £13.3 billion, underscoring the immense pressure on  the period: “Nobody knows exactly how their orders will pan out beforehand. Everyone hopes they’ll be huge, some will be and some won’t. The ability to scale up effectively during such times is not only a massive logistical challenge but also something that requires prior experience to execute properly.” This scalability isn’t just about handling high volumes, it’s also about managing the


aftermath. “For young brands, the importance of scaling up quickly cannot be overstated. However, it’s also critical not to carry that  days or two weeks, but then what happens  is key to what you’re buying into when you outsource,” Verkaik explained.


DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Digitalisation is reshaping the landscape for co-packers, enhancing visibility, collaboration and agility across supply chains. Verkaik shared her insights: “Digitalisation has been a key topic of discussion at the BCMPA for a long time. It’s increasingly recognised as a way to engage more effectively with customers and gain traction. By identifying and tracking everything down to the last minute, such as where stock is located, you   BCMPA members are leading the charge


in adopting digital tools that streamline labour-intensive operations like gift packing and multipacks. These innovations enable co-packers to respond faster to clients’ needs, making them more valuable partners in the fast-paced FMCG sector. Verkaik highlighted the importance of these tools: “At our recent conference, we had a presentation on digitalisation, from the co pack software provider Nulogy. Following that session, several of our members have adopted new  shared by other co-packers who spoke about how these tools have transformed their businesses.”


This shift is not just about adopting new technologies, it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement. “Digitalisation supports collaboration in ways that were previously impossible. For example, customers can now monitor the performance of their campaigns in real time, identifying what’s selling through and adjusting


FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | FEBRUARY 2025 9


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