THE BCMPA – the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics – believes the recent Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show underlined the strength of outsourcing specialists and the role they play in the packaging supply chain.
The exhibition, co-located with Packaging Innovations & Empack, also highlighted entrepreneurial talent in the industry with start-ups looking for third parties to take their business to the next level. It was a theme endorsed by the debut of the BCMPA-sponsored Pitch the Co-Packers Final, which took place on the Supply Chain Stage.
The competition showcased the ways outsourcing helps young brands with their packaging and supply chain, enabling them to focus on their own business plans. The winner was Renata Sá, founder of HANGOV, a new wellness brand offering a Brazilian-style preparation drink designed to support the body before alcohol consumption.
“This year’s Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show put forward the positive case our members can make to assisting brands and retailers – big or small,” said Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA. “We are building a community of businesses with the expertise that can unlock the true potential of a brand.
“Start-ups taking their first steps need our members’ help to get their product to market. Without supply chain specialists – including contract packers, manufacturers, and e-commerce and fulfilment specialists – it does not matter how good the packaging is; you need to get your products out efficiently and safely. Using the expertise of third parties enables and accelerates this process.
“It’s why Pitch the Co-Packers was such a success. Not only were the four finalists incredibly passionate about their brand, with compelling and inspirational stories, it showcased what our members can do to assist them. Congratulations to Renata for her impressive pitch – a worthy winner.”
Demand for third-party partnerships is said to be as strong as ever despite challenging economic headwinds and concern over the direction of packaging regulation, particularly Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Despite this uncertainty, the BCMPA added that the show underlined the knowledge of contract manufacturers and their ability to innovate irrespective of the market conditions.
The conversation over the impact of EPR, plus a range of other topics, will continue at this year’s BCMPA Conference which takes place at the Oxford Belfry from 31 March – 1 April. For more information visit https://bcmpa.org.uk/events/bcmpa-conference-2026
