Wendy future of retail top

CDMA Expo gives buyers, suppliers opportunity to interact

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TAMPA, Fla. — Front-end suppliers, buyers from regional drug chains and representatives from regional drug wholesalers were among those converging on the Tampa Convention Center recently for the 88th annual trade expo of the Chain Drug Marketing Association (CDMA).

The four-day event featured private label educational breakouts, seasonal showcases, a store brand forum, awards ceremonies and a trade floor on which more than 100 exhibitors presented their latest wares.

The opportunity for suppliers to mix with buyers who are often difficult to contact and who do not frequently attend other trade shows was among the convention highlights, providing networking opportunities and the exchange of business ideas. The conference also presented attendees with an opportunity to learn about CDMA programs developed to help boost front-end profits.

After examining 89 products featured at the convention’s product showcase, buyers singled out Peel & Play activity sets from Petaluma, Calif.-based Mrs. Grossman’s Paper Co. for special recognition.

Jim Evans of Evans Drug Center was named CDMA retailer member of the year. Supplier of the year honors went to Geddes School Supplies.

CDMA president Jim Devine and vice president Judy Aspinall presented two awards to Jack Walker, outgoing chairman of CDMA: the Jack E. Fruth Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of Walker’s long service to the industry, and the Chairman’s Award for his contribution as CDMA chairman from 2009 to 2013.

In the store brand category, John Devine, CDMA’s executive vice president, handed out the supplier of the year award to AAA Pharmaceutical Inc. The pharmacy chain of the year award went to Fruth Pharmacy, while the category’s wholesaler of the year award went to Drogueria Betances of Puerto Rico.


ECRM_06-01-22


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