The 'Herrods' of Buyers Guides

Published: May 31, 2006, By Yolanda Simonsis, Associate Publisher/Editor

Editorial

Harrods of London department store prides itself as the store that has everything. To “prove” it, some jovial Brit spread a rumor that a customer once challenged Harrods’ claim by requesting a sandwich comprising an elephant ear on a bun. The store clerk took the order with a smile and said he’d return promptly with his request.

Imagine the smug look on the customer’s face when, after a longer wait than usual, the clerk returned without the sandwich in hand. The customer mockingly suggested, “So, don’t tell me you’re fresh out of elephant ears!” The clerk replied, “I’m so sorry, sir; that wasn’t the problem at all. Surprisingly, we’re fresh out of buns!”

It’s a long way to get to my point that PFFC’s June Buyers Guide directory issue has a 49-year tradition of providing valued and comprehensive information that our readers reference throughout the year. And it’s a reference tool you’ll want to keep at the ready even if you’re not in need of the data this very instant.

I can’t remember the number of times I’ve received phone calls from frantic people desperately searching for supplier information. Some are new to the business, others unexpectedly have lost their source of supply, while others simply are considering a new vendor for various reasons.

Irrefutably, PFFC lists almost twice as many product categories (more than 400!) of supply than our closest competitor. Check out our color-coded Product Classification Index, starting on pBG4, that’s divided into three sections: Basic Materials (Films & Resins, Foils, and Paper & Board); Supplies & Services; and Accessories, Machinery & Equipment. I recommend getting familiar with the directory so when an emergency arises, you’ll be able to locate the information you need quickly.

You’ll also find a handy, annually updated listing of both domestic and international associations serving the converting industry. Each association is listed with contact information, including its Web site.

Of course, you also can access PFFC’s annual Buyers Guide on the Internet at here. Here you can opt to use either the June e-zine (i.e., digital) edition of the Buyers Guide or you can click on “Directories” located in the red navigation bar at the top of our home page. In either case, everything is searchable.

While our Buyers Guide is a complete and invaluable reference, the June issue of PFFC—as always—offers much more. As with every issue, the editors are deeply involved in collecting and reporting on industry news, providing our readers with our standard complement of full feature and monthly column coverage. We never take shortcuts, and this month is no exception.

This month’s cover story features Sealed Air’s Cryovac division. Learn from its 50-year experience in the manufacture of quality flexible packaging for fresh foods. Appraise our Top 10 Products from PFFC’s E-Clips electronic newsletter, rounding up the year’s favorite products based on click-through response. Review the FTA Forum/Info*Flex and Paperboard Packaging Council meeting and conference along with each organization’s competition results. Check out how retortable stand-up pouches meet McCormick & Co.’s expectations. Lastly, assess a technical report on combination printing advancements.

We may not serve elephant ears on a bun, but this issue certainly doesn’t skimp on anything else!

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