BCMPA highlights how outsourcing provides the ‘magic ingredient’ for brands at London Packaging Week 2026

Packaging Solutions

The BCMPA, the association for contract manufacturing, packing, fulfilment and logistics, will show how specialist outsourcing partners bring a ‘touch of magic’ to turn promising ideas into practical, scalable and market ready products when it returns to London Packaging Week at Excel London on 16 and 17 September 2026.

Visitors to stand A64 will be able to meet the BCMPA team and learn how its members support businesses ranging from start ups and challenger brands to established manufacturers and retailers. Their expertise spans manufacturing, filling, packaging formats and materials, compliance, logistics and scale up, helping brands combine visual impact with functionality, efficiency and cost effectiveness. This is across a wide range of product sectors including food, drink, personal care, beauty, luxury, gift packing and e-commerce and fulfilment.

‘Getting a product to market is rarely as straightforward as it first appears,’ said Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA. ‘Behind the finished pack are countless decisions covering manufacturing, filling, materials, compliance, logistics and scalability. The real magic is having an experienced partner who can see the whole journey and help a brand make the right choices at the right time.’

To highlight the instrumental role of outsourcing, the BCMPA and Easyfairs will be launching the 2027 edition of Pitch the Co-Packers at the show. The BCMPA sponsored initiative that connects ambitious start ups and early stage brands with experienced contract manufacturing and packing specialists.

‘Pitch the Co-Packers shows what can happen when entrepreneurial ideas meet practical manufacturing expertise,’ added Emma. ‘We want to hear from exciting young brands looking for the guidance, knowledge and outsourcing partner that can help make their vision a reality. This is where the magic of co-packing really comes to the fore.’

The finalists of the competition will be announced in January and be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of hand picked industry judges who will select the winner at Packaging Innovations & Empack in February.

Laura Ball, business development director at PHL Group, and a longstanding BCMPA member, expands upon the central role and value that a co packer brings to the product road map. ‘The magic of co-packers is the 360 degree visibility of the whole journey and what the client is trying to achieve, from co-packing the product and delivery, through to the end-user experience,’ she said. ‘From co-packing the product and its delivery, through to the end user experience, they draw on a wealth of expertise from their third party provider, to find the right solution, saving time and cost while delivering the consumer and brand experience the customer is looking for.’

Tracy Southwell, managing director at March Foods, added that the best outsourcing partners combine technical, operational and commercial understanding. ‘One of the biggest misconceptions is that co-packers simply manufacture products,’ she said. ‘In reality, the best co-packers bring a blend of technical expertise, operational experience and commercial insight that helps bring products to life. The real magic is helping brands scale great ideas into products that consumers choose and enjoy every day.’

The technical expertise provided by outsourcing experts, alongside operational know how and a collaborative workflow, helps to establish a production model capable of supporting rapid growth while protecting product quality and brand integrity.

Ian Wright, managing director at Prism eLogistics, highlighted how that partnership approach supports brands at every stage. ‘For growing brands, the magic of outsourcing is having an experienced partner who can turn great ideas into practical, scalable solutions,’ he said. ‘Whether it is co-packing, shrink sleeving or selecting the right packaging format, we work with customers from start ups to established brand names, simplifying processes, improving efficiency and preparing products for growth.’