(Fort Worth, TX) – October 16, 2007 –   FMI applauds MMI Store Brands’ innovative ProductMaster™ service as a means to assist retailers in managing their private label information and projects. Powered by Agentrics GenNovation software, ProductMaster allows retailers to collaborate with their suppliers on specifications and compliance, as well as facilitating processes like product introduction and label design.


The technology provides a web-based centralized database that bridges several functions improving communication, increasing efficiency and reducing cycle time. ProductMaster provides an online catalog of private label products, specifications and label images. Suppliers maintain this information along with their contact information themselves. The data, including requirements for allergens, country of origin, product safety and quality, is stored in the powerful database allowing it to be “sliced and diced” to quickly respond to consumer questions and crises. Advanced options include product introduction Stage Gate™ work?ows, product evaluations, plant audits, customer complaints and product recalls, which provide a complete product lifecycle management system.


FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds states, “ProductMaster can be used by retailers to collaborate with their suppliers and better understand their retailer-branded products.” He continues, “The comprehensive nature of the system promises a strong foundation to manage private label collaboration and compliance.”


MMI EVP Bill Bradshaw adds, “We are excited to offer retailers a platform on which they can execute their entire private label strategy using advanced collaboration technology.”


About MMI Store Brands:
Fort Worth-based MMI is a comprehensive provider of services to the food and retail industries. These services include retail marketing and merchandising, brand development, consumer research, quality assurance testing, consumer response, inventory management and label and package design. To learn more, visit www.mmistorebrands.com.


About FMI:
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of its 1,500 member companies — food retailers and wholesalers — in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores with a combined annual sales volume of $680 billion — three-quarters of all retail food store sales in the United States. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 companies from more than 50 countries.