The BCMPA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025, a year that demonstrated the robustness, creativity and innovation within the contract manufacturing, packing and logistics sectors. This was despite a backdrop of increasing economic pressures, supply chain complexities and an ever-changing legislative landscape.
CEO at BCMPA
As we reflect on the past 12 months, 2026 is already shaping up to be another demanding one, but one which emphasises the importance of outsourcing and where we see businesses continuing to leverage third-party expertise across manufacturing, packing, supply chain management, regulatory compliance, fulfilment and logistics.
Outsourcing’s vital role
To mark the BCMPA’s 25th Anniversary, we launched the novel #outsourcingis campaign at the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show in February, as part of Packaging Innovations & Empack, to showcase the critical role outsourcing plays in helping brands, retailers and start-ups bring products to the market. As part of the campaign, the Association created a series of videos from interviews with members highlighting what outsourcing means to them. It offered valuable insight into how brands, retailers and entrepreneurs save time, reduce costs, scale efficiently and accelerate speed to market.
BCMPA Conference and Pitch the Co-Packers
To further endorse the importance of outsourcing, the BCMPA launched a new and exciting competition for entrepreneurs at London Packaging Week. ‘Pitch the Co-Packers’ targets start-ups and early-stage brands, offering them the chance to present their product in a Dragons’ Den-style setting for a chance to win a cash prize and a consultancy that will help them take the product to market. Entries are now open and Pitch the Co-Packers will run at The Contract Pack & Fulfilment show, co-located with Packaging Innovations and Empack, on 11th – 12th February.
Our membership continues to grow, and the Association has been strengthened further by the launch this year of the associate membership programme. This has led to greater content and richer networking opportunities within the BCMPA with topic-led webinars by associate members providing a valuable source of information.
In 2026, the BCMPA Conference returns to tackle the big themes with an authoritative line-up of speakers. It promises to bring together the industry’s big hitters and influencers as well as featuring keynote presentations and panel discussions. The event takes place on 31st March – 1st April at the Oxford Belfry, with an overnight networking dinner followed by a full day of Conference, where speakers will cover topics ranging from Cyber Security, Automation & Robotics, EPR, and the future of Packaging and much more.
BCMPA continues presence at Industry Trade Shows
Our presence at a number of industry relevant exhibitions continues to be important as we spread the word about the capabilities and services of our members. The BCMPA will be exhibiting at 6 exhibitions in 2026 including CHEMUK, Making Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, the White Label Expo and London Packaging Week. We are delighted to be taking our largest cohort of members with us to the 2026 Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show at Packaging Innovations & Empack in February at the NEC.
Underpinning all our 2026 activities will be the BCMPA’s improved website. More than a first point of contact, the redesigned site will provide a better user experience with a greater depth of content for visitors to learn more and gain a deeper understanding of the wide range of work and services provided by our members.
The year ahead is a pivotal one for the BCMPA and its members. We will continue to demonstrate the advantages of using third-parties within the supply chain, especially focused on co packing, e-commerce fulfilment and logistics, and how the industry delivers value, resilience and innovation.
BCMPA
01494 582013
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