Label Market Remains Strong

"Looking at new markets, new opportunities, is critical to remain healthy," claims Reardon. "If not new markets and new opportunities, then looking at new ways of doing what you do is important." He adds that mergers and acquisitions are picking up across the country. According to AWA data, the buying and selling of companies across the value chain, for strategic reasons, or by private-equity and investment groups, for financial reasons, is increasing. "The sector is overdue for further consolidation, driven by attractive growth and profitability, providing opportunities for both strategic and financial buyers," states Reardon.