AWMA TO OFFER DATA ON CD-ROM

LISA A. TIBBITTS

WASHINGTON -- The American Wholesale Marketers Association here is planning to distribute manufacturer product information on compact disk-read only memory.

Called MarketPlus, the electronic data base will be distributed to member subscribers once a month by AWMA, the national trade association of wholesalers who deal mainly with candy and tobacco products. About 30 wholesalers have already subscribed or indicated their intention to do so, according to David Strachan, executive vice president and chief executive officer of AWMA.

The system will contain information normally shown on a brand marketer's fact sheets or promotional literature, such as pricing, packs, sizes, and ordering and shipping details. Full color photographs, universal product codes and planogramming specifications will be included, along with lists of current and upcoming deals and promotions.

MarketPlus was designed to function on any IBM-compatible personal computer or PC network with Windows and a CD-ROM drive. It can also be used with laptop systems.

The system will be produced by Automated Catalogue Services, Wayne, Pa., which has developed similar programs for trade associations in various industries.