Orlando, FL – Like most other commodities, the paper world is one constantly in flux.  Global consolidation and mill shutdowns have played contributing roles in the current cycle where prices continue to rise for uncoated, coated and board papers.  Ironically, coated papers remain the best value in today's market since they are less expensive than uncoated papers due to global supply.  That's where Central Florida Press (CFP) will help keep the lid on a project's budget.

One coated paper price increase already took place in the first quarter and another is likely before the end of 2011.  Major manufacturers of economy grade paper domestically and overseas have already announced price hikes of 6-8 % this year.  While demand is not the culprit, input costs such as global pressures, inflation and raw materials shortages are feeding a supply-restricted market and will likely cause another price bump later this year.  CFP's alignment with paper mill manufacturers and focus on the bigger picture is proving more beneficial than simply saving on price.  Having the ability to create custom papers by examining the printed product's use and life cycle will allow for a cost effective paper that's both optimal and durable.  

CFP has produced custom papers for major casual dining organizations and their individual concepts for over 15 years.  Tapping into its relationships with their paper mill partners, CFP provides custom coated or uncoated products such as menus and other in-store items.  

"We have a much stronger value proposition to present to our customers and one that is not easily outsold by our competitors," explained John Glick, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Central Florida Press.  "Tailor-making paper that is unique to each menu concept has delivered value to our customers and to our own company.  These custom grades are sold exclusively and cannot be sourced by other printers."

Casual dining restaurants change high volume menus on a regular basis with rotating monthly specials to keep customers returning.  CFP uses fine paper grades for these types of situations that call for high-end quality imaging.  Glick says one example of the benefits associated with custom stocks is the enhanced durability to bring about a greater number of "touches" on menus.

"Certain fibers are more conducive to better folding characteristics and lend themselves to a printed menu that looks better for a longer period of time," Glick said.  "Not all mills are created equally, but we have aligned ourselves with the best.  This allows CFP to give our customers a true custom product."

The next paper price increase will likely correlate with input costs and the overall demand for paper.  Glick points out that each raw material or ingredient used to manufacture paper creates its own market.  Engineering a sheet of custom paper enables CFP to present alternatives to achieve a certain print aesthetic while maintaining their customer's bottom line.

"We find value in partnering with merchants and distributors to give a much larger commitment volume-wise over many accounts," countered Glick.  "Some of these partners have worked in conjunction with us to identify the needs of our customers from a design perspective and have engineered stocks specific to a concept or brand."

Central Florida Press is one of the largest, multi-faceted commercial printers in the southeastern U.S. Founded in 1983, CFP in 2005 became a division of The MATLET Group, a certified Minority Business Enterprise and Corporate Plus member of NMSDC.  For more info, visit www.printcfp.com.