FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Libby M. Roberge
Director, Marketing & Communications
lmroberge@plma.com
press@plma.com
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Record Number of Products Judged, Bold Flavors, Wellness,
International Influence Shine Across Multiple Categories
NEW YORK (October 20, 2026) – Walmart Inc., Sam's Club®, Wakefern Food Corp.®, Topco Associates, Whole Foods Market, ALDI and Albertsons Companies were the top winners of PLMA's 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards®.
Now in its 40th year, the competition drew a record number of more than 900 product entries from North American retailers and wholesalers. Entries were judged by a panel of consumer and industry professionals for taste and sensory appeal, packaging, product concept, and value for money.
“The Salute to Excellence Awards® are a great opportunity to not only bring awareness to store brands and what they offer, but a way to honor great retailers for their quality of products and inspire more trust for consumers in a world where they’re looking to store brands increasingly often”, said Suzanne Caputo, Director, Retail Trade Relations at PLMA.
Trends among this year's food and beverage winners included pickle flavors, Korean- and Latin-inspired dishes, better-for-you options, indulgent dessert and café flavors, and functional foods built around fiber and protein. On the non-food side, standouts featured sensory, food-inspired scents, gentle sensitive-skin and "free" formulas, health-focused pet products, and fun items designed for kids and parents.
Among the top winning products were:
- Walmart Inc. (Marketside): Dill Pickle Hamburger Buns
- Topco Associates (TopCare): Vanilla & Sandalwood Deodorant
- Walmart Inc. (Great Value): Agua de Coconut con Pulpa
- Albertsons Companies (Signature Select): Kids Mythical Creatures Bandages
- Sam's Club® (Member's Mark): High Protein Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage
- ALDI (Fremont Fish Market): Yellowfin Tuna in Oil
- Walmart Inc. (Equate): Sensitive Skin Foaming Wash
- ShopRite/Wakefern Food Corp.® (Bowl & Basket): Blueberry Pie Trail Mix
- Whole Foods Market: Pasture-Raised Regenerative Organic Brown Eggs
- Topco Associates (Food Club): Drink Mix Stix Variety Pack
- Albertsons Companies (Signature Select): Rechargeable Toothbrush
- Walmart Inc. (Vibrant Life): Crystal Health Monitoring Cat Litter
- Sam's Club® (Member's Mark): Clybourn 4-Piece Outdoor Sofa Seating Set
A full list of winners can be found online at this link.
About PLMA
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry worldwide. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA, is the only trade group of its kind, representing more than 5,200 member companies in more than 80 countries. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label international trade show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides in person and online events including annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities. An advocate for the industry, PLMA created Store Brands Month, a nationwide collaboration of retailers, wholesalers, and private label suppliers focused on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories and retail formats. For more information visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA on LinkedIn.