"These scores are a reminder that great wine does not have to come with a big price tag."

- Curtis Mann, Master of Wine and vice president of adult beverage at Kroger, said after six wines from Kroger’s exclusive portfolio received scores of 91 points or higher from two of the wine world's most respected critics: Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling.

In response to the popularity of store brand wine, PLMA's 2026 Store Brand Marketplace, Nov. 15-17 in Chicago, will feature a dedicated Wine & Spirits section on the Show floor that gives buyers one-stop access to private label sourcing opportunities from around the world.

"Our goal is to simplify and enhance our customers’ grocery shopping experiences while also bringing them extraordinary quality at an affordable price."

- Tim Horton, Vice President of Center Store, Schnuck Markets, said about the launch of Culinaria Italian Table - a private label line of super-premium, authentic Italian culinary products now available to customers at all Schnucks stores. Sourced directly from Italy, the line includes more than 40 different products spanning pastas, sauces, olive oils, and vinegars with more to follow.

Ethnic simmer sauces provide quick-and-easy way to bring global flavors to life. Kowalski’s Markets has a full line of Indian store brand simmer sauces: Korma Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala, Tandori Grill Sauce and Vindaloo Marinade.

Italian-centric grocer Uncle Giuseppe’s, based on Long Island, N.Y., opened its 13th store, located in Greenvale, N.Y.

Along with an abundance of fresh prepared foods, it carries a wide range of shelf stable private label items.

I recently toured the store and here’s what I found: 

The new store in Greenvale, N.Y., opened in August.

Signature pasta sauces

Olive oil

Olive oil

Imported tomatoes

Breadcrumbs

Marinated mushrooms

Marinated mushrooms

Sampling stations

Gift baskets filled with private label specialties

 

 

Watch my video news report on the store here:

In a challenging retail environment where American consumers are carefully scrutinizing their grocery purchases, store brands outperformed national brands in unit sales over the first nine months of the year by a full percentage point - up 0.2% for store brands vs down 0.8% for national brands.

Store brand unit sales increased in five of the nine reporting periods so far this year, according to Circana, PLMA's exclusive provider of sales data, and outpaced national brands in seven of the nine. As a result of this steady performance, store brand unit share has risen to 23.6%, a new record.

Nearly eight in 10 U.S. personal care shoppers purchased at least one store brand product during the past six months. Yet store brands reach only about one-third of the personal care categories these shoppers buy, revealing significant room for growth.

PLMA’s inaugural Shopper Intelligence study surveyed 1,501 shoppers across 14 categories. Among the findings:

• Store brand trial was highest in first aid at 64%, followed by incontinence at 47% and body wash, soap and bath at 35%.
• Performance was the leading trial motivator: 64% said store brands perform as well as national brands, compared with 42% citing lower price.

The study also explores where shoppers hesitate, what could encourage trial and which category relationships may support broader adoption.

The findings debuted during PLMA’s October 1 Lunch and Learn. Click here to view the presentation. The Show’s Opening Seminars in November will provide an overview of topline results and expand on their managerial implications.

58% of consumers say they don't care if a product is a national brand or private label. They just buy what they need, according to a NielsenIQ report, “A Tale of Two Consumers: The Polarized Mindsets Reshaping Global Consumption.”

Among other findings:

• 67% of Gen Z consumers believe private-label products are just as good as national brands.
• 68% of consumers view private-label products as a good alternative to national brands.
• 69% of consumers believe private-label products offer good value for money.
• About one-third of price-constrained consumers will switch to lower-priced products or whichever brand is on promotion.