PLMA News

PLMA's 2023 Trade Show to Hail 'The Store Brands Phenomenon'

The largest event for store brands in North America is set for November 12-14 in Chicago

NEW YORK (April 24, 2023) - At a time when store brands have grown to become a $230 billion industry in the U.S., PLMA has announced a fitting theme for its 2023 Private Label Trade Show: “The Store Brands Phenomenon.”

The show will be held November 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

"'The Store Brands Phenomenon' theme is appropriate in many ways," said PLMA President Peggy Davies. "Hailed as dynamic, innovative and pervasive, store brands offer boundless opportunities for retailers, manufacturers and trade suppliers."

The growth of store brands has been strong and steady. By the end of 2022, PLMA calculates that annual store brand sales had increased by 40% over a five-year period. Last year's double-digit gains continued through the first quarter of 2023, according to Circana. Sales and dollar and unit market shares are at all-time highs.

They are the shopper’s best friend, offering innovation, performance and quality. Store brands accounted for nearly one-third of all new sales flowing into U.S. retailing last year.

And there's more to come. Every day, store brand products are moving into new categories, new chains, new channels, and new platforms.

“Store brands are a powerful retailer component that provides important points of differentiation, competitive advantage and builds consumer loyalty," added Davies.

The 2023 Private Label Trade Show will reflect this expansion. PLMA expects that over 1,500 companies will be exhibiting and 5,000 individuals attending.

"For more than 40 years, PLMA has provided supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, wholesale clubs, dollar and specialty stores, mass merchandisers, importers and exporters, and e-commerce retailers an exclusive venue to discover the latest food and non-food products, ingredients, flavors, fragrances, and packaging,” Davies said.

For more information on "The Store Brands Phenomenon" trade show, contact PLMA at +1 212 972-3131, email info@plma.com or click here for more information.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 4,000 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities. Follow PLMA on plma.com, plmainternational.com, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Store Brand Beverage Numbers Deserve a Toast!

Featured in PLMA’s e-Scanner March 25, 2023 newsletter, created by Tom Prendergast, Director, Research Services

Throughout store brands' steady double-digit gains of 2022, which has continued through the first two months of this year, fully 16 of the 17 departments tracked by IRI showed store brand improvement.

One department demonstrated particularly strong sales performance -- Beverages -- a section once considered impenetrable for store brands due to the powerhouse national brands that inhabit it.

But that dominance may be changing. In this extremely competitive department, store brands have been growing at a faster pace than brands for the past 4, 12 and 52 weeks, reported IRI Unify exclusively to PLMA.

The numbers deserve a toast. Total private label beverage sales in 2022 were $12 billion and dollar sales grew by 19.3%. Double digit growth continued into the new year as dollar sales over the past four weeks totaled 18.6%, only a slight dip from the 20% sales growth in the past three months.

The Beverages department is the third largest of the 17 tracked by IRI when it comes to national brand and store brand dollar sales ($130B) and second largest in unit sales with over 40 billion in sales.

The largest category in beverages is bottled water. The category has sales of $6.8 billion in 2022 and dollar sales growth of 23.1%. While dollar sales did slow, from 21.3% over 12 weeks to 20.3% in the past four weeks, it remains the largest dollar sales category in the department.

Water is not the only growth category in this department. When you take a closer look at other areas you see while not everyone is showing growth but the ones gaining sales are especially strong.

For instance, carbonated beverages have increased from 15.8%-dollar sales growth last year to 32.4% in February and 28.9% over the past three months. This growth is also reflected in unit sales, as sales for carbonated beverages grew 4% in the past 4 weeks and 1.2% over the past 12 weeks. While unit sales did dip 2.5% last year, like dollar sales, sales of units of carbonated beverages continued to advance.

Two other growing categories over this period were refrigerated tea/coffee and tea bags. Refrigerated tea/coffee grew from 8.2% in dollar sales last year to 10.7% in the past four weeks. Tea bags had even more dramatic results, as dollar sales went from 5% in 2022 to 12.3% in the past three months to 17.5% in the past four weeks.

Other categories also stood out. These include bottled juices (10%), coffee (15.4%) and ready to drink tea/coffee (15.8%); all had double digit growth in 2022. In the past four weeks, while growth has slowed, it remains positive, ranging from 66.8% for ready to drink tea and coffee to 13.9% for coffee and 10.2% for bottled juices.

Unit sales improvements were also striking. Ready to drink tea/coffee saw units rise from 10.4% in 2022 to 84% over the past 3 months and 75.7% in the past 4 weeks. Coffee unit sales were up 2.8% last year but kept most of that growth in the past four weeks with a 2.5%-unit sales growth.

After decades of being a bottom shelf afterthought in a strong national branded department, store brands are evolving to become a presence if not a player in many parts of the huge Beverages sector.

To find out more IRI Unify data is available to all PLMA members and can be found at plma.com where these statistics and sales of 317 categories and 967 subcategories can be found.

PLMA Announces 2023 Private Label Hall of Fame Inductees

NEW YORK (March 23, 2023) - The Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2023 was inducted last night during PLMA’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Orlando.

Presented by PLMA and Store Brands magazine, the Private Label Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize the men and women who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the global private brand industry.

This year, the Hall of Fame honors 16 individuals in four categories: Next Gen Private Label Leader, Private Brand Innovator, Private Brand Champion, and Lifetime Achievement.

“We proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of these proven leaders and innovators,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “Their hard work and dedication are instrumental to the success of the store brands business.”

Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Next Gen Private Label Leader:

Anthony Cera III, Own Brands Manager, Perishables, SpartanNash
Colleen Kangas, President, Purcell International
Angela LePore, Senior Manager, Private Brands Product Development, Simmons Pet Food, Inc.
Kristin Provost, Senior Manager, Category Insights, Topco Associates, LLC

Private Brand Innovator:
Alicia Cook, Category Director, Save A Lot
Casey Creegan, Manager of Merchandising, Love’s Travel Stops
Roger Scommegna, CEO, Flying Blue Imports
Guido Tremolini, President/Co-Owner, G.S. Gelato

Private Brand Champion:

Shane Brown, Director, Own Brand Sourcing, Giant Eagle, Inc.
Jill Clark, VP, Sales and Marketing, Dutch Gold Honey, Inc.
Andrea Collaro, Senior Director, Owned Brands, Brand Management/Product Development, Walgreens Co.
Kristie Nicolosi, CEO, The Kingswood Company

Lifetime Achievement:

Brenda Lord, Vice President, Private Brands, CVS Health
Nancy Ragozzino, President, Ragozzino Foods, Inc.
Andy Russick, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Pacific Coast Producers
Jill Sando, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Target

“The 16 honorees represent the best of the best from across the world of private label and showcase the depth of talent the industry has to offer,” said Store Brands magazine Executive Editor & Associate Publisher Greg Sleter. “This august group of retailers and suppliers have had a major impact on the private label business and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”

Profiles on all inductees will be featured in the May/June issue of Store Brands magazine, featured on StoreBrands.com, and posted in a special section of plma.com.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 4,000 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities. Follow PLMA on plma.com, plmainternational.com, Twitter and LinkedIn.

"How Private Label Packaging Strategies Influence Shoppers Intent to Purchase"

Store Brands Can Be Found Everywhere

What do lard and smokeless tobacco have in common?

They are two of only seven categories where there are no private label products listed in Circana’s Unify+ database on plma.com. The other 98% of food and non-food categories have private label products available, demonstrating how all-encompassing the store brand industry has become.

From bagels to tea bags, cold cereal to sports drinks, laundry detergent to cleaning tools and vitamins to toothpaste, store brands can be found anywhere across the 173 food categories and 144 non-food categories tracked by Unify+ by shoppers no matter what the channel.

The Circana Unify+ numbers also reflect how strong store brand growth has been in over 70% of those categories during the past 52 weeks.

In non-food categories for instance, categories like facial cosmetics have risen over 32% in private label dollar sales and 7% in unit sales from August 2022 to Aug 13, 2023. In dollar sales, the $1.6bn pet food category has increased 28.7% and pet treats have risen 22%. Foil pans (38.8%), laundry detergent (17.9%), moist towelettes (17.5%) and the growing store brand category of women’s fragrances has risen 97% during this period.

It is not just dollar sales on the rise. Unit sales also grew for these categories with foil pans (22.8%), women’s fragrances (50.6%), laundry detergent (4.8%) pet food (7.3%) and pet treats showing a 12.1% increase in private label unit sales.

Good news for store brands can be found on the food side with carbonated beverages up 27.5% in dollar sales and 4.4% in unit sales while frankfurters rose 29% in dollar sales and 22% in unit sales. Meanwhile the $627 million cold cereal category has increased 18.9% in dollar sales and risen 5.5% in unit sales during the past 52 weeks and bagels grew 19.7% in dollars and 9.5% in units during the past 52 weeks.

PLMA members can explore these and all 317 categories and over 950 subcategories, as well as insights into trends and consumer information with access to Circana’s Unify+ portal on plma.com.

Tom’s Data Dive is a monthly column written by Editor-in-Chief of PLMA’s e-Scanner newsletter, Tom Prendergast. This story is featured in PLMA’s September 23, 2023, e-Scanner newsletter.

See the World at PLMA Show

Authentic Specialty Products from 50 Countries at PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show, Nov. 12-14 in Chicago

NEW YORK (September 14, 2023) – At a time when consumers are on the hunt for authentic global foods, flavors and ingredients, 45% of the exhibit floor at PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show will be filled with companies from outside the U.S.

More than 700 specialty food and nonfood exhibitors from nearly 60 countries in Europe, South America and Asia will be featured in over 30 national pavilions and elsewhere on the show floor at the largest event for store brands in North America, November 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

“The 2023 Private Label Trade Show will reflect the rise in popularity of international cuisine by including an expanded assortment of ethnic foods, beverages, wine, confections and nonfoods,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies.

New pavilions this year include Belgium (Wallonia Region),Brazil, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine and the U.K.

They join expanded pavilions for Canada, Italy, France, Australia, Turkey and Serbia, along with pavilions for Belgium (Flanders region), Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Israel, Jordan, Peru, South Africa and Spain.

Among products on display:

Wines from South Africa
Flavored liqueurs from Portugal
Frozen and refrigerated meals
Belgian chocolates
Fruits from Chile
Rice from Thailand and Brazil
Greek olives and more

In addition to food and beverages, a large number of international nonfoods will be showcased. In fact, the international presence of nonfoods at the show has grown by 75% over last year. This includes cookware from Italy; beauty and cosmetic products from South Korea; laundry detergents from Turkey; skincare from Spain, and household wipes from China.

The focus on international products comes at a time when retailers are expanding their ethnic private brand product lines. Among the examples: Hy-Vee has a full line of authentic Italian pasta, sauce, oils and other products under the Gustare Vita private brand, while Lidl sells authentic Belgian chocolate as part of its Preferred Selection line. And Aldi has launched new Specially Selected wines from Argentina, Italy, France, New Zealand and Spain.

Along with authentic international products, PLMA’s 2023 "THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON” Private Label Trade Show will feature dozens of other product categories, including wine and spirits; baby care essentials; shelf-stable groceries; plant-based foods, beverages; fresh, frozen and refrigerated products; organics; foodservice products; beauty and cosmetics; pet care; personal and self-care; household and laundry; OTC pharmaceuticals; vitamins and supplements; paper and plastics; kitchenware and general merchandise.

This year’s show will have more than 1,600 exhibitors, a record number, and 5,000 attendees.

For more information on "THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON" trade show, contact PLMA at +1 212 972-3131, email info@plma.com or visit www.plma.com.

About PLMA

Innovation Fuels Double-Digit Sales Growth of Private Brand Baby Products

Baby Essentials in Spotlight at PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show, Nov. 12-14 in Chicago

NEW YORK (September 7, 2023) – From wipes to diapers, it’s Baby Care time at PLMA’s 2023 Annual Private Label Trade Show.

Wipes, diapers, food, feeding accessories, shampoos, creams and other personal care items, as well as kid snacks and beverages are among the on-trend items that will be featured at the show, November 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

With more than 1,600 exhibiting companies and 5,000 attendees, the show is the largest event for store brands in North America.

“The Private Label Trade Show is the premier event for baby care essentials,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “It’s the place to discover all the must-have products for shoppers with babies and young children.”

Dollar sales of private label baby wipes jumped 11.1% to $634 million and disposable diaper dollar sales rose 10% to $646 million in all outlets for the 52 weeks ending August 13, 2023, versus the same period the previous year, according to Circana data from PLMA’s Unify+ business intelligence tool.

Like many other categories, baby care is inspired by the clean movement, with more products featuring natural ingredients.

Among the examples:

Kroger’s Simple Truth fragrance-free natural baby wipes that are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Walmart’s Parent's Choice Limited-Edition Sunshine & Daydreams Baby Wipes infused with geranium and ylang ylang essential oils.
Amazon’s Mama Bear wipes made with 99% purified water and Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Diapers.
In the diaper category, retailers are offering parents convenience in the form of product upgrades and multiple packaging sizes, such as Topco’s Tippy Toes diapers, which come in jumbo, giant, even “super” packs.

Food is also getting retail attention. Target, for instance, has expanded its Good & Gather brand to include snacks and food for babies and toddlers.

Along with baby care products, PLMA’s 2023 "THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON” Private Label Trade Show will feature wine and spirits; shelf-stable groceries; plant-based foods, beverages; fresh, frozen and refrigerated products; organic; foodservice products; beauty and cosmetics, pet care, personal and self-care, household and laundry, OTC pharmaceuticals, vitamins and supplements, paper and plastics, kitchenware, general merchandise and many other categories.

For more information on "THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON" trade show, contact PLMA at +1 212 972-3131, email info@plma.com or visit www.plma.com.

About PLMA

You Can't Afford Not to Be a PLMA Member

If you are in the store brands business, you can't afford not to be a PLMA Member.

Did you know PLMA members receive discounted rates to attend November's “THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON” Private Label Trade Show and PLMA’s Executive Education program?

Members also get access to UNIFY+ monthly sales data. And much more. Becoming a PLMA member is an investment that delivers actionable real-time solutions so that your business thrives today and is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

For information, visit Join PLMA, or contact the membership team at memberservices@plma.com.

Private Brand Baby Products to be Featured in Chicago

Baby wipes, diapers, feeding accessories, shampoos, creams, and other personal care items, as well as kid snacks and beverages are among the items to be featured at the PLMA trade show, November 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

Dollar sales of baby wipes grew 11.1% to $634 million and disposable diapers dollar sales rose 10% to $646 million in all outlets for the 52 weeks ending August 13, 2023, versus the same period the previous year, according to Circana data from PLMA’s Unify+ business intelligence tool.

Like many other categories, baby care is inspired by the clean movement, with more products featuring sustainable ingredients and packaging.

Kroger’s Simple Truth fragrance-free natural baby wipes that are Rainforest Alliance Certified and Walmart’s Parent's Choice Limited Edition Sunshine & Daydreams Baby Wipes infused with essential oils are just two examples.

In diapers, retailers are offering parents convenience in the form of product upgrades and additional packaging sizes, such as Topco’s Tippy Toes diapers, which comes in jumbo, giant, even “super” packs.

Along with baby care products, PLMA’s 2023 "THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON” Private Label Trade Show will feature more than 1,600 exhibiting companies and 5,000 attendees. The show is the largest event for store brands in North America.

In addition to baby products, wine and spirits; shelf-stable groceries; plant-based foods, beverages; fresh, frozen and refrigerated products; organic; foodservice products; beauty and cosmetics, pet care, personal and self-care, household and laundry, OTC pharmaceuticals, vitamins and supplements, paper and plastics, kitchenware, general merchandise and many other categories will all be on display.

For more information, contact PLMA at +1 212 972-3131, email info@plma.com or click here for the show page.

PLMA Surveys Gen Z’s Attitudes on Store Brands

Gen Z, a demographic that is both attractive and challenging to marketers, is PLMA's latest research target.

The leading edge of Gen Z is still in their late-20s, and when it comes to their shopping behavior it is marked by their reputation as digitally astute, health, environmental and socially conscious, as well as value-driven. Despite these perceptions there are almost no insights into their purchasing habits and attitudes when it comes to store brands.

PLMA commissioned a nationwide survey of Gen Z. The participants were 934 men and women, largely 22 to 28 years of age, who self-identified as the primary grocery shopper for their household. It was conducted for PLMA by Surveylab, a global leader in customized online research.

Questions focused on Gen Zers' attitudes towards store brands, such as their awareness of the products, how often they buy them and how they compare them to national brands.

A detailed analysis of the survey's findings will be presented at PLMA's 2023 “THE STORE BRANDS PHENOMENON” Private Label Trade Show, November 12-14, in Chicago, by Dr. Sara Williamson. Dr. Williamson is a well-known marketing consultant, university professor and long-time faculty member of PLMA’s Executive Education Program.

As a preview, Dr. Williamson provided Scanner with preliminary results focusing on the importance of store brand product "reliability," a timely topic as retailers and suppliers prepare to gather for the Show.

"Nearly half of Gen Zers are purchasing store brands frequently or always during regular shopping. When asked to indicate the primary reason they choose a store brand over a national brand, aside from price, the most common answers were quality expectations and previous brand experience," she said.

Dr. Williamson offered other key findings. "Some 67% of Gen Z are 'extremely/very' aware of store brands; 63% buy store brands 'always/frequently;' 55% are 'extremely likely/likely' to experiment with store brands to find 'best value;' and perhaps most important of all, 49% 'always/frequently' choose a place to shop due to its store brands."

"The impact of store brand reliability is a solid indicator that the manufacturer-retailer relationship is more important than ever. To succeed with Gen Z, retailers must establish a foundation of store brand suppliers who meet their customers' quality expectations," she added.