OCOTBER 2026
VERTEX AWARD WINNERS
Store Brands Continue to Lead PLMA Chicago Preview Nostalgia for Millennial Consumers
www.globalretailmag.com
c
BEST OF SHOW
ALBERT HEIJN CHOCOBITES NETHERLANDS
SIAL
HALL 1 STAND B279
VIEWPOINT
Tell Your Story—Retailers Are Listening Our industry has entered a new phase. What was once largely defined by cost, volume and manufacturing efficiency has evolved into a far more sophisticated business built around innovation, differentiation, quality and consumer value. For retailers, that evolution creates opportunity—and for suppliers, it creates an important mandate: Tell your story. Retail buyers are under enormous pressure. They are looking for suppliers who can deliver competitive pricing, dependable supply and consistent quality, but those are increasingly just the starting points. Retailers also want to understand what makes a supplier different. Where do its products come from? What is its expertise? How does it innovate? Can it respond quickly to changing consumer preferences? Can it bring something distinctive to the retailer’s private label program? Those answers can be powerful differentiators. Consider the supplier with a compelling heritage in a particular food category, the producer combining traditional methods with modern technology, or the company investing in sustainable sourcing, product development or specialized production capabilities. These aren’t simply corporate talking points. They can help a retailer understand the value a supplier can bring to the relationship. This is particularly important as private label moves beyond traditional value positioning. Consumers increasingly expect retailer brands to deliver quality, authenticity, provenance and innovation alongside affordability. Retailers, in turn, need suppliers capable of helping them deliver those attributes. That is why suppliers should think beyond the traditional sales presentation. A well-told story can introduce a retailer to the people, expertise and capabilities behind the product. It can establish credibility before the first meeting, reinforce a supplier’s value afterward and help transform a manufacturer from another potential source into a strategic partner. And the opportunity extends well beyond the sales meeting. Trade publications, digital content, video, social media, retailer presentations and industry events all provide opportunities to demonstrate expertise and build recognition. The most effective stories aren’t simply advertisements. They give buyers useful information, offer perspective on the category and provide a reason to remember the company. For suppliers, that should prompt a simple question: If a prospective retailer knows only your product and your price, do they really know your company? In today’s private label marketplace, suppliers have an opportunity to make the answer more meaningful. Talk about the expertise behind the product. Explain the investments being made in quality and innovation. Share the consumer insights driving new ideas. Put a face and a point of view behind the manufacturing capability. Don’t assume retailers will discover what makes you different. Give them a reason to know. The strongest supplier relationships are built on more than specifications, capacity and price. They are built on confidence, credibility and the belief that a supplier can contribute something meaningful to a retailer’s private label strategy. The products may open the door. Your story can help keep it open.
Phillip Russo Founder / Editor phillip@globalretailmag.com www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-russo-b5a85a1
4
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
CONTENTS G LO BA L RE TAIL BRAND S I OCTOBER 2026 I VOLU M E 14 I NU M B E R 3
18 64
33
DEPARTMENTS
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
COLUMNS
4 Viewpoint
16 S tore Brands Sales Continue to Lead
56 Retailer Spotlight: Giant Eagle
18 P LMA’s Chicago Preview
58 Global Olive Oil Market Update
FEATURE
60 P ackaging as a Strategic Advantage
10 Contributors 12 Events Calendar
33 V ertex Award Winners
62 T he Private Label Snack Revolution 64 N ostalgia for Millennial Consumers
6
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
TRADE FAIRS 66 M arca by BolognaFiere and ADM 67 SIAL Paris
68 Cibus 2027 SERVICES 70 A dvertiser’s Index Next Issue Highlights
CONNECTING INNOVATIVE SUPPLIERS
OCTOBER 2026 I VOLUME 14 I NUMBER 3 OF 4
Phillip Russo
EDITOR / PUBLISHER phillip@globalretailmag.com
with
LEADING RETAILERS Print. Digital. Social.
Jacco van Laar
BRAND AMBASSADOR jacco@globalretailmag.com
Melissa Subatch
NOVEMBER 2025
CREATIVE DIRECTOR info@melissasubatchdesign.com
Andrew Quinn
DIGITAL DIRECTOR andrew.quinniii@gmail.com
Made in Italy on American Shelves
Luisa Colombo
EUROPEAN DIRECTOR luisa@globalretailmag.com
Ana Maria Jimenez Aguilar
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ana@globalretailmag.com
Sabine Geissler
MAY 2026
PLMA Chicago 2025
GREENTASTE.IT Italian Business Development s.geissler@greentaste.it
US Store Brands Outperform National Brands
PLMA’s
www.globalretailmag.com
BOOTH #H-1705
SPONSORED BY
World oF PrivATE LabEl
CONTRIBUTORS
Perry Seelert
Emerge perry@emergefromthepack.com
AmsTErdAm
MARCH 2026
ITALIAN EXCELLENCE iN
C old ANd FrozEN dEPArTmENTs ArE
HoT iN THE Us sALuTE To EXCELLENCE
WiNnErs rEveaLEd www.globalretailmag.com
Christopher Durham
Velocity Institute cdurham@retailbrandsinstitute.org
PrivATE LabEl
Global Retailers are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands
Maria Dubuc
Marketing By Design mdubuc@mbdesign.com
Hans Kraak
2026 Supplier Guide PLMA Amsterdam Interview Store Brands Sales Surge Worldwide Consumers Are Reinventing Physical Stores
Kraak Media kraakmedia@gmail.com
Giovanni Quaratesi
Certified Origins giovanni@certifiedorigins.com
Tom Prendergast
PLMA tprendergast@plma.com SPONSORED BY
www.globalretailmag.com
Koen A. M. De Jong
IPLC kdejong@iplc-europe.com Published, Trademarked and all rights reserved by:
Kent Media
VISIT US AT
PLMA CHICAGO
BOOTH F-1907
Phillip Russo, Principal 225 1st Ave N. / Unit 3501 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel. +1 917 743 6711 All rights reserved under the Library of Congress. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing by the copyright owner. Opinions expressed by contributors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Global Retail Brands is published 4 times a year. Editorial Submissions phillip@globalretailmag.com
www.globalretailmag.com 8
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
Advertising Inquiries – EUROPE luisa@globalretailmag.com Advertising Inquiries – AFRICA, AMERICAS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, MIDDLE EAST phillip@globalretailmag.com • ana@globalretailmag.com Subscription Information phillip@globalretailmag.com www.globalretailmag.com
CONTRIBUTORS
LUISA COLOMBO
Luisa is an International Sales specialist with over 30 years of experience in the development organization and sales of products and services in an international environment. She has acquired extensive skills in promotion and advertising for the private label sector. Expert in the development of innovative sectors and products. For Global Retail Brands she shares the working group with Ms. Ana Maria Jimenez.
MARIA DUBUC
President of MBD, is a creative and workflow expert in the retail landscape, Maria’s 30-year career translates branding experiences into eye-catching design that is unique and distinct for each client. She has created new private brands and redesigned/repositioned existing brands with leading retailers, while also implementing workflow management systems specifically tailored to the clients’ needs. Current clients include The Home Depot, Smart & Final, PetSmart, 7-Eleven, PriceSmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Sprouts Farmers Market, WinCo Foods, Natural Grocers and more.
CHRISTOPHER DURHAM
President of the Velocity Institute. Prior to this he founded the groundbreaking site My Private Brand. He is the co-founder of The Vertex Awards. He began his retail career building brands at Food Lion and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Durham has worked with retailers around the world, including Albertsons, Family Dollar, Petco, Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, Metro Canada. Durham has published seven definitive books on private brands, including Fifty2: The My Private Brand Project and Vanguard: Vintage Originals.
REBECCA HAMILTON
Rebecca is the CEO of award-winning Fish Agency and sister agency Whitespace Brands Inc. With over 30 years of experience, she has established herself as one of North America’s leaders in the fields of strategic branding, retail design, and communications for clients in the retail sector. Under Rebecca’s oversight, the Fish Agency brings brands to life at retail and has consistently delivered high ROI-generating retail experiences for its clients. She mentors and leads highly experienced and integrated teams that provide store design, package design for CPG and private brands, digital/social initiatives, “phygital” experiences, and advertising services.
ELEANOR HECKS
Eleanor Hecks is an ecommerce and retail writer with more than 5 years of experience helping small businesses understand the nuances of retail marketing, sales, and growth. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine, and her work can be found on publications like Retailist Magazine and Specialty Retailer.
10
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
HANS KRAAK
Hans Kraak is educated in biology and journalism and wrote three books about nutrition and health. He worked for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. As editor in chief he publishes in the Dutch Magazine for Nutrition and Dietetics, as a food and wine writer he published in Meininger’s Wine Business International and reports for PLMA Live EU and PLMA USA.
KATIE LOCKE
If you’ve ever met Katie, you’ve seen or heard her excitement for building or rebuilding brands. Her passions also include just about every facet of food and eating experiences. For the past 13 years, Katie has worked in Sales & Marketing for Marketing by Design (MBD), a branding and packaging design agency specializing in high volume retailer programs.
GIOVANNI QUARATESI
Giovanni is Head of Corporate Global Affairs at Certified Origins, where he leads globa lcommunication strategies, stakeholder relations, and public outreach. With a deep commitment to food culture, innovation, and sustainability, he is a vocal ambassador for transparency and authenticity in the global food system. Whether representing Certified Origins at international forums or collaborating with public and private sectors, Giovanni champions initiatives that connect people to real food and support healthier choices.
TAE SUNG PARK
Tae has over 25 years of experience in technology and retail industries across North America and Asia, with the last 8 years focused on driving market data-based innovation into laundry care and home care industry in North America as the representative of WhiteCat in North America. He is passionate about technology-driven innovations that can have a positive and meaningful impact on the daily lives of consumers and their interaction with the world around them – “All the quiet smiles that surround us daily feels warmer than the Sun.”
PERRY SEELERT
A retail branding and marketing expert, with a passion for challenging conventional strategy and truths. Perry is the Strategic Partner and Co-founder of Emerge, a strategic marketing consultancy dedicated to helping Retailers, Manufacturers and Services grow exponentially and differentiate with purpose.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
SIAL Paris, France 17 - 21 OCTOBER
COSMOPROF INDIA Mumbai, India 10 - 12 DECEMBER
www.sialparis.com
www.cosmoprofindia.com
PLMA SUMMIT Copenhagen, Denmark 28 - 29 OCTOBER
www.plmainternational.com
JANUARY 2027 NOVEMBER COSMOPROF ASIA Hong Kong 10 - 13 NOVEMBER
MARCABYBOLOGNAFIERE Bologna, Italy 13 - 14 JANUARY www.marcabybolognafiere.com
www.cosmoprof-asia.com
WINTER FANCY FAIRE San Francisco, CA 17 - 19 JANUARY www.specialtyfood.com
PLMA CHICAGO Rosemont, IL 15 - 17 NOVEMBER www.plma.com
12
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
N O TA B L E
Store Brands Continue to Lead National Brands Extending a yearlong pattern, store brand unit sales finished ahead of national brand unit sales for the eight months ending August 9. Store brands increased by 0.3% in units while national brands fell 0.7%, a spread of one full percentage point, according to Circana, PLMA’s exclusive provider of sales data. Store brands outperformed national brands in unit sales every month but one so far in 2026. Store brand unit share for the period came in at 23.5%, an all-time high. Store brand dollar sales are also in the black for 2026, they were up 0.3%, while national brands were ahead 2%, largely on the strength of pricing strategies. Store brand dollar share was 21.1%.
On a department level, Pet Care store brand unit sales were plus 4.5%, tops in improvement for the 52 weeks ending August 9, followed by Beverages and Refrigerated, both +1.8%. In store brand dollar sales, Beverages was the big winner, at +5%, then Pet Care (+3.4), Frozen (+2.3%), General Merchandise (+2.1%), General Food (+1.9%) and Beauty (+0.8%). “The continued strength in store brand units shows that this is about more than consumers looking for savings,” said Peggy Davies, PLMA president. “Retailers owned brands are winning on quality, innovation and value, and they are becoming an increasingly important way for retailers to differentiate themselves and build customer loyalty.” Industry observers agree. “The U.S. grocery slowdown has entered a decisive new phase of falling unit sales as stretched American consumers pull back and buy fewer items,” says Bain & Company. “The slowdown began in mid-2025 with the emergence of a clear trend of negative unit growth
16
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
but has accelerated since February with units sold down sharply." "It's not surprising that in a year dominated by rising prices and sinking buying power, shoppers are choosing private label," said Sarah Mahoney, MediaPost. "What is unexpected is how pervasive, and perhaps permanent, those choices might be. Nearly all shoppers are saying they are likely to keep buying store brands even if prices decline." Retailers are well aware of how the environment favors store brands. Target's owned brands, which account for about 30% of its sales, will add 600 private label food and beverage items over the next two years, including 400 in its flagship grocery brand Good & Gather. Dollar General said consumers across income levels prioritize value. The company rolled out new private brand products and more than 70 back-to-school items priced at $1 or less. www.PLMA.com
N O TA B L E
PLMA Appoints Jennifer Linke Accomplished Retail and Private Brands Executive, Becomes Vice President, Association Relations The Private Label Manufacturers Association has announced the appointment of Jennifer Linke as Vice President, Association Relations, a newly created executive leadership position. In this role, Linke will lead PLMA’s member and retailer engagement, marketing and communications, and programs and events, with a focus on strengthening industry collaboration and expanding the year-round value PLMA delivers to its members. Linke brings extensive private brand and retail experience to PLMA, the New York-based trade association with some 5,300 members that represents the global store brands business. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Sourcing & Private Brands at Union Supply Group, a division of Aramark, following her role as Vice President, Retail at Aramark. She previously held senior leadership positions in brand and category management at Federated Group, as well as merchandising and sourcing roles with ALDI USA and Sears Holdings Global Sourcing.
“PLMA continues to evolve alongside a private brand industry that is growing in scale, sophistication and strategic importance,” said Peggy Davies, President of PLMA. “Jen’s leadership will help us build on that momentum by strengthening connections among our members, retailers and industry partners and creating more opportunities for collaboration, engagement and year-round value.” Linke’s appointment supports PLMA’s broader BRIDGE strategy — Building Resilience, Innovation, Development, Growth and Excellence — which is guiding the Association’s continued evolution as a year-round industry resource. The strategy focuses on strengthening industry leadership and insights, deepening member engagement, expanding education and professional development, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the value PLMA delivers to its members and the private brand industry. Linke is well-known in the industry as the chair of the board of directors of Women Impacting Storebrand
Excellence, also known as WISE, a non-profit professional development organization whose mission is to empower diversity and career growth within private label industries.
I am honored to join PLMA at an important time for both the Association and the store brand industry,” said Linke. “I look forward to bringing my industry experience to PLMA and working with its members and retailers to identify new ways to connect, collaborate and grow.” www.PLMA.com
www.globalretailmag.com
17
N O TA B L E
New in Chicago: Education, Exhibits, Networking PLMA’s annual trade show is all about what’s new, different and better in store brand products. This year, that focus extends beyond the exhibit floor, with several new program enhancements awaiting the thousands of attendees when they arrive in Chicago.
PLMA’s Executive Education Insight Series debuts at Show There is more to experience at PLMA’s 2026 Trade Show than the exhibit floor. On Sunday morning, PLMA’s new Executive Education Insight Series offers four courses featuring timely business insights, practical strategies and actionable takeaways: Tariffs and Store Brands: The Latest FMCG Outlook with Neil Saunders, GlobalData; Ultra-Processed Foods: What Manufacturers Need to Know, Kantha Shelke, Corvus Blue; The Core Principles of Sales Message Architecture, Michael Hubble, Oratium, and Building Winning Strategies Within a Retailer’s Private Brand Portfolio, David Mayer, Lippincott. Designed for manufacturers, retailers, brokers,
18
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
suppliers and service providers, the new Series provides an additional professional development opportunity before the Show begins and complements Sunday afternoon’s Opening Seminars. The Series will be conducted at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Admission is complimentary to registered Show attendees with a valid badge. Advance program registration is required.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT:
The Dynamic Lineup at This Year's Private Label Trade Show PLMA has unveiled an industry-leading speaker lineup for its 2026 Store Brands Marketplace Private Label Trade Show in November. The headliners are John Conlin, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage Merchandising at Target Corp. and Abby Cook, Senior Vice President of Own Brands for Ahold Delhaize USA. Carol Angrisani reveals details about their much-anticipated keynote addresses and shares a look at other notable presenters and topics of discussion.
MONDAY, 16 NOV
J O H N CO N L I N SVP of Merchandising, Food & Beverage
TUESDAY, 1 7 NOV
A B BY CO O K SVP of Own Brands
New World of Ideas Presents Peak Store Brands in a Reimagined Venue After years as a popular Show attraction, the Idea Supermarket is getting a makeover. PLMA's new World of Ideas will present peak store brands in a reimagined venue just off the Show floor. With a new look and more expansive content, PLMA is rebranding its suite of curated product exhibits. The venue will encompass New Product Expo, Salute to Excellence Award Winners, Retail Trends and International Wine Award Winners, exhibits that display perspectives of state of the art, global store brand enterprise, quality and innovation. The convenient location provides an informal networking place where retail decision makers connect with manufacturers capable of scaling innovations. The World of Ideas continues PLMA's tradition of selecting award-winning products, trending formulations, and cutting-edge packaging for special attention at the Show. Over two days, the exhibits will entertain and inform showgoers with a grand visual tour of private label achievement, inspiration and creativity. To support sales and share in a fast-evolving retail landscape, store brand executives must anticipate shifts in consumer demand. By analyzing multi-country trends, retailers and wholesalers can benchmark their current private label portfolios against new category paradigms.
PLMA's New Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception on Monday Night Will Enhance Connections To enhance retailer-supplier connections and improve attendees' overall experience, the traditional Sunday evening reception will be moved to Monday night as the newly named Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception. Following a full first day on the Show floor, Monday evening provides a more natural opportunity than Sunday for exhibitors, retailers and industry partners to continue
conversations they started during the day, as well as to strengthen existing and new business relationships and network in a more relaxed setting. Attendees won't have far to go. The new Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception will be held from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, site of the Show. Retailers, wholesalers and visitors have a lot of exciting and informative new things to look forward to in Chicago, in addition to the tens of thousands of world class food and nonfood store brand products and their experienced, dependable suppliers. www.plma.com
N O TA B L E
PLMA’s Annual Private Label Summit 28 & 29 October Manchester, UK
Against the backdrop of one of the major grocery markets, PLMA’s Annual Summit will take place on 28 and 29 October in Manchester, focusing on navigating the new realities of private label. Offering both retail and manufacturing perspectives, the two-day programme includes insights from Morrisons, one of the major retailers in the UK, and McBride, Europe’s leading private-label manufacturer of household cleaning products.
Andrew Staniland, Group Trading Director at Morrisons, will share Morrisons’ growth strategy and future plans, exploring how the retailer is evolving its private label proposition and responding to changing customer expectations, market dynamics and the need to remain competitive. Helen Herd, Group Head of Sustainability at McBride, will then share McBride’s key learnings, from the importance of getting the data right to the opportunities and complexities that come with scale. She’ll look ahead
PLMA’s Packaging Conference 2027
The Sustainability Challenge: What Works for Private Label. Private label retailers and manufacturers are under growing pressure to meet ambitious sustainability targets while keeping products affordable and competitive. Success requires finding practical solutions that balance recyclability, mono-material structures, paperisation, and emerging refill and reuse models with the realities of cost, shelf life, and consumer price perception.
After a successful first edition, PLMA's Private Label Packaging Conference is back, this time in Rotterdam on 27 January 2027. We are kicking off the new year with a practical look at where packaging is heading and what it means for your business.
PPWR - Your Packaging Today: Will it Still Work in 2030? PPWR is moving from regulation to reality. With implementation underway and 2030 approaching, what has changed, what's next, and what should businesses be doing now? There is still time, but are you on the right track?
20
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
Other highlights include guided store visits to the UK’s leading retailers, a hands-on AI workshop, and a networking reception at Old Trafford Stadium.
From Idea to Shelf: Behind the Scenes of the Creative Journey. A design agency and retailer take us behind the scenes of a case study, exploring the collaboration, challenges, decisions, and creative process that turn a packaging concept into a successful retail solution.
27 January 2027 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Topics Include:
at the competencies that will matter over the next five years and share the challenges that came with turning sustainability ambition into core business capability lessons that are relevant across all private label businesses.
Packaging Claims & Labelling: Say What? As regulations around environmental claims and consumer communication become increasingly complex, how can you share the right message while staying compliant? What can, and cannot, be written on packaging labels? Explore the fine line between effective communication, transparency, and compliance.
Plus… the winners of the second edition of PLMA's 2027 Salute to Excellence Packaging Awards, celebrating excellence in packaging, will be announced.
www.PLMA.com
N O TA B L E
Intermountain and Whitecat Bring Onshore Tablet and Sheet Manufacturing to the U.S. The new IBF–Whitecat partnership sets up Boise, ID production line for “Made in USA” laundry, household, and personal care tablets and sheets. Intermountain Blending & Filling (IBF) and Whitecat announced the formation of Intermountain Whitecat Inc., to develop next-generation tablet and sheet innovation in the U.S. for the U.S. laundry care, household cleaning, and personal care markets. This strategic partnership combines Whitecat’s economy of scale, formulation and product development expertise with IBF’s domestic manufacturing infrastructure and local market understanding to build out dedicated tablet and sheet production capacity in Boise, Idaho — enabling fully “Made in USA” finished goods in a category currently dominated by overseas-sourced manufacturing.
“Tablet and sheet delivery forms are the fastest-growing part of this category, but almost none of it is made domestically,” said Tae Sung Park, CEO of Intermountain Whitecat Inc. “We’re building the supply chain retailers have been asking for; and innovation U.S. consumers are demanding.” “IBF's existing 208,000 square foot blending and filling facilities give us a running start.” said Robert Reeder, COO of Intermountain Whitecat. “Rather than standing up production from scratch, we're expanding proven infrastructure to add dedicated tablet and sheet lines — which means we can move from announcement to delivery on a much faster timeline than a greenfield build.”
The company will open pre-orders for “Made in USA” tablets at the PLMA Trade Show this November, with first deliveries targeted for Q1 2027. Intermountain Whitecat will be sharing a booth with IBF at PLMA Trade Show in Chicago. Booth H2719 About Intermountain Whitecat, LLC. Intermountain Whitecat, LLC is a strategic partner between Intermountain Blending & Filling and Whitecat, focused on becoming the largest domestic tablet and sheet innovator & manufacturer across laundry care, household cleaning, and personal care. Contact: Tae Sung Park, CEO tae@intermountainwhitecat.com www.whitecatusa.com
www.globalretailmag.com
21
N O TA B L E
Private Label Has Earned Space On The Shelf Now What? Private label used to mean one thing: cheaper. Not anymore. According to a recent survey by Daymon agency, 95% of U.S. shoppers now buy private label, and rank its quality as equal to or better than the brands beside it on the shelf. The ask for retailers has shifted from hitting a lower price point to building a program shoppers choose on purpose.
One Shelf, Two Shoppers What’s changed isn’t just how many people buy private label, it’s how they buy it. The same shopper might be price-driven on grocery basics and willing to spend more on a specific olive oil or almond variety. In response to 2026’s K-shaped economy big retail players like Costco, Walmart and Target are balancing aggressive price cuts on essentials with targeted premium offerings to capture the full consumer spectrum. Private label is built to serve both ends of that behavior inside a single category: one sourcing relationship producing a value SKU and a premium one, rather than two separate brand deals.
Prioritizing Health, Trust and Origin Matching a national brand on taste and appearance isn’t enough anymore. Today’s consumers view store brand product lines as a direct reflection of the grocer’s identity, values, and quality standards.
22
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
That’s why programs built on certified supply chains, and an honest origin story that holds up to real questions, are the ones earning that trust today. Shoppers are increasingly seeking out food that’s good for them: according to Progressive Grocer, three-quarters of U.S. consumers now describe themselves as health-conscious, up sharply from last year. Extra virgin olive oil sits at the center of that shift, a daily Mediterranean-diet staple, as shoppers move toward organic, single-origin oils over generic blends. Nuts are riding a similar wave: 51% of consumers now eat nuts, seeds, or dried fruit weekly as a healthy snack, nearly as common as reaching for chips. Retailers and manufacturers are responding with expanded high-protein assortments.
Certified Origins Private Label Recipe Store brand portfolios built for evolving consumer habits require the kind of control and supply chain integrity that can’t be assembled overnight. It rests on a supplier’s existing infrastructure: origin sourcing, regional manufacturing, and quality oversight connected from start to finish.
At Certified Origins, that infrastructure is built on cooperative ownership, a headquarters in Grosseto (Tuscany), a processing facility in Fresno (California), and bottling and testing operations in Newport News (Virginia), backed by a network of select global partners. Dedicated teams in Mexico, the U.S., Italy, Spain, and China manage sourcing, sales, and logistics locally, building retail and foodservice partnerships tailored to each market. Every link in this chain is unified by technology, science, blockchain transparency, and a shared commitment to crafting food that balances superior flavor with wholesome ingredients. This footprint spans extra virgin olive oil, nuts, nut butters, tomato sauces, and pantry staples, all sourced and handled by one company specializing in private label, rather than assembled from separate suppliers. A range that gives retailers access to entire categories through a single partner, supporting private label growth without adding risk to brand reputation or shopper trust.
www.certifiedorigins.com
N O TA B L E
La Doria Strengthens Global Position in Private Label Headquartered in Angri, in the province of Salerno (Italy), La Doria represents Italian excellence in the food canning sector. Specializing in the production of tomato derivatives, ready-made sauces, canned pulses, juices, and fruit-based beverages, the company stands out as Europe’s leading producer of canned pulses, peeled tomatoes, and tomato pulp for the retail sector. Additionally, La Doria is one of Italy’s top producers of fruit juices and the leading European producer of private-label ready-made sauces. Recently, thanks to a significant acquisition, the Group has expanded its portfolio to include pasta, offering an even more complete range of products. La Doria is a trusted supplier to major retail and discount chains worldwide. Its commitment to private label production is evident, with over 93% of the Group’s revenue derived from
of production and distribution. The Group is firmly committed to responsible energy resource management, waste recycling, and reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Furthermore, La Doria promotes fair working conditions throughout the supply chain, working closely with producers’ organizations to ensure respect for workers’ rights.
this segment. Its goal is to offer high-quality products at competitive prices, positioning itself as a strong alternative to commercial brands. With extensive expertise and a continuous focus on research and development, La Doria is synonymous with reliability and innovation in the food sector. With twelve production plants located across Italy, La Doria has successfully combined Italian production tradition with a strong international presence. Exports account for over 80% of revenue, with a solid foothold in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the rest of Europe, Australia, and Japan. This global success is based on careful raw material selection and cutting-edge production processes that ensure high-quality standards. La Doria is not only a successful company but also a responsible enterprise operating according to well-defined ethical principles. Environmental sustainability, legality, transparency, and respect for human rights are fundamental values that guide every aspect
24
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
Since its founding, La Doria has maintained a strong connection with its local community, supporting educational initiatives for young people, urban regeneration projects, and social inclusion programs. The company contributes to the growth of the local economy by sourcing from a network of suppliers primarily located in Southern Italy, further strengthening the national production fabric. Thanks to its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation, La Doria continues to be a benchmark in the international food industry. With a constantly evolving product range and a strategy focused on responsible growth, the Group confirms itself as an excellent partner for large-scale distribution, bringing the best of Italian food tradition to millions of consumers worldwide. www.gruppoladoria.it/en/
V I S I T AT :
STAND 1E - 025
N O TA B L E
Lucart Combines Advanced Technology with Environmentally Friendly Processes Lucart, a major European manufacturer of thin MG paper for flexible packaging, is a key player in the consumer goods and away-from-home markets as a producer and transformer of tissue and Airlaid paper. Its focus on people, sustainable processes, and innovation means it offers cutting-edge products that meet market challenges and customers’ needs. EcoNatural is their flagship project in this field: it combines advanced technology with environmentally friendly processes, demonstrating that circular economy principles are fully applicable to the tissue sector. In 2010, Lucart launched this project, based on the idea of using all the elements of beverage cartons in line with circular economy principles. This type of packaging is widely used in the
food industry to protect and preserve food. Due to its mixed composition of cellulose fibers (74%), aluminum (4%), and polyethylene (22%), this material is often not recovered at end of life or is recovered only partially. The production process relies on an innovative technology that separates the cellulose fibers found in beverage cartons from polyethylene and aluminum by physical-mechanical action. With this technology, they avoid substances that may be harmful to people or the environment. They produce tissue products with the fibers obtained through this process (called Fiberpack®) and recover the alumi¬num and polyethylene, converting them into a homogeneous material called Al.Pe.®, which other industries use to produce various items. Lucart is also the only company in its target market to offer Airlaid products with exceptional absorbency and
26
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
strength performance. The Airlaid technology uses long, highly resistant cellulose fibers that never come into contact with water during the production process (dry paper) to remain super absorbent. Fibers treated with this process naturally form a “dam” structure, offering outstanding results: can absorb up to 7 times its weight and, thanks to its exceptional resistance, can be reused up to 20 times, compared to 1 or 2 for competitive products. Furthermore, Lucart has always been at the forefront of the study of innovative packaging able to reduce the environmental impact of its products. After launching the world’s first line of toilet paper with Mater-Bi corn starch packaging in 1997, the company created a series of products with entirely plastic-free packaging in 2019.
www.lucartgroup.com
N O TA B L E
Valsa Group Innovates with Bao and Taco Pizzas As a leading manufacturer of frozen, chilled, and ambient pizza, pinsa, focaccia, bakery specialties, and snacks, Valsa Group identifies its primary goal as promoting the true Italian food lifestyle all over the world. The headquarters is located in Valsamoggia, in the very heart of Italy. This is where the Group’s history began; nevertheless, our roots extend from North to South, through 8 plants, a purely Italian entrepreneurial path. Valsa is committed to:
Culture. Excellence. Innovations. Innovation in particular has become one of the true driving forces, as markets worldwide are increasingly looking for new, if not surprising, solutions. Any new challenge is a renewed possibility to explore and develop original, yet comforting products, at the same rooted in the Italian heritage, while looking at traditions all around the globe. With this in mind, Valsa is presenting two brand new products, their take on the trope of “the best of two worlds”. The brand-new TACO PIZZA is the perfect match between a traditionally Southern Italian pre-fried snack, and the comforting and flavorful taco. An air fryer or oven-ready shell, the Taco Pizza is a blank canvas which can be reinterpreted in so many unique ways – crunchy yet soft, with a unique aromatic profile, it is indeed a unique alternative infused with local expertise and excellency.
28
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
Not wanting to stop on that side of the Ocean, Valsa decided to move even further in its search for a more modernized definition of “fusion alternative”: as a result, the brandnew BAO PIZZA. This now-familiar flavor has become synonymous with Asian traditions worldwide, reinterpreted with a Mediterranean twist; bridging two sides of the planet for a unique, unmistakable treat. Both these options are available for the retail as well as for the foodservice channel, making these new opportunities accessible to anyone, from professionals to final consumers, further confirming Valsa’ strategic strength: the combination between traditional manufacturing processes, with a constant strive for innovation, while maintaining a great focus on convenience for all consumers. All of this, preserving the highest quality standards: true value down the whole supply chain. Valsa Group is a reliable and well-known business partner in 50 countries around the world; this has been made possible thanks to the choices and investments in sustainability, production capacity, organizational integration and convenience innovation, with a special commitment to process transparency, waste reduction and green energy use.
Through the brands Valpizza, La Pizza+1, Forno Ludovico, Megic Pizza, Ghiottelli, Il Borgo, Tuscanya Bakery, Maestri del Forno, and Funicolì, Valsa Group is the unique largescale and highly qualified partner able to supply a wide range of items in each category, from frozen to deli, and ambient. SIAL Hall 4A Booth H053 FHC Shanghai Hall 3 Booth N3D25 PLMA Chicago Sky Hall Booth F8402 info@valsagroup.it
N O TA B L E Innovating Cleanliness: Whitecat’s 76-Year Journey Safeguarding Healthy Families Chapter 1: A cat was born in 1948
In 1948, in Yongtai Village, Shanghai country, China, an entrepreneur started a small, private, manufacturing company with a goal to provide laundry soap to local residents in post-war China. This was the start of what would be later known as “Shanghai Bái Māo” by locals, or Shanghai Whitecat, he embarked on a journey of necessity, groundbreaking innovation, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the healthy lives of families. Motivated by necessity after the end of World War II, Shanghai Whitecat worked diligently to provide much needed laundry cleaning products that surpassed traditional soap, made from soap bean and “Yizi” (made from pig pancreas and plant ash), for more effective cleanliness and well-being to local families.
Chapter 2: Pioneering Innovation since 1959
In 1959, Shanghai Whitecat achieved its first of many milestones by introducing the first domestically produced package of synthetic laundry detergent powder “Gong nong” in mainland China. Since then, Whitecat has achieved many milestones. • 2024: Shanghai Hutchison Whitecat Co., Ltd., was awarded “Strategic Partner of 2024-Walmart China” • 2018: Shanghai Hutchison Whitecat Co., Ltd., was awarded “China’s Top 100 Daily Chemicals” • 2018: Whitecat Lemon Black Tea Dishwashing liquid won the “2017 China Biggest Award of Quality Consumer – Quality Gold Award”
30
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
• 2004: Whitecat liquid detergent was chosen as “China Famous Brand” • 1995: Whitecat Laundry Powder was awarded the “Golden Bridge Award” for National Best selling Domestic Product for 4 consecutive years. • 1987: Whitecat brand and our Jaimei brand Laundry Powder awarded the “Shanghai Famous Brand” certificate • 1981: 1st domestically developed and produced pack of Super Concentrated Laundry Powder • 1963: 1st autonomous washing powder paper bag packaging machine
Chapter 3: Longevity Through Innovation As Shanghai Whitecat celebrates its longevity, our narrative transcends labels and brands. It’s a story of enduring innovation, necessity, and lives touched. Whitecat is humbled by the trust of millions of families who rely on us daily to safeguard their healthy lives. Trust built over many decades of hard-work and investment in research and development. • More than 100 national patents • Millions of dollars spent every year in R&D • Over 50 research and development personnel (> 50% with Master’s or doctoral degrees) Our technology center is the only national standard laboratory in the light chemicals industry.
Investments in latest scientific equipment such as gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier infrared spectrometer and other advanced international standard analysis and testing instruments ensure we keep our commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective Home Care and Personal Care products to safeguard the healthy lives of families into a better tomorrow.
Chapter 4: Sustainability for a Better Tomorrow
Whitecat’s dynamic culture of innovation, born out of necessity in 1948, is now shifting to Sustainability, safeguarding healthy families better for all, including our planet. We are very excited to launch our sustainable, nature inspired, line of products for our private label naturebased, sustainable Home Care and Personal Care products that your customers will simply Love! •C oncentrated cleaning pods/ sheets/tablets • Lactic acid-based cleaning products • Soda-based cleaning products And more innovative products to come. Join us in this exhilarating journey towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow with Whitecat!
www.whitecatusa.com
N O TA B L E Delicious News in the Chiaverini Family New Indulgent Products Expand the Iconic Product Range A New Generation of Indulgent Spreads Building on a long-standing tradition of premium fruit preserves, the Chiaverini Spread Collection expands its offering with two distinctive and irresistible new recipes: Pistachio Spread and Peanuts & Hazelnuts Spread. Crafted with selected ingredients and designed to deliver a rich, smooth and velvety experience, the new additions combine contemporary indulgence with Chiaverini’s unmistakable Italian heritage. These two new indulgent creams join the much-loved Hazelnuts & Cocoa Spread to complete the range. All products are palm-oil free and created for both everyday enjoyment and gourmet occasions, making them ideal for breakfast, desserts, pastry creations or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.
Not Just A Breakfast Spread, A Gourmet Lover’s Indulgence Not only iconic jams, but also a refined selection of premium spreads that complete the breakfast experience. A delicious new chapter for Chiaverini, bringing even more variety, flavor and personality to its growing cream collection.
A Legacy of Dedication Chiaverini Jams have been defining Florentine culture since 1928. Originating from the passion of the Chiaverini Brothers, their commitment to quality echoes in every jar, making Chiaverini a staple in Florentine homes. The secret to Chiaverini’s success lies in simplicity: just fruit, sugar, and passion. Each jar is a testament to the art of slow cooking, melding flavors into perfection. Chiaverini's jams are history, Florence's essence in every jar. Each represents dedication, heritage, and resilience. Chiaverini isn't just a taste of Florence; it's a taste of history, a flavor transcending time.
An Unmistakable Symbol The packaging of the Chiaverini “Pail” is not just a container; it represents an evolution from rustic wood to sleek aluminum. The new line, featuring distinct colors for each flavor, caters to collectors while upholding the brand’s essence and tradition.
From Local Icon to Global Leader: Expanding the International Footprint Chiaverini Firenze continues to strengthen its position in international markets, consolidating its global presence and establishing itself as a trusted and authoritative brand in the premium breakfast category. Building on its rich Florentine heritage, the brand has successfully combined tradition and innovation, gaining increasing recognition among consumers and trade partners worldwide. Chiaverini Jams is part of LeBontà Group, a Tuscan based company that brings together high-quality brands with a strong connotation of genuine and natural products. www.chiaverinifirenze.it/en www.lebonta.it/en
V I S I T AT :
HALL 1 B279
32
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
13TH ANNUAL WINNERS EDITION
2026 AWARD WINNERS Welcome to the 2026 Vertex Award winner’s feature. This year’s competition included entries from 30 countries Each represents the absolute best in package design from around the globe regardless of who owns the brand. That’s right; these are the best package designs in the world – full stop.
CHRISTOPHER DURHAM President, The Velocity Institute Co-founder, The Vertex Awards
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
PHILLIP RUSSO Publisher, Global Retail Brands Co-founder, The Vertex Awards
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
ALBERT HEIJN CHOCOBITES RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: ALBERT HEIJN COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: GUTS&GLORIOUS CATEGORY: PACKAGED GOODS
34
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
NORTH AMERICA & SOUTH AMERICA
MISFITS MARKET, ODDS & ENDS
RETAILER: MISFITS MARKET BRAND: ODDS & EDDS COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: THOUGHT MATTER CATEGORY: ORGANIC AND NATURAL PACKAGED GOODS
www.globalretailmag.com
35
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
EUROPE & AFRICA
ETOS DIAPERS
RETAILER: ETOS (AHOLD) BRAND: ETOS COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: DESIGN BRIDGE AND PARTNERS CATEGORY: REDESIGNED BRAND
36
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
ASIA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND
TALABAT BONBON BITES RETAILER: TALABAT BRAND: TALABAT COUNTRY: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AGENCY: DAYMON DESIGN CATEGORY: FROZEN
www.globalretailmag.com
37
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
NORTH AMERICA & SOUTH AMERICA
EQUATOR GOLD
SILVER
B RONZE
38
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
ASIA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND
MOTOR BRANDS SILVER
B RON ZE
www.globalretailmag.com
39
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
EUROPE & AFRICA
SUPERSTUDIO GOLD
SILVER
40
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
GLOBAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR ALDI 18 WINS | BEST OF SHOW | 1 GOLD | 6 SILVER | 5 BRONZE | 4 COUNTRIES
www.globalretailmag.com
41
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
RETAILER OF THE YEAR NORTH AMERICA & SOUTH AMERICA
THE FRESH MARKET SILVER
B RONZE
42
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
EUROPE & AFRICA
ALBERT HEIJN GOLD
SILVER
B RON ZE
www.globalretailmag.com
43
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
RETAILER OF THE YEAR ASIA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND
ALDI - AUSTRALIA SILVER
B RONZE
44
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
CO-BRANDED BEERS RETAILER: AHOLD DELHAIZE BRAND: THE GIANT COMPANY COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: AHOLD DELHAIZE CATEGORY: LICENSED OR CO-BRAND
AH CARE BATH, SHOWER AND HAND CARE RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: AH CARE COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: BRAND POTENTIAL BENELUX CATEGORY: BODY CARE
AH CARE RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: AH CARE COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: BRAND POTENTIAL BENELUX CATEGORY: NEW BRAND
www.globalretailmag.com
45
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
AH CARE ADVANCED SKIN & HAIR (NEXT GEN) RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: AH CARE COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: BRAND POTENTIAL BENELUX CATEGORY: BODY CARE
AH CARE VITAMINS & MINERALS RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: AH CARE COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: BRAND POTENTIAL BENELUX CATEGORY: HEALTH CARE
AH CHIPS RETAILER: ALBERT HEIJN BRAND: ALBERT HEIJN COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: GUTS&GLORIOUS CATEGORY: PACKAGED GOODS
46
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
HALLOWEEN AAAHMAZING!! RETAILER: ALDI UK BRAND: ALDI HALLOWEEN AAAHMAZING!! COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM AGENCY: EQUATOR DESIGN CATEGORY: REDESIGNED BRAND
SPECIAL LINE DAIRY ALTERNATIVE RETAILER: EL CORTE INGLÉS BRAND: EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL LINE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: ORGANIC AND NATURAL PACKAGED GOODS
EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL LINE RETAILER: EL CORTE INGLÉS BRAND: EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL LINE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: NEW BRAND
www.globalretailmag.com
47
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
SPECIAL LINE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS RETAILER: EL CORTE INGLÉS BRAND: EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL LINE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: HEALTH CARE
SPECIAL LINE: PLANT BASED BURGERS RETAILER: EL CORTE INGLÉS BRAND: EL CORTE INGLÉS SPECIAL LINE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: ORGANIC AND NATURAL PACKAGED GOODS
JUMBO’S DKW PASTA RETAILER: JUMBO SUPERMARKTEN BRAND: JUMBO’S DKW PASTA COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: OD DESIGNSTUDIO CATEGORY: PACKAGED GOODS
48
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
JUMBO’S FROZEN VIENNOISERIE RETAILER: JUMBO SUPERMARKTEN BRAND: JUMBO’S FROZEN VIENNOISERIE COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: OD DESIGNSTUDIO CATEGORY: FROZEN
KRUIDVAT - SUMMER PARTY LIMITED EDITION RETAILER: KRUIDVAT BRAND: KRUIDVAT COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: GUTS&GLORIOUS CATEGORY: BODY CARE
LA BIEN PINTÁ RETAILER: LIDL BRAND: LA BIEN PINTÁ COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: BEVERAGES: ALCOHOLIC (LIQUID)
www.globalretailmag.com
49
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
TÉS DELUXE RETAILER: LIDL SUPERMERCADOS BRAND: DELUXE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: ESTUDIO MABA CATEGORY: PACKAGED GOODS
VEGA DEL PAS RETAILER: LIDL SUPERMERCADOS BRAND: DELUXE COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: ESTUDIO MABA CATEGORY: BEVERAGES: ALCOHOLIC (LIQUID)
ROSCONES SPECIAL EDITION RETAILER: LIDL SUPERMERCADOS BRAND: LIDL COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: ESTUDIO MABA CATEGORY: FROZEN
50
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
COTO DE IBEDO RETAILER: LIDL SUPERMERCADOS BRAND: COTO DE IBEDO COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: ESTUDIO MABA CATEGORY: BEVERAGES: ALCOHOLIC (LIQUID)
GRAND GOURMET REDESIGN RETAILER: MEIJER BRAND: GRAND GOURMET COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: EQUATOR DESIGN CATEGORY: REDESIGNED BRAND
LAWNSCAPE RETAILER: MEIJER BRAND: LAWNSCAPE COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: EQUATOR DESIGN CATEGORY: REDESIGNED BRAND
www.globalretailmag.com
51
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
COCKTAIL CAN RETAILER: MORRISONS BRAND: MORRISONS MID TIER COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM AGENCY: EQUATOR DESIGN CATEGORY: BEVERAGES: ALCOHOLIC (LIQUID)
LIMITED EDITION KETTLE CHIPS RETAILER: PUBLIX BRAND: PUBLIX COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: FAVORITE CHILD (PART OF BETTY, A QUAD AGENCY) CATEGORY: HOLIDAY OR LIMITED-EDITION
LIMITED EDITION ICE CREAM RETAILER: PUBLIX BRAND: PUBLIX COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: FAVORITE CHILD (PART OF BETTY, A QUAD AGENCY) CATEGORY: HOLIDAY OR LIMITED-EDITION
52
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
REWE FEINE WELT ICE CREAM RETAILER: REWE GROUP BRAND: REWE FEINE WELT COUNTRY: GERMANY AGENCY: ELFENBEIN STUDIOS GMBH & CO. KG CATEGORY: REDESIGNED BRAND
SEASONAL PANETTONE RETAILER: SAINSBURYS BRAND: SAINSBURYS TASTE THE DIFFERENCE COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM AGENCY: CONTRAST CATEGORY: HOLIDAY OR LIMITED-EDITION
KEFIR WATER RETAILER: SAINSBURYS BRAND: BY SAINSBURYS COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM AGENCY: CONTRAST CATEGORY: BEVERAGES: NON-ALCOHOLIC (READY TO DRINK)
www.globalretailmag.com
53
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
SANTAGLORIA RETAILER: SANTAGLORIA BRAND: SANTAGLORIA COUNTRY: SPAIN AGENCY: SUPPERSTUDIO CATEGORY: NEW BRAND
SPROUTS ORGANIC BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS RETAILER: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET BRAND: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET COUNTRY: UNITED STATES AGENCY: MBD CATEGORY: ORGANIC AND NATURAL PACKAGED GOODS
IRRESISTIBLE ICE CREAM RETAILER: SUPERUNIE BRAND: G’WOON COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: MOUNTAIN DESIGN CATEGORY: FROZEN
54
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2026 VERTEX AWARDS
CRISPY CHIPS RETAILER: SUPERUNIE BRAND: G’WOON COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS AGENCY: MOUNTAIN DESIGN CATEGORY: PACKAGED GOODS
www.globalretailmag.com
55
COLUMN
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: MBD Brings New Energy to Giant Eagle’s Seasonal Packaging
Marketing By Design (MBD) partnered with Giant Eagle to refresh its seasonal packaging across fall and winter for a 2026 program launch. By modernizing key elements of the packaging system while preserving the brand's welcoming personality, MBD created a seasonal program that feels fresh, cohesive, and distinctly Giant Eagle.
A Trusted Hometown Brand
For retailers, seasonal products create an opportunity to surprise and delight shoppers while strengthening loyalty to the store brand. They add excitement to the everyday shopping trip, bring favorite traditions back to shelf, and give customers something new to discover. For Giant Eagle, the opportunity extended beyond a seasonal refresh. The goal was to create a scalable packaging platform that could evolve with trends, expand into new categories, and support future innovation while maintaining the familiarity and trust that generations of customers associate with the brand.
56
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
Giant Eagle is a trusted hometown grocer built on quality, value, and care. Its seasonal packaging needed to reflect that same sense of familiarity and warmth while creating opportunities for discovery. Giant Eagle shoppers value convenience, reliability, and trusted favorites, but they also remain open to seasonal finds that feel fresh, familiar, and worth adding to the cart. The goal was to create packaging that would resonate with Giant Eagle's core shopper while bringing new energy to the category. The refreshed design needed to feel festive yet timeless, modern yet unmistakably Giant Eagle.
Modernizing Without Losing Familiarity Our work began with a review of Giant Eagle's existing seasonal program. While the packaging featured charming seasonal elements, it had become visually busy, relying heavily on brown in fall, blue in winter, and illustrated scenes that often competed with the product and flavor story. The gift tag and town scene, while recognizable, presented opportunities for modernization. Rather than starting over, MBD evolved the existing design system. We reimagined the ticket as a flexible design anchor, creating a consistent home for the Giant Eagle logo, Limited Edition callout, product name, and key descriptors across a wide range of package formats. The result is a cohesive system that creates consistency across categories while allowing each product to maintain its own identity.
KATIE LOCKE SALES & MARKETING MBD
Building a Platform for Growth
Using Illustration and Color to Tell the Seasonal Story Custom illustrations and a refined color strategy were central to the redesign. Rather than relying on literal seasonal scenes, the new approach uses stylized, nature-inspired elements to create warmth, energy, and a clear sense of season. Rich and unique color palettes bring stronger flavor differentiation while allowing the collection to work together as a cohesive seasonal destination. Photography remains bright, appetizing, and easy to shop, ensuring strong flavor communication and appetite appeal.
The goal was not simply to create packaging for Fall and Winter 2026. It was to build a scalable seasonal platform that could evolve with trends, expand into new categories, and support future innovation while maintaining a consistent Giant Eagle identity.
Designed to Work Across the Store One of the biggest opportunities was creating a system flexible enough to span an incredibly diverse assortment. The refreshed seasonal program extends beyond traditional food and beverage products to include value-driven health and beauty items, seasonal soaps, and giftable candles. While the categories vary dramatically, every package shares a common visual language. A clear communication hierarchy, flexible ticket structure, and cohesive illustration system create consistency across the program while allowing individual products to maintain their own personality and flavor story.
From food and beverage to seasonal home and personal care items, the new system gives Giant Eagle the flexibility to bring future seasonal offerings to market while maintaining a cohesive presence across the store. The program balances familiarity with freshness, creating a framework that can grow alongside the retailer and its shoppers. Most importantly, the refreshed program stays true to Giant Eagle's roots: familiar, friendly, and approachable while creating new opportunities for discovery and delight. The result is a seasonal collection that feels cohesive across the store, connects with loyal shoppers, and brings fresh energy to the Giant Eagle brand.
www.globalretailmag.com
57
COLUMN
GLOBAL OLIVE Trade and Policy Landscape OIL MARKET The Mediterranean basin continues to serve as the heart of global OUTLOOK: olive-oil production, accounting for POLICY, TRADE over 80% of the world’s supply. As the leading producer, Spain typi& BUSINESS cally generates 40–45% of the total As the industry looks toward 2027, the global olive-oil sector is moving through a period of recalibration. After the Mediterranean heat and drought driven supply shock of 2023–24, and the resulting price escalation that re-shaped sourcing strategies through 2025, production has bounced back in key origins. That recovery has helped wholesale prices retreat from their peaks. Yet, like other sectors dependent on specialized agriculture, olive oil remains exposed to climate variability, inventories, trade-policy changes, and increasing consumer demand for quality and transparent labeling. For procurement managers and food-industry executives, the outlook is dynamic. Improved supply conditions may ease input-cost pressure, but origin availability, tariffs, traceability, and brand trust remain central considerations when planning assortments, private-label programs, and longterm supply contracts.
58
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
output in a normal year. Its harvest determines not only the availability of bulk extra-virgin olive oil but also the global benchmark for origin prices. Yet, for producing countries and olive oil brands, the strategic issue is no longer merely supply; it is investing in farming practices, accessing new sources, and diversifying their strategies to capture buying demand. The United States remains one of the most promising premium markets for European olive oil, even if recent policy actions have pushed companies and states to adjust their strategies in the face of policy uncertainty. Following a 2026 Supreme Court ruling resetting previous U.S. import tax rounds, the U.S. imposed new Section 301 duties over forced-labor concerns. At the moment, EU olive oil faces a 10% benchmark duty (including baseline MFN), while Morocco and Türkiye face 12.5%, and Tunisia is exempt. To offset new frictions from an historical trade partner, the European Union has aggressively expanded its network of bilateral agreements through 2026, consolidating, streamlining and opening new channels across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Oceania.
Market Consolidation and State Initiatives The largest North American corporate event of 2026 was Cobram Estate Olives’ acquisition of California Olive Ranch. The Australian company completed the US$173.5 million transaction in March, expanding its California footprint to roughly 3,300 hectares. The combined business now brings a sizeable portion of California’s olive-oil production under the influence of a single player. Despite foreign and domestic investments boosting local supply, the U.S. olive oil market is set to remain structurally reliant on imports. Land, water, weather, and crop competition prevent domestic production from meeting North American demand anytime soon, with California, the leading domestic producer, accounting for only about 3% of U.S. consumption. In Europe, in late summer 2026, Spanish cooperative Dcoop, already a shareholder in leading brands, made a €470 million bid for a controlling stake in Deoleo, a market leader owning major Italian heritage brands Bertolli and Carapelli, as well as Spain's top international brand, Carbonell. If finalized, the acquisition will firmly cement Spain's dominance over the global branded sector and international distribution networks. Meanwhile, direct state intervention in North Africa is also driving consolidation in the region. Following Bioliva Med Company’s financial collapse, a local court initiated a rescue plan to nationalize the
GIOVANNI QUARATESI HEAD OF CORPORATE GLOBAL AFFAIRS
CERTIFIED ORIGINS
enterprise, positioning its primary creditor, state-controlled BH Bank, as the majority shareholder. This step has the potential to create a state-backed major player in Tunisia, notably the sole olive oil exporter exempt from the latest U.S. tariff measures. In March 2026, consumers filed a proposed class action against The Gourmet Factory, Inc., alleging that certain Capatriti products marketed as “100% Pure Olive Oil” and “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” contained olive-pomace oil. The complaint cites laboratory testing at an International Olive Council-recognized laboratory and chemical criteria that plaintiffs contend are inconsistent with the labeled grades. The allegations have not been proven in court. The lawsuit illustrates continued legal scrutiny of olive-oil labeling and authenticity claims in the United States. Against that backdrop, major European producing countries are investing in promotion, quality differentiation, traceability, and consumer education to suppor premium positioning.
The Search for Authenticity and Promotional Push Elevated olive-oil prices in recent years have heightened consumer sensitivity to quality, origin, and authenticity. In the United States, unlike in many major olive oil producing and consuming nations, quality control relies heavily on a patchwork of retailer specifications, private certification programs, trade-association initiatives, and the enforcement of general food-labeling laws. Fortunately for the industry, recent testing shows promise. In 2025, the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) released the results of a comprehensive retail testing program evaluating 190 off-theshelf samples from top national and private-label brands. The association testing found no evidence of undisclosed mixing with non-olive seed oils when tested against International Olive Council standards. In Italy, the Ministry of Agriculture formally adopted the Piano Olivicolo Italiano 2026–2030, backed by €300 million in funding. The initiative aims to reinforce the value
chain, combat structural threats like the devastating Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, and push toward an ambitious policy target of increasing domestic production by 25%. Meanwhile, Spain is focusing heavily on cultural demand creation in the United States. In July 2026, the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional launched "All in a Drop," a three-year, $25 million promotional campaign. The initiative leverages sobremesa—the Spanish tradition of lingering at the table after a meal— to position extra-virgin olive oil not simply as a cooking ingredient, but as a lifestyle.
Giovanni Quaratesi is Head of Corporate Global Affairs at Certified Origins, where he leads global communication strategies, stakeholder relations, and public outreach. With a deep commitment to food culture, innovation, and sustainability, he is a vocal ambassador for transparency and authenticity in the global food system. Whether representing Certified Origins at international forums or collaborating with public and private sectors, Giovanni champions initiatives that connect people to real food and support healthier choices.
www.globalretailmag.com
59
COLUMN
TURN PACKAGING INTO A SCALABLE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE A unified workflow eliminates the hidden costs of vendor hand-offs, reduces reprints, tightens budgets, and ensures consistent quality across every SKU as your portfolio grows. Getting a new product on the retail shelf requires far more than a great concept. It demands precision, speed, and flawless execution. Brands, retailers, and marketers face intense pressure to capture consumer attention while navigating complex supply chains. Relying on a fragmented network of specialized agencies for different phases of package design often leads to miscommunication, budget overruns, and missed launch dates. You need a smarter approach to overcome these operational bottlenecks. Partnering with an end-to-end service provider integrates every phase of the packaging lifecycle into a single, cohesive workflow. This model aligns strategy, creative design, compliance review, and production rollout under one roof.
60
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
The Flaws of the Fragmented Packaging Process Many private brands and retailers still manage packaging through a siloed approach. They hire a creative agency for the initial design, hand the files over to a separate pre-press house, and finally coordinate with a remote manufacturer for printing. This disjointed method introduces significant risk. Every time project files change hands, the chance for error multiplies. Creative intent often gets lost when translated into structural
limitations. Regulatory reviews stall because compliance teams are disconnected from the design iteration process. These delays push back launch dates and compromise the brand’s potential revenue. End-to-end service providers eliminate these friction points. By centralizing the workflow, they ensure that the team designing the graphics understands the precise technical specifications of the final print run. This holistic perspective prevents costly rework and accelerates the entire product development timeline.
REBECCA HAMILTON CEO FISH AGENCY
Built-In Quality Assurance Brand consistency builds consumer trust. When multiple vendors handle different aspects of a packaging project, maintaining that consistency becomes a massive challenge. An integrated provider maintains strict quality control from the first sketch to the final printed prototype. Color profiles are meticulously managed, structural integrity is tested early, and brand guidelines are strictly enforced.
Next Steps for Marketers and Retailers Transitioning to an end-to-end packaging model requires a shift in how you procure creative services. Start by auditing your current workflow. Identify where your projects typically stall. Calculate the hidden costs of managing multiple vendors, including the internal hours spent coordinating hand-offs and the financial impact of delayed launches.
Future-Proofing Your Private Brand
Consumer expectations surrounding packaging continue to evolve rapidly. Shoppers demand clear communication, sustainable materials, and striking aesthetics. Retailers and brands must remain agile to meet these demands. Managing a complex web of disconnected vendors drains the internal resources you need to stay ahead of these trends.
Streamlining Review and Compliance Many products, such as foods or nutritional supplements require rigorous regulatory review. In a standard workflow, this compliance check often creates a massive bottleneck. With an end-to-end service provider, the review phase can be integrated directly into the design process. Stakeholders, regulatory experts, and designers collaborate within a unified system, allowing for real-time adjustments, and ensuring that all guidelines and brand standards are met without halting momentum.
Partnering with an end-to-end packaging design provider allows your internal teams to focus on core strategic initiatives. You stop managing endless email chains and start focusing on category growth. You gain a trusted advisor who understands both the creative nuances of brand building and the technical realities of retail execution.
Once you understand your operational bottlenecks, you can make the strategic shift to streamline your operations, ensure uncompromising quality, and ability to consistently deliver high-impact products to the shelf.
Rebecca Hamilton Rebecca is the CEO of award-winning Fish Agency and sister agency Whitespace Brands Inc. With over 30 years of experience, she has established herself as one of North America’s leaders in the fields of strategic branding, retail design, and communications for clients in the retail sector. Under Rebecca’s oversight, the Fish Agency brings brands to life at retail and has consistently delivered high ROI-generating retail experiences for its clients. She mentors and leads highly experienced and integrated teams that provide store design, package design for CPG and private brands, digital/social initiatives, “phygital” experiences, and advertising services.
www.globalretailmag.com
61
COLUMN
THE PRIVATE LABEL SNACK REVOLUTION From Cheap Alternatives to Shelf Leaders The snack market is undergoing a transformation. The days when a charcuterie board or an evening on the couch meant only greasy, salted potato chips and traditional cocktail nuts are over. Consumers in Europe and beyond are seeking a balance between mindful choices and intense flavor experiences. While major name brands often set the tone, store brands are rapidly stepping up with affordable, innovative alternatives that reflect today’s evolving consumer preferences. At the forefront of this evolution is the “better-for-you” and functional snack movement. Health is no longer a passing trend; it is a permanent fixture in the aisle. Consumers want to feel less guilty about their snacks, driving demand for products with cleaner ingredient lists, less fat, and reduced sodium. Chips made from lentils, chickpeas, beetroot, or sweet potatoes are quickly gaining ground over standard potato varieties due to their higher fiber content and lower levels of saturated fat.
62
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
At the same time, the obsession with protein has transformed everyday savory bites into functional snacks. Roasted fava beans, seasoned edamame, and airpopped or oven-baked crackers are steadily replacing traditional deep-fried options. Supermarkets have seamlessly integrated this shift into their own lineups. Chains like Albert Heijn lead with dedicated lentil chip lines and roasted chickpea ranges, while Lidl uses its Alesto label to offer protein-rich, dry-roasted nut mixes specifically positioned as healthier alternatives. Private label producer Serano from Cyprus offers nut mixes with a high protein content of 36%, as well as products made exclusively from beans. Ellyt, a private label company from Estonia, has a variety of lentil-based crisps with a lower calorie content than traditional chips, while their fiber and protein content is higher.
At the PLMA trade fair in Amsterdam, Ellyt also showed its range of 100% dried fruits, which have an intense and exotic taste. For example, its dried fruit mix with crispy jackfruit and banana contains more fiber and protein than traditional potato crisps. Another product the company showcased was a range of 100% real fruit bars, which are also interesting because of their handy format, making them suitable as a snack for sports activities. On the other side of the world, Peruvian company Greenbox Smartfoods produces dried fruits sourced from local farmers. Due to the natural drying process, the products remain juicy and flavorful. Greenbox Smartfoods is a family-owned grower, manufacturer, and distributor of premium food ingredients from Peru. The company is headquartered in the Tarma Valley, about 3,000 meters above sea level in the Andes.
HANS KRAAK PRINCIPAL KRAAK MEDIA
Swicy Simultaneously, taste buds are becoming far more adventurous. While simple paprika or salt used to dominate European snack shelves, today’s consumers crave global flavor profiles and intense sensory experiences, drawing heavily from Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines. The desire for extreme heat continues to surge, complemented by the rise of “swicy” combinations that blend chili with sweet honey or fruit notes. Deep, savory umami flavors, such as seaweed, black garlic, za’atar, and harissa, are gaining traction, alongside a surge in sour and fermented profiles fueled by a global fascination with pickle flavors. Retailers are moving quickly to bring these complex tastes to the masses. Jumbo in the Netherlands offers bold jalapeño-cheese tortilla chips and upscale rosemary or truffle varieties, while UK retailer Sainsbury’s brings high-end options like Korean BBQ and Chili & Yuzu directly to private-label shoppers through its Taste the Difference line.
To achieve this, product development is focusing on multi-layered textures, such as crackers baked with seeds and grains or layered crispy bites. Convenience also plays a key role, with high-demand products ranging from ready-to-serve olive mixes to artisanal dip sticks. French retail giant Carrefour excels here with its Carrefour Sélection line of luxury appetizers and truffle-infused nut mixes, while Dutch supermarkets offer high-end snack trays under proprietary labels that directly compete with specialty food stores. A nice private label example comes from the French company Patisserie des Flandres. Traditionally, the company made only sweet butter waffles, but it has transformed them into small savory crackers under the name Trésors gourmands. Same structure, different taste. What about a savory gaufrette with a very local cheese, Maroilles AOP, baked until golden and crispy?
Blurring Snacks and Meals USA and Asia This flavor revolution extends naturally to the premiumization of the home social hour. The line between a quick snack and a full meal is blurring, elevating the traditional charcuterie board into an essential social experience. Consumers want to recreate specialty-shop or restaurant-quality experiences at home without paying premium delicatessen prices.
Looking beyond Europe, these consumer demands take on even more pronounced forms. In the United States and Asia, snack characteristics are cranked up a notch. While European shoppers often favor subtler herb and umami profiles, the US market focuses on maximum flavor intensity per bite, frequently experimenting with fastfood mash-ups.
In markets like Japan and South Korea, texture reigns supreme, with consumers seeking extreme crunch, airy lightness, or unique chewy textures, often paired with distinctive seafood and fish flavors.
Shaping the Snack Future Ultimately, these global shifts demonstrate that while consumers want to make healthier choices, they are unwilling to compromise on enjoyment and togetherness during snack time. Rising living costs have prompted shoppers to evaluate their budgets more critically, allowing private labels to capitalize on the moment. No longer viewed as boring, cheap knockoffs of name brands, store brands have proven their ability to adapt flexibly to emerging trends such as legume chips, pickle seasonings, and premium entertaining bites. By offering high-quality, innovative products at accessible prices, supermarkets are proving that private label is now actively shaping the future of snacking.
Hans Kraak Hans Kraak is educated in biology and journalism and has written four books on nutrition and health. He worked for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. As editor in chief he publishes in the Dutch Magazine for Nutrition and Dietetics, as a food and wine writer he published in Meininger’s Wine Business International and reports for PLMA Live EU and PLMA USA.
www.globalretailmag.com
63
COLUMN
THE ENDURING APPEAL OF NOSTALGIA FOR MILLENNIAL CONSUMERS For grocery retailers, nostalgia marketing offers a path to deeper customer engagement and increased sales. Millennial shoppers seek experiences that tap into childhood memories, from the cereal brands they ate on Saturday mornings to the snacks they traded at lunch. With the right approach, grocery retailers can turn fond memories into competitive advantages that drive purchasing behavior and build loyalty.
The Psychology The psychology behind nostalgia marketing reveals why those warm emotions consumers experience when encountering familiar products pack such power. Nostalgia transports people back to a time they perceive as simpler or happier. It provides comfort and security, offering relief from present-day stresses such as economic uncertainty or information overload. When shoppers spot a recognizable package design or a discontinued product from childhood, they experience an emotional reset. When retailers successfully evoke these warm emotions, they build an emotional bridge to consumers through a process called affect transfer. The feeling of nostalgia generates positive sentiments that transfer onto the brand itself. Roughly 47% of Millennials feel nostalgic about media from their past, demonstrating just how widespread this tendency is among this key demographic. This association
64
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
with trusted, happy memories makes consumers more receptive to brand messaging while reducing the natural barriers to purchase.
Budget-Friendly Strategies Implementing nostalgia marketing doesn't require the budget of a national advertising campaign, and grocery retailers can use several cost-effective tactics that resonate powerfully with Millennial shoppers while delivering measurable results. Reviving Classic Products and Packaging Designs Re-releasing a discontinued fan-favorite product or creating limited-edition throwback packaging for current bestsellers works particularly well because it combines the excitement of discovery with the comfort of familiarity. When Millennials spot a beloved childhood snack back on shelves or recognize vintage packaging design, the immediate emotional response is significant. Creating Immersive Retro In-Store Experiences The physical store environment offers countless opportunities to create a nostalgic atmosphere that encourages browsing and purchases. Strategic use of retro fonts on signage, themed end-cap displays featuring vintage-inspired products or music from a specific era can transform ordinary aisles into memory-triggering experiences.
Research indicates that 41% of consumers make purchases based on visual elements, and effective visual merchandising capitalizes on this behavior. Professional strategies help retailers design displays that capture attention while guiding customers toward purchase. Even simple changes, such as vintage-style price tags or retro shopping basket designs, can enhance the nostalgic atmosphere without a major investment. Decade-themed sections that group products by era create immersive experiences using authentic color schemes and design elements. Engaging Shoppers with Nostalgic Social Media Content Digital platforms offer the most budget-friendly entry point for nostalgia marketing, with social media tactics requiring minimal financial investment while delivering significant engagement and reach among Millennial audiences. Brands might: • Run Instagram polls asking followers which 90s snack deserves a comeback, giving the audience a voice while gathering valuable market research. • Create TikTok videos using throwback audio tracks and retro filters to showcase products or mine their archives for vintage photos and old advertisements that tell their brand’s origin story. • Post Throwback Thursday photos or videos that feature historical store scenes, building connections with minimal effort.
ELEANOR HECKS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DESIGNERLY MAGAZINE
Studies show that consumers are more likely to buy when food labels evoke nostalgia, proving that these digital touchpoints directly translate into sales. User-generated content campaigns that encourage customers to share their nostalgic memories about their brand amplify this effect while building community.
Real-World Examples from the Food and Grocery Sector Several grocery retailers have tested nostalgia marketing with measurable results. Target's collaboration with retro candy brand Sour Patch Kids featured in-store displays modeled after 1990s convenience stores, complete with vintage gaming consoles and music from that era. The initiative increased foot traffic in participating stores and generated significant social media engagement. Trader Joe's takes a different approach, maintaining retro-inspired branding across its entire store experience. The playful hand-drawn signage, Hawaiian shirts worn by staff and deliberately old-fashioned store layouts all contribute to a nostalgic atmosphere that sets the brand apart from competitors.
This consistent brand positioning has helped Trader Joe's build a devoted customer base willing to pay premium prices. According to consumer research, 44% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada say traditional and nostalgic flavors influence their food and beverage choices. The effect is stronger when retailers combine product re-releases with experiential elements, such as themed events or social media integrations.
Key Considerations Before Launching a Nostalgia Campaign While nostalgia marketing offers significant opportunities, implementation requires careful consideration. Consumers, particularly Millennials who grew up with sophisticated advertising, can easily spot disingenuous attempts to cash in on their memories. Authenticity should be a brand’s guiding principle. The campaign needs to feel like a genuine celebration of shared history. Choose an era and theme that genuinely connect with the positive experiences of their target audience. Understanding the specific triggers of nostalgia that resonate
with their customers requires research and strategic thinking, as what felt meaningful to someone who grew up in the 90s differs significantly from what feels meaningful to someone who grew up in the 80s. Surface-level retro styling without substance will feel hollow. Worse, it can alienate the very audience they're trying to attract. Shoppers who grew up with these products can tell the difference between a genuine tribute and a marketing gimmick, and they remember brands that get it wrong.
Weaving Yesterday's Trends into Tomorrow's Brand Strategy Nostalgia marketing offers grocery retailers a proven, accessible tool for building emotional bonds with Millennial consumers that translate directly into loyalty and sales. From product revivals to immersive in-store experiences to engaging social content, retailers can implement these strategies without massive budgets while delivering measurable results. The most successful campaigns will come from retailers who honestly look back at their own history to find authentic stories worth sharing. A retailer's past contains unique touchpoints that can drive future growth and deepen relationships with the consumers who matter most to their business.
Eleanor Hecks is an ecommerce and retail writer with more than 5 years of experience helping small businesses understand the nuances of retail marketing, sales, and growth. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine, and her work can be found on publications like Retailist Magazine and Specialty Retailer.
www.globalretailmag.com
65
T R A D E FA I R S
MARCA BY BOLOGNAFIERE & ADM 2027 BRINGS THE INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LABEL COMMUNITY BACK TO BOLOGNA 13 – 14 JANUARY 2027 BOLOGNA, ITALY The 23rd edition of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM will take place in Bologna on 13–14 January, bringing together retailers, manufacturers and buyers from Italy and international markets to explore the latest developments in Private Label. At the heart of the event is a retailer-led format, with major retail chains participating as exhibitors and active industry players alongside manufacturing companies. This direct interaction between retailers and suppliers creates a unique environment for discussing new products, category strategies and business opportunities across the entire value chain. This collaborative approach
is one of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM’s defining features, allowing retailers and manufacturers to exchange expertise, identify new opportunities and develop relationships across different categories and markets. The exhibition covers both Food and Non-Food, with areas such as Fresh, Home Care and Personal Care playing an increasingly important role in the development of Private Label assortments. The format reflects the changing role of Private Label itself. Retailers are placing greater emphasis on quality, innovation, sustainability and specialisation when developing their ranges, as Private Label moves beyond its traditional positioning as a price alternative. Premium and Functional ranges are contributing to more differentiated assortments, while closer cooperation with manufacturers is becoming increasingly important in responding to changing consumer needs. The Italian Private Label model has become an international benchmark, particularly for innovation in the Fresh category, and this experience is reflected in the format of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM, which brings together the exhibition, conference content and business networking. The format has an international reach across both European and international markets, with this distinctive
66
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
approach also extending beyond Italy through initiatives such as MARCA China, a separate trade fair focused on the development of Private Label in the Asian market. Its fifth edition, held in Guangzhou on 8–9 September, expanded to 10,000 square metres, with new forums, thematic areas and business-matching activities covering both Food and Non-Food. The next edition of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM will return to Bologna on 13–14 January 2027, bringing retailers, manufacturers and buyers together for two days of business, networking and discussion around the latest developments in Private Label.
www.marcabybolognafiere.com
T R A D E FA I R S
EXPORTING IS NO LONGER AN OPTION, BUT A STRATEGIC NECESSITY 17 – 21 OCTOBER 2026 PARIS, FRANCE France’s population growth is slowing. Domestic markets are stabilizing. For many agrifood companies, growth will have to come from elsewhere. Exporting is not incompatible with food sovereignty; indeed, it is a key driver of it. Diversifying markets, spreading fixed costs and securing business models: international expansion boosts resilience. Audrey Ashworth is convinced: “Feeding France and exporting our expertise are not incompatible; quite the contrary.” At a time when economic balances are shifting, markets are tightening, and competition is intensifying, France can no longer treat exports as a secondary option. But whilst France hesitates, others are moving forward; the message is clear. In 2024, for the first time, France was overtaken by Italy as the leading exhibiting country at SIAL Paris. And for the 2026 edition, at this stage of marketing, France ranks just behind Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece. In light of this, the trade fair director remarks, “France likes to remind people that it is a major player in the agri-food sector. But for how much longer? In global trade, there is no place for nostalgia. Only action counts.”
Thanks to its position within the SIAL Network, the world’s leading network of agri-food trade fairs, SIAL Paris closely monitors the aggressive strategies being deployed elsewhere: massive public subsidies in Italy or Turkey, and structured schemes such as Food Export The Forum in Belgium, the Export Academy as part of the Export Growth Plan in the UK, the CanExport SME program in Canada, and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) scheme in Singapore, which co-funds companies’ preparations for international expansion. In some countries, these policies are accompanied by targeted training programs and webinars to help SMEs tackle complex markets, such as South Korea, which has made K-food a lever of influence by placing it at the heart of its soft power strategy.
In 2024, SIAL Paris welcomed visitors from nearly 200 countries, as well as 110 official delegations, including 50 ambassadors, 16 parliamentarians, and 17 French and foreign ministers. This concentration of diplomatic and economic figures highlights a reality: the global food trade is actively taking shape. Audrey Ashworth confirms: “We are seeing countries moving forward in an extremely coordinated manner. They are supporting their businesses, funding their visibility, and structuring their supply chains. France has everything it takes to be a leader once again. But we must all want it collectively.”
Driving A Collective Movement At A Pivotal Moment For The French Agri-Food Sector Held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, the 2026 edition is part of a national strategic initiative. At the previous edition, an official dinner at the Élysée Palace brought together France’s most influential exhibitors alongside major international players, highlighting the strategic importance of the trade fair in food diplomacy and France’s international influence.
www.sialparis.com
www.globalretailmag.com
67
T R A D E FA I R S
FROM GIs TO PREMIUM STORE BRANDS: The Evolution of Cibus Runs Through Private Label 4 – 6 MAY 2027 PARMA, ITALY 2027 will mark the return of Cibus – International Food Exhibition to the trade show calendar. From May 4 to 6, the agri-food community will gather in Parma, the capital of Italian Food Valley, for a highly immersive business experience alongside the agro-industrial companies that have made "Made in Italy" famous and appreciated across international markets. That Special Bond Between Cibus and GI's Parma’s unique location lets trade visitors explore the macrocosm of PDO, PGI, and TSG specialties—the pride of the Food Valley and the seal of authenticity for hundreds of Italian products. Following the record-breaking 2024 edition (over 3,000 exhibiting brands, 75,000 trade visitors, and 3,000 top buyers from around the world), Fiere di Parma aims to confirm Cibus as the premier global platform for professionals seeking high-quality Italian food and the great culinary classics of the Bel Paese.
The 2027 Edition at a Glance The 23rd edition of the show will introduce several new features. First, the show will shorten by one day. This crucial change is designed to meet the needs of exhibitors, who have long sought more compact trade show formats to optimize their time on the floor. Special attention will be paid to visiting target audiences: each day will feature a curated schedule of interconnected content, events, and thematic initiatives. In practice, this will allow every professional to customize their visit based on their specific distribution channel— whether that is Retail, Private Label, Foodservice (Ho.Re.Ca.), Wholesale Distribution, or Food Sourcing. The exhibition's well-established hall plan will also undergo slight enhancements to give even more prominence to a true pillar of the show: the special areas. These hybrid spaces, where exhibition meets storytelling, will provide targeted insights into emerging product categories, trends, and upcoming market innovations. Initiatives for Private Label Specialists Speaking of innovations, Store Brands will be at the core of a thematic itinerary dedicated to industry specialists. Approximately 65% of Cibus exhibitors are internationally renowned Italian
68
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
co-packers, fully equipped to supply white and private label products while tailoring their formulas to meet the most diverse requirements. The Private Label itinerary will culminate in the PLEA – Private Label Excellence Awards. This accolade, originally launched by Fiere di Parma and Cibus Link during TUTTOFOOD Milano 2026, flips the traditional innovation award concept: at the PLEAs, it is the co-packers and food industry representatives who elect the most innovative retailers in the field of Private Label. Furthermore, the PLEAs provide a unique platform for discussion among Private Labels within the Italian retail landscape and, crucially, establish quality and excellence standards to serve as industry benchmarks. Fittingly, the most successful market experiences will be shared directly by the representatives of the winning retailers following the award ceremony. Ultimately, the format of Cibus 2027 aims to continually evolve the traditional trade show concept into a strategic hub for connections that really matter. For international buyers looking to elevate their store brand programs, it is undoubtedly an unparalleled opportunity to source authentic Italian quality and connect directly with the leaders shaping the future of the agri-food industry.
www.cibus.it/en/
ADVERTISING INDEX I NEXT ISSUE
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Certified Origins – 43
EUROPE Ms. Luisa Colombo Global Retail Brands Via F.Baracca nr.4/9 40033 Casalecchio di Reno Bologna, ITALY luisa@globalretailmag.com
Cosmoprof Worldwide – Back Cover La Doria S.p.A - 25 Chiaverini (LeBonta) – 2 & 3 Lucart S.p.A – 9 & 27 Marca by Bolognafiere – 14 & 15 MBD (Marketing by Design) – 11 PLMA Chicago Trade Show– 5 PLMA’s World of Private Label - 13 Seneca Foods – 7 Cibus Parma – 69 Valsa Group – 29 Vertex – 71 Whitecat Co. Ltd – 31
Ms. Ana Maria Jimenez Aguilar Business Development ana@globalretailmag.com Ms. Sabine Geissler Italy / Germany Greentaste.it s.geissler@greentaste.it Mr. Jacco van Laar Brand Ambassador jacco@globalretailmag.com AMERICAS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, AFRICA Mr. Phillip Russo Global Retail Brands magazine 240 Central Park South, Suite 9G New York, NY 10019 USA Tel. +1 917 743 6711 phillip@globalretailmag.com www.globalretailmag.com
Next Issues... NOVEMBER 2026 PLMA Chicago AD CLOSE: 1 October MARCH 2027 Supplier Guide AD CLOSE: 17 February
70
GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / OCTOBER 2026
2027 SUPPLIER GUIDE MARCH ISSUE
The 14th 14th Annual Competition The Competition opens November 16, 2026 opens 2026 Lorem Lorem ipsum ipsum
The only only global global competition competition devoted The devoted exclusively to the art of Private Brand exclusively to the art of Private Brand package packagedesign. design.
vertexawards.org vertexawards.org
THE LEADING B2B EVENT DEDICATED TO ALL SECTORS OF THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY
BOLOGNA, ITALY FAIR DISTRICT
18 – 20 MARCH 2027
COSMOPROF.COM Organized by BolognaFiere Cosmoprof S.p.a. info@cosmoprof.it
18 – 21 MARCH 2027 An event by
In partnership with
With the support of
A new world for beauty Bologna, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Mumbai, Bangkok, Miami