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Private Label’s Resilient Rise Amid Global Turmoil
In a world increasingly defined by political volatility and economic brinkmanship, private label continues as the winner of global retail. While trade wars, tariffs, and protectionist policies rattle the foundations of global supply chains, retail brands are quietly rewriting the rules of value, loyalty, and national interest. What was once the budget-friendly alternative has become a geopolitical survivor — agile, opportunistic, and now, a strategic weapon in retail’s arsenal.
Across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, private label brands are thriving amid the chaos. Tariffs on imported goods have inflated the cost of national brands, while inflation has made consumers more price-conscious than ever. Retailers, sensing the shift, are doubling down on their own brands — not just to offer affordability, but to take back control from multinational suppliers tangled in political crossfire. In essence, retailers are localizing globalization — curating regional production partnerships and marketing them as both smart and sustainable.
In a climate where nations weaponize trade, retailers are realizing that control over their product lines is a form of economic defense. A private label chocolate bar made in Italy or a skincare line sourced from South Korea isn’t just a product — it’s a political statement: we can thrive without you. Retailers are shifting supply lines, building redundancy, and reducing dependency on volatile superpowers.
But let’s not romanticize the disruption. Some retailers are scrambling as tariffs hit their Asian partners, while others face nationalist backlash for outsourcing too much. The winners will be those who treat private label as more than a margin play — who use it as a tool of strategic positioning in a fractured world.
In this new era of retail geopolitics, control over your supply chain, brand story, and consumer trust is power. And as governments keep building walls, private label is proving that the smartest brands are the ones that know how to build bridges — between nations, economies, and consumers hungry for stability in an unstable world.
Here in Chicago at PLMA’s Store Brands Marketplace, you’ll find the leaders creating a more reliable, innovative and affordable retail market.
Come visit us at Booth F-1907 to discuss your role in this market.
Jacco van Laar BRAND AMBASSADOR jacco@globalretailmag.com
Melissa Subatch CREATIVE DIRECTOR info@melissasubatchdesign.com
Andrew Quinn DIGITAL DIRECTOR andrew.quinniii@gmail.com
Luisa Colombo EUROPEAN DIRECTOR luisa@globalretailmag.com
Ana Maria Jimenez Aguilar BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ana@globalretailmag.com
Sabine Geissler GREENTASTE.IT Italian Business Development s.geissler@greentaste.it
CONTRIBUTORS
Perry Seelert Emerge perry@emergefromthepack.com
Christopher Durham Velocity Institure cdurham@retailbrandsinstitute.org
Maria Dubuc
Marketing By Design mdubuc@mbdesign.com
Hans Kraak Kraak Media kraakmedia@gmail.com
Elena Sullivan sullivan.elena@gmail.com
Tom Prendergast PLMA tprendergast@plma.com
Koen A. M. De Jong IPLC kdejong@iplc-europe.com
Published, Trademarked and all rights reserved by: Kent Media
Phillip Russo, Principal 225 1st Ave N. / Unit 3501 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel. +1 917 743 6711
Global Retail Brands is published 4 times
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.
JILL DEARING
Jill Dearing, founder & CEO of Dearing & Company, leverages her extensive experience in the grocery, food, and private brand industries to drive innovative solutions and strategic transformations. She can be reached via email at jdearing@dearingco.com or visit www.dearingco.com.
KOEN DE JONG
Koen has extensive management experience in the private label manufacturing industry in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. He has been involved in numerous M&A transactions in the Benelux. His private label strategy and business planning involvement includes company analysis and benchmarking, board consulting and the participation in supervisory boards. He speaks fluent English, German, French and Dutch (mother tongue).
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.
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.
TOM PRENDERGAST
Tom is the Director of Research Services for the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and is based in the company’s New York headquarters. His responsibilities include gathering news, seeking trends and statistics impacting the global private label and retail industries, analyzing and sharing that information with PLMA member companies around the world. Previously he worked at NBC News for the local New York NBC affiliate.
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.
NOVEMBER
COSMOPROF ASIA
Hong Kong
11 – 14 NOVEMBER www.cosmoprof-asia.com
PLMA’S US TRADE SHOW
Chicago, IL
16 – 18 NOVEMBER www.plma.com
FEBRUARY 2026
ISM COLOGNE
Cologne, Germany 1 – 4 FEBRUARY www.ism-cologne.com
BIOFACH Nuremberg, Germany 10 - 13 FEBRUARY www.biofach.de/en
DECEMBER
COSMOPROF INDIA
Mumbai, India
4 – 6 DECEMBER www.cosmoprofindia.com
JANUARY 2026
MARCA BOLOGNA
Bologna, Italy
13 – 15 JANUARY www.marcabybolognafiere.com/en
MARCH 2026
COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNA
Bologna, Italy 26 – 29 MARCH www.cosmoprof.com/en/
APRIL 2026
PLMA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Bentonville, AK 15 – 17 APRIL www.plma.com
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The 2025 Private Label Trade Show: News, Speakers, Schedule
PLMA’s annual Private Label Trade Show has experienced tremendous growth and success. Over the past two years, exhibitor and visitor attendance have increased about 30%. The 2025 Show, Nov. 16-18 in Chicago, will feature more than 35,000 food and nonfood products, about 3,000 booths, and nearly 2,000 exhibitors. PLMA has added over 100 new booths to the Show floor this year after adding over 200 booths last year.
The Show is the premier event for the private label industry, uniting professionals from across the U.S. and around the globe to shape the future of store brands.
In total, the Show will have 50+ country pavilions and 900 international suppliers. Exhibitors will represent 60+ countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
NOV 16-18, 2025
CHICAGO
This year’s theme - “Store Brands Marketplace” - reflects an industry coming together to engage in mutually beneficial commerce; discover new store brand products, packaging, and marketing concepts; learn from industry experts; and attend valuable networking events.
The exhibit floor will feature tens of thousands of grocery products all under one roof - enabling one-stop sourcing for retail buyers from all formats.
From food and beverages to health, beauty, and household goods, the Show spans a wide range of categories - including wine & spirits, refrigerated and frozen foods, sustainable packaging, functional beverages, self-care and wellness, snack items, baby products, pet care, kitchenware, convenience foods and grab-and-go items, and much more.
The Show draws a broad range of retail formats, including major supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, wholesale clubs, dollar stores, specialty stores, mass merchandisers, online retailers, and convenience stores/ travel stops.
The well-organized exhibit hall is divided into separate halls for food and beverage, and home and health. Exhibitors will showcase products with multi-generational appeal, such as sustainable packaging for Gen Z, functional beverages for Baby Boomers, ethnic-inspired offerings, as well as vegan, organic, and specialty products.
This year, there will be two special sections on the Show floor:
Wines & Spiritswines, spirts, mocktails and more.
Self-Care & Wellness
Trend-forward innovations like facial masks, light therapy, suncare and essential oils, bath balms, inhome spa products and functional ingredient gummies.
In advance of the show, PLMA hosted “Meet the Retailers" and "Meet the Wholesalers"- an online speaker series geared to Show exhibitors. The four-part series featured executives at several of the country's leading retailers and wholesalers. Each revealed their store brand philosophies, goals and what they expect to see at the Show.
Harrison Pappas, CEO, Arizona Nutritional Supplements
Daniel Sasu, Commercial Leader, Private Label, Distribution & Inside Sales, Westchester, Ingredion Incorporated
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17- 8 a.m.
Keynote Breakfast
Joel Rampoldt, CEO, Lidl US
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - 8 a.m.
PLMA Trade Show Again Receives Gold 100 Ranking
PLMA’s annual Private Label Trade Show has been recognized by Trade Show
Executive magazine as a Gold 100 honoree for 2024, placing it among the largest shows conducted in the U.S. last year. This marks the 13th time since 2010 that the PLMA Show has been ranked on the prestigious TSE Gold 100 list.
PLMA's Private Label Trade Show was honored at this year’s TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit, held in October at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs, Calif.
Retail Trends Breakfast
Hunter Thurman, Founder and President, Alpha-Diver
We are extremely proud and honored that the Show consistently receives a prestigious Gold 100 “ranking as a top U.S. Trade Show”
Peggy Davies, President, PLMA
Store Brands Month 2026: Social
Media and Influencers
Driving
Momentum
Store Brands Month 2026 is targeting social media to gain greater visibility among consumers and the store brands industry with lifestyle, food, and health & wellness social media influencers leading the annual awareness campaign.
Promoting via the official Store Brands Instagram page (@ storebrandsmonth), as well as other popular consumer and B2B platforms, the influencers will be using their authentic voices to create awareness about the quality, value, and variety of store brand products found in nearly every category and retail outlet in the U.S.
In today’s digital environment, influencers are proving to be more powerful than traditional marketing and advertising. They build trust by sharing authentic recommendations with audiences who already follow and value their opinions.
According to mdg, an influencer marketing firm:
75% of B2B buyers are influenced by information on social media, especially from trusted sources.
55% of consumers trust influencer and user-generated content more than any other form of marketing.
80% of consumers have made purchases directly based on influencer recommendations.
PLMA will also spotlight the role of influencers at its 2026 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in April by highlighting strategies retailers and manufacturers can use to harness influencer partnerships to shape consumer purchasing decisions and increase store brand loyalty.
Conceived by PLMA as an annual event, Store Brands Month is a directto-consumer program that is the result of a partnership among American retail chains, their suppliers and other industry players. The purpose is to promote the quality, performance, value and innovation of private label - and boost consumer trial of store brands in all food and nonfood categories. Trial is widely seen as a gateway to new, satisfied store brand customers, increased overall sales and added shopper loyalty. Surveys show that sampling is store brands' best friend when it comes to convincing consumers to switch their allegiance from national brands to private label.
Aldi, Albertsons, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Dollar General, K-VA-T, Raley’s, SpartanNash, Topco and Wakefern were among the many operators that supported the 2025 campaign. There was also widespread representation by manufacturers, suppliers, and brokers, including Advantage Solutions, AmeriQual, Federated Group, Pacific Coast Producers, Red Gold, Subco Foods, and many others.
U.S. Store Brands
Continue to Outpace National Brands
U.S. store brands retain a sizable lead over national brands in both dollar and unit sales gains, per YTD data ending August 10, provided exclusively to PLMA by Circana and available to association members and retailers on plma.com.
Store brand dollar sales were ahead 4% and store brand unit sales were up 0.3% for the period. By way of comparison, national brand dollar sales were plus 1.3% while national brand unit sales fell 0.5%.
Overall, store brand market shares for the eight-month period were 21% for dollars and 23.1% for units. One in four grocery products purchased by shoppers across the U.S. so far in 2025 carried the store’s name or proprietary brand.
Store brands are sold in 98% of all food and nonfood categories across the U.S. and their growth so far during 2025 is similarly widespread.
After an all-time high of $271 billion in 2024, PLMA projects total US Store Brands sales to approach $277 billion this year.
PRODUCT DEPARTMENTS
52 weeks ending August 10, increased in eight of the nine sections.
PLMA’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference Set for Bentonville “Building Brands That Drive Success”
Bentonville, Ark., is the location of PLMA’s next Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, the most important regular event on the association’s U.S. calendar after the Chicago trade show.
In keeping with its new practice to move the Leadership event around the country and conduct it near headquarters of major retailers, the next iteration will be held April 15-17, 2026, in a familiar Ozarks town with a world-famous resident -- Walmart. The two most recent Leadership conferences were held in San Antonio and Scottsdale, close to the home bases of H.E.B and Sprouts Farmers Market, respectively.
For 2026, the presentations will focus on Brand Building: Packaging and Social Media; C-Stores and Store Brands, Emerging Technologies, Trends in Innovation, Private Brands and Consumer Behavior, and Private Brands: Purpose, Personalization and Performance.
“The format and retail-centric location fosters business networking and relationship enhancing opportunities throughout the two days,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies.
"Building Brands That Drive Success," the 2026 Leadership event will again offer concurrent sessions that enable participants to craft their own agenda from a two-day schedule of breakout sessions on separate tracks along with several special main stage presentations. Introduced last year, the DIY schedule received high marks from attendees for its flexibility, wide-ranging subjects and diverse points of view.
“The Conference brings manufacturers, retailers, and adjacent industry practitioners together in a supportive environment to share and discuss the latest trends and developments in private brands, in particular, and retailing, in general.”
Dubbed "a new capital of cool" by The Wall Street Journal, Bentonville is the birthplace of Walmart and home to its corporate headquarters. Arts, culture, and history abound in the Northwest Arkansas town whose population is about 62,570. Located in the northwest portion of the state and in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville is accessible from most major U.S. cities by air and a short drive from Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, St. Louis and Little Rock.
www.plma.com
PLMA Announces 2026 Wine Competition
In Spring 2026, the Private Label Manufacturers Association will once again host its International Salute to Excellence Private Label Wine Awards, a prestigious competition that celebrates the best supermarket private label wines from around the globe.
Held every other year, the event brings together exceptional supermarket private label wines from around the world for a blind tasting. Judged by Masters of Wine, experienced sommeliers, and leading wine journalists, the competition ensures a fair and expert evaluation of every entry.
Reflecting the increasingly international nature of the wine market, the 2026 awards will feature a broad range of categories. From classic Old World appellations to emerging regions and value-friendly formats, the competition captures the diversity of modern supermarket wine portfolios.
This year’s theme, “Wines Around the World,” emphasizes the global reach of private label, while the subtheme, “Wines for All Moments,” highlights wines that fit seamlessly into everyday life, whether for casual gatherings or special celebrations.
The Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are part of PLMA’s larger International Salute to Excellence Awards competition, which celebrates outstanding private label products across both food and non-food categories. This global competition highlights innovation, quality, and creativity, showcasing the diversity and strength of supermarket private label offerings.
By spotlighting exceptional wines within this broader competition, the awards reinforce that private label is not just a value alternative, but a leader in quality, creativity, and excellence in the retail sector worldwide.
PLMA invites retailers worldwide to submit their best private label wines for consideration. Submissions will be carefully assessed during the blind tasting process, with winners selected on excellence.
For full entry guidelines, deadlines, and instructions, retailers can contact PLMA at: PLMASalute@plma.nl
A Delicious New Addition to the Chiaverini Range
Le Bontà Keeps Impressing with Innovations!
Le Bontà continues to impress with groundbreaking innovations! Chiaverini Firenze is set to revolutionize its portfolio with an exciting new launch: jams in aluminum tubes. Just two years after the international debut of its iconic jam range, and after latest new Hazelnut Spread, the historic Florentine brand does not stop its innovation strategy.
Introducing a game-changing innovation: practical, sustainable, and innovative
The first jam in an aluminum tube! Unique in the market, this practical and easy-to-use format ensures maximum freshness and convenience. Sustainable and fully recyclable, it reflects our commitment to the environment. With this iconic new design, we’re redefining the way we enjoy jam, making it even more versatile and modern—perfect for every moment of the day!
Not Just A Breakfast Spread, A Gourmet Lover’s Indulgence
Experience pure hazelnut bliss Chiaverini’s latest Hazelnut Cream is a true indulgence, crafted with 30% real hazelnuts and a time-honored recipe. Made with only the finest ingredients, it’s free from artificial flavors, colorings, preservatives, and palm oil. Its silky texture and rich, nutty flavor make it a must-have for any food lover’s pantry.
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.
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
When Efficiency Is The New Currency
From Cost Control to Competitiveness: Agritalia Redefines Performance in Inflationary Times
Inflation is reshaping the food supply chain, squeezing margins and increasing uncertainty for distributors and retailers. Companies have seen a significant rise in costs, with food inflation at 3.2% in the US as of August 2025, above the overall inflation rate of 2.9%. The USDA projects food prices will rise by 3.0% for all of 2025, eroding profitability as labor and raw material costs stay volatile (McKinsey State of Grocery Retail).
Grocery retailers have seen EBITDA margins decrease by 0.4% during last 5 years, with unchanged pressure into 2025 (USDA Economic Research Service).
In this scenario, efficiency is not just a goal; it is crucial.
The Automated Replenishment Program (ARP), owned by Agritalia, offers the most direct path to cost control, which involves transforming the replenishment process using real-time sales and inventory data for smarter restocking and operations. By consolidating shipments with mixed palletization, retailers and
distributors get only what they need, reducing stocking rates and complexity while aligning inventory with demand.
Unlike conventional approaches that count on passive forecasts, ARP provides immediate visibility into purchasing behavior, enabling Agritalia to adjust shipments and order management as demand fluctuates. This also supports upstream production planning tied to consumption, aligning inventory flow with actual sales. By linking data with replenishment decisions, Agritalia and ARP create a demand-driven supply chain.
A key advantage of ARP is long leadtime planning – six months or more. By forecasting demand and organizing production in advance, Agritalia – and its US based parent company Agrusa –bridges the distance between international suppliers, especially within the EU, and distributors. Long transport times become a scheduled element rather than a disruption. While shortterm models depend on emergency shipments and excess safety stock, ARP uses foresight to improve supply stability.
The impact is clear. Companies using ARP rely less on expensive third-party warehousing and minimize unused shipment capacity. Leaner inventories free capital for marketing, while better stock accuracy reduces overstock and out-of-stock issues. These improvements lead to stronger margins, competitive pricing, and greater trust from retailers and consumers.
Flexibility is decisive in unpredictable markets. Real-time alignment of production and distribution prevents waste and lost sales, helping to maintain profitability as costs change. While the USDA forecasts food inflation may ease to 1.9% in 2026 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), ongoing uncertainty makes data-driven efficiency systems like ARP fundamental.
The benefits extend beyond cost containment. By reducing excess storage and improving transportation efficiency, ARP helps companies cut waste and lower their carbon footprint. As sustainability shapes brand value, this combination of economic and environmental responsibility is a powerful differentiator.
As inflation continues to test the resilience of the food industry, one lesson is evident: efficiency is no longer optional. Traditional distribution models that are too rigid and forecast-driven cannot deliver the flexibility businesses now require. Agritalia shows that a smarter approach built on mixed palletization, real-time data, and agile planning can unlock competitive advantage. Inflation may persist, but companies are not powerless. By rethinking replenishment, food businesses can turn today’s challenges into concrete opportunities.
Contact: marketing@agritalia.com
www.agritalia.com
NOTABLE
Where Premium Quality Meets Private Label
Certified Origins is a trusted partner for high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Mediterranean food products, offering customized private label programs for international retailers.
With decades of experience, we develop authentic, traceable food programs tailored to each retailer’s goals, sourcing directly from farms and cooperatives to ensure quality every step of the way.
Co-Creating Better Products
Private label is no longer just a costeffective option; it’s an integral part of how people shop today. Across Europe and North America, store-brand offerings are driving loyalty, quality, and innovation. At Certified Origins, we see private label as a space where retailers can build identity and trust through purposeful development and tailored solutions. We collaborate closely with buyers to co-create product lines that reflect customer values, from responsible sourcing to health-forward choices.
A U.S.-European Model
Located in Newport News, Virginia, our bottling and logistics center embodies our integrated model: Mediterranean quality, know-how, and craftsmanship, delivered with North American speed and efficiency.
With teams in the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Spain, and China, we connect international supply with localized service, creating strategic opportunities for our partners across continents. Our adaptable network enables delivery within 4 to 8 weeks globally, or as fast as 2 days across key markets.
Certified Quality
From the very beginning, Certified Origins has always been dedicated to meeting and exceeding the highest global standards for food safety, quality, and transparency.
Through third-party certifications, advanced technology, and robust traceability systems, we constantly monitor our supply chain, share data with partners, and raise the bar in customer satisfaction. We are certified by IFS, BRC, and ISO 22005, and rely on advanced labs, blockchain, and external audits to ensure full compliance with international law and labeling requirements.
Industry Innovation
In partnership with the University of Salento, we’ve built a significant database based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and isotopic signature to verify the authenticity and origin of our EVOOs. Using cutting-edge NMR analysis, we can trace each EVOO back to its verified source. Our database now includes over 1,000 unique olive oil profiles and continues to grow each year.
Responsible Sourcing
Certified Origins actively fosters collaboration across the supply chain to drive positive impact. We regularly distribute ESG supplier surveys to assess and align sustainability performance, partner on agricultural projects that promote climate resilience, and consistently explore better packaging alternatives.
We’ve implemented carbon compensation programs for some of our Italian EVOO lines and are working toward introducing reduction measures. Most of our olive oil packaging contains up to 50% recycled PET and cardboard, with ongoing efforts to increase these levels across our portfolio. In Italy, our bottling facility operates on renewable energy, including solar power and olive pits for heating, and is continuously monitored for energy efficiency.
Market Research
We believe it’s essential to share clear, timely insights in a market shaped by constant change. That’s why we publish monthly Olive Oil Market Reports and a quarterly bulletin, covering trends in production, pricing, logistics and more. We also contribute to editorial projects that highlight our team’s expertise and help advance conversations around building a more responsible food system.
Global Expertise Source to Shelf
With a solid presence in North America and the Mediterranean, we move quickly to support our partners – from sourcing and storage to bottling and delivery – with tailor-made solutions. FROM PREMIUM PRODUCERS TO SUPERMARKET SHELVES WORLDWIDE
Scan here for our monthly Olive Oil Market Reports and stay updated on the latest EVOO and OO trends.
Leader in the Food Canning Sector Now Offers Pasta Too!
Headquartered in Angri, in the province of Salerno, Italy, La Doria exemplifies 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. Furthermore, La Doria ranks among Italy’s top producers of fruit juices and is the leading European producer of private-label ready-made sauces. Recently, through a significant acquisition, the Group has expanded its portfolio to include pasta, offering an even broader 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 97% of the Group’s revenue derived from this segment. The company aims 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 12 production plants located across Campania (Angri, Sarno, Fisciano, Salerno, and Pastorano), Emilia-Romagna (Parma and Faenza), Basilicata (Lavello) Liguria (Chiusanico) and Lombardia (Verolanuova e Fara Gera d’Adda). 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 selection of raw materials and cuttingedge production processes that ensure high-quality standards.
La Doria is not only a successful company but also a responsible enterprise that operates according to well-defined ethical principles. Environmental sustainability, legality, transparency, and respect for human rights are fundamental values guiding every aspect of production and distribution. The Group is firmly committed to responsible energy resource management, waste recycling, and reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Moreover, La Doria promotes fair working conditions throughout the supply chain, collaborating closely with producers’ organizations to ensure respect for workers’ rights.
Since its founding, La Doria has maintained a strong connection with its local community by 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, thereby further strengthening the national production fabric.
Thanks to its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, La Doria remains a benchmark in the international food industry. With a continually evolving product range and a strategy focused on responsible growth, the Group establishes itself as an outstanding partner for largescale distribution, bringing the best of Italian food tradition to millions of consumers worldwide.
commerciale.estero@gruppoladoria.it
A Key Player In The Consumer Goods And Away-From-Home Markets
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 attention to people, sustainable processes, and approach to innovation means it offers cutting-edge products that meet market challenges and customers’ needs
Fiberpack® 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 created a project called “EcoNatural, “ based on the idea of utilizing all the elements of beverage cartons according to circular economy principles. This type of packaging is widely used in the food industry to protect and preserve food, and it has a high natural cellulose fiber content, making it more ecological compared to other packaging materials of fossil origin. Due to its mixed composition of cellulose fibers (74%), aluminum (4%), and polyethylene (22%), this material is often not recovered at the end of its life or is only partially recovered.
The production process relies on innovative technology that separates cellulose fibers found in beverage cartons from polyethylene and aluminum through physical-mechanical action. With this technology, harmful substances that may affect people or the environment are avoided. They produce tissue products using the fibers obtained through this process and recover aluminum and polyethylene, converting them into a homogeneous material called Al.Pe.®, which other industries use to create various items.
The tons of Fiberpack® paper produced by Lucart from 2013 to 2023 have contributed to the recovery of over 10.7 billion beverage cartons, saving more than 4.6 million trees and preventing over 281,300 tons of CO2e from being emitted into the atmosphere.
Another important piece of news concerns the new range of products called Infinity, which was launched in 2023.
Infinity is the plant pot line resulting from the collaboration between Lucart and Pasquini & Bini, with the contribution of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-Environmental Sciences of the University of Pisa. The pots are made from GranPlast material, which is the polyethylene and aluminum separated during the beverage carton process at the Borgo a Mozzano plant.
Lucart is also the only brand in its target market that offers Airlaid products with exceptional absorbency and strength. The Airlaid technology utilizes 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, yielding outstanding results: they can absorb up to seven times their weight and, thanks to their exceptional resistance, can be reused up to twenty times, compared to one or two for competitors products.
Lucart is a company composed of individuals who opt for innovative and sustainable processes in the development, transformation, and manufacturing of paper products, collaborating responsibly for the future of both their business and the planet.
Lucart has always been at the forefront of studying innovative packaging that reduces 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 developed a series of products with completely plasticfree packaging in 2019.
A new kind of tomato sauce is making its way to shelves – and it’s anything but ordinary.
Tomato Sauce with Fire Roasted Tomatoes is crafted for those who crave depth, smokiness, and a touch of culinary adventure. This new product brings the rustic charm of open-flame cooking straight to your kitchen.
Red Gold has elevated the classic tomato sauce by blending it with fire roasted tomatoes, creating a smooth, rich base with visible flecks of roasted tomato. This sauce delivers a smoky depth and layered flavor profile enhanced by smoked paprika and a hint of chipotle pepper.
Whether you’re simmering a marinara, crafting a savory soup, or braising chicken, Tomato Sauce with Fire Roasted Tomatoes brings a boldness that elevates even the simplest dishes.
Build Your Brand with Red Gold
Red Red Gold produces the best tasting tomato products in the world. We harvest quality tomatoes grown on Midwest family farms and collaborate with top ingredient suppliers and leading flavor houses to source the highest-quality raw materials, resulting in world-class products.
Whether you’re starting with a concept or have a formula ready to go, Red Gold is your partner in innovation and production. Our expert Product Development team can help you create, refine, or scale your recipe into a manufacturing-ready formula. With three stateof-the-art facilities, we’re equipped to produce over 20 product categories with hundreds of flavor and style combinations in the most popular sizes.
We can provide robust consumer and market analytics needed by customers to drive sales, and are ready to answer questions about product claims, labeling, and other regulatory concerns.
Red Gold has been producing premium quality tomato products for over 80 years, creating unbelievably tasting canned tomatoes, ketchup, sauces, salsa, and juices for store brands. Consumers return to store brands they trust. With Red Gold behind your label, you can be confident they’ll come back for more.
www.redgoldtomatoes.com
NOTABLE
Valsa Introduces New Sweet Pockets Collection
Valsa Group, as a leading manufacturer of frozen, chilled, and ambient pizza, pinsa, focaccia, and snacks, defines its main goal as promoting the true Italian food lifestyle worldwide. The headquarters is based in Valsamoggia, in the very heart of Italy. This is where the Group’s history began; however, our roots extend from North to South through our seven plants, representing a purely Italian entrepreneurial journey. Our daily commitment can be summarized simply as: CULTURE. EXCELLENCE INNOVATION.
Always attentive to consumers’ needs and emerging trends, Valsa Group is adding a few new items to its range. Valsa proudly introduces the new Sweet Pockets collection: everything is headed toward sweetness. Creaminess at its finest and indulgence at its best—our pockets are filled with genuine gold, whether it’s Pistachio, Hazelnut Cream, Lactose-Free Dark Chocolate, or the timeless Lemon Custard and Ricotta. Bite into the sweetest bites for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ever dreamt of a window overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento? And that gentle Mediterranean breeze, carrying the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked pizza? Say no more: introducing our new “Funicolì,” authentic, premium Neapolitan-style pizza that would make any Nonna proud. Enjoy it with several delicious options, all wrapped in a soft silk pack. Feeling creative? It’s also available as a base: the starting point for a magical Neapolitan experience. An explosion of flavors with the high, outstanding quality you can find within Valsa Group only.
Chilled or chilled from frozen: an explosion of flavors with the high, outstanding quality you can find only with Valsa Group.
The Group’s strategic strength lies in combining traditional manufacturing processes with a greater focus on convenience for consumers, while maintaining the highest quality standards. In the contemporary market, convenience supported by premium quality is essential to creating value in the supply chain.
Valsa Group is a trusted and esteemed business partner in 50 countries worldwide. This success is due to strategic investments in sustainability, production capacity, organizational integration, and convenience innovation, along with a strong emphasis on process transparency, waste reduction, and green energy use.
Through the brands Valpizza, La Pizza+1, Forno Ludovico, Megic Pizza, Ghiottelli, Il Borgo, Tuscanya Bakery and Funicoli, Valsa Group is the unique large-scale and highly qualified partner able to supply a wide range of items in each category, from frozen to deli.
FHC Shanghai: Hall 3 booth N3D25
European Pizza Show London: B10
The V-Label: The International Vegetarian and Vegan Brand Par Excellence
The V-Label brand is an internationally recognized symbol that identifies vegetarian, vegan, and raw vegan products and services par excellence.
Created in 1976 as an institutional symbol of the Italian Vegetarian Association, it is now the most recognized synonym for vegetarian and vegan products among consumers worldwide. Its clear, unique image is intuitively linked to vegetarianism and veganism in every part of the globe, effectively transcending any language barriers.
Officially presented internationally at the first European Vegetarian Congress held in Italy in 1985, it quickly spread first to Europe, and shortly thereafter to the rest of the world.
The V-Label brand is now registered in over 70 countries worldwide and can be found globally: it clearly and safely identifies products and services of various types, from food to textiles and from footwear to cosmetics, as compatible with the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle.
But being international doesn’t just mean being widespread, it requires much more than this. It involves the ability to effectively transmit and receive often technical content without making mistakes. This is made possible by the close relationships we have cultivated with our customers. In most cases, the V-Label brand is distributed by local managers who, being
familiar with the local language and culture, can better convey information to producers and consumers. This local approach also enables us to handle technical material in documents without risking translation errors or misunderstandings.
Despite the widespread availability of the brand in extremely different areas, both in terms of culture and traditions, the V-Label brand has maintained the same verification criteria and standards in every place. This uniformity aims to offer seriousness and quality to consumers who rely on the V-Label brand when choosing which products to buy.
The balance between the local approach and adaptation and the standardization of criteria and processes so that they remain unchanged is what makes the V-Label brand truly international, even more than its widespread coverage.
Are you looking for expertise in vegetarian and vegan expert with world-class experience? Contact us by writing to: segreteria@vlabel.it
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 postwar 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
n 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”
• 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!
• Concentrated 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
Shoppers Looking for Transparency Trust Fair Trade USA
Today’s consumers expect more from the brands they trust, and they’re looking to retailers to lead the way. Across every aisle, shoppers are looking for transparency, ethical sourcing, and proof that their purchases make a difference. Partnering with Fair Trade USA™ helps retailers meet that demand while strengthening loyalty, driving sales, building resilient supply chains, and supporting thriving futures for workers.
Purpose That Drives Performance
The highly recognized Fair Trade Certified™ label has over 60% consumer recognition and 74% consumer trust, making it one of the most credible ways to demonstrate commitment to people and the planet. Placing this trusted third-party certification on a private label product differentiates it in a crowded market, signals integrity to shoppers, and helps build long-term loyalty.
The business case is clear. Retailers offering Fair Trade Certified products report an average 3.3% sales lift within six months of adding the label, and nearly half of consumers (47%) are willing to pay more for Fair Trade Certified goods. That means stronger margins, increased shopper engagement, and measurable impact: all through a single, proven standard.
Creating Impact with Private Label
Private labels are evolving beyond just being the low-cost option. They’re fast becoming platforms for innovation and brand storytelling. Integrating attributes like Fair Trade Certification is a form of horizontal differentiation that helps store brands compete with national labels on values and features, not just price.
Retailers like Aldi, Costco, and Walmart have successfully leveraged Fair Trade to elevate their private label portfolios, showing that impact and profitability go hand in hand. When shoppers see a familiar store brand carrying the Fair Trade Certified label, they trust that they have found a value-aligned retailer. Often, this trust turns into loyalty.
Meiber Castro Angarita (right), from Codazzi, Colombia, poses for a photo with his daughter Angie Marcela Castro Puentes in a backyard behind their house used for drying coffee beans. Meiber is the father of two and a fourth-generation coffee producer. Angie is an environmental and sanitation engineer. She received grants from Fair Trade Community Development Funds to complete her university studies.
Building Resilient, Responsible Supply Chains
Partnering with Fair Trade USA helps retailers achieve their corporate sustainability goals while addressing exploitative labor and unsustainable resource practices within supply chains. Fair Trade Standards mandate safe working conditions, fair wages, and environmental protections. Standards also help foster long-term trading partnerships that can help retailers better adapt to market changes.
Leading Across Every Aisle
Fair Trade USA works across more product categories than any other global certification, including coffee, consumer packaged goods, produce, floral, seafood, apparel, and other factory-made products. This crossindustry reach enables retailers to build consistency and credibility in their responsible sourcing strategies across the entire store. It also helps establish store values with conscious shoppers by showing strong commitments to sustainable and ethical sourcing.
Integrating Fair Trade Certification into private label lines and carrying more certified brands helps retailers stand out, build customer trust, and future-proof their operations. It’s a strategy that aligns business growth with tangible global impact, positively impacting your bottom line and the lives of those across your supply chains. www.fairtradecertified.org
Fiasconaro Brings Sicily’s Iconic Holiday Tradition to New York City With First U.S. Pop-Up Shop
From October 17 through January 15, 2026, Fiasconaro—the legendary pastry house owned by the Fiasconaro Family, now in its third generation, born in Castelbuono, (Palermo) Sicily, —will open its first-ever dedicated shop in the United States, located at 422 West Broadway in downtown. New Yorkers will be able to experience Sicily’s most iconic artisanal panettone in the heart of SoHo.
For Italians, the panettone is more than just a dessert: it is the symbol of the holiday season, a ritual of gathering, sharing, and gifting. Fiasconaro has elevated this tradition into an international ambassador of marrying century-old techniques with Sicilian treasures like Sicilian pistachios, citrus, and Marsala wine. Its panettoni are celebrated among the best in the world— and in 2023, one was even chosen as an official gift for President Joe Biden, underscoring the brand’s international prestige.
While panettone is its signature, Fiasconaro’s artistry extends to a wide array of Sicilian specialties, from nougats to spreads to artisanal sweets. The New York pop-up will highlight this range, making it not only a destination for Christmas traditions but also a celebration of holiday gift-giving, perfectly suited to both Thanksgiving gatherings and festive winter occasions.
Already beloved in New York through select gourmet retailers such as Eataly, Fiasconaro is now creating a home of its own. The pop-up will offer an immersive brand experience, complete with tastings, curated holiday gift collections, and storytelling that connects Sicily’s heritage with Manhattan’s vibrant energy.
Internationally, Fiasconaro has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Cristoforo Colombo Medal in New York, awarded to Master Pastry Chef Nicola Fiasconaro for his role in promoting Italian excellence worldwide. Through its ongoing collaboration with Dolce&Gabbana, the brand has redefined the panettone as a fusion of haute couture and pastry, a true celebration of “Made in Italy” and Mediterranean culture. Rooted in the medieval town of Castelbuono, which was a 2023 candidate to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Fiasconaro embodies the harmony of tradition and innovation, expanding globally while remaining true to its artisanal roots.
With its SoHo pop-up, Fiasconaro invites New Yorkers to savor the panettone as both tradition and innovation—a cultural bridge where the holidays are celebrated with generosity, artistry, and Sicilian soul.
"Tradition is the foundation of Sicilian pastry making-; it connects us to our history and culture”, states Nicola Fiasconaro. “I always aim to respect those roots while also infusing my own creativity into the process. Each dessert tells a story… Passion fuels everything; without it, the art of pastry just wouldn’t be the same. The panettone is not only a beloved dessert; it represents the communal experience of celebration and togetherness. Sharing it in New York and all the United States, allows me to showcase a slice of Sicilian culture and craftsmanship to an international audience.”
Founded in Castelbuono (Palermo), Sicily in 1953, Fiasconaro is a family-run pastry house, founded in 1953 by Mario Fiasconaro and now led by the second and third generation. Pioneer of Sicilian-style panettone, the company blends long, sourdough-based fermentation processes with high-quality regional ingredients—such as Sicilian pistachios, Modica chocolate, manna from Castelbuono, and Sicilian citrus—to create light, fragrant, and naturally leavened specialties.
www.fiasconaro.com/en
Made in Italy on American Shelves:
For many Americans, Italian food isn’t a trend—it’s a cultural comfort, a signifier of quality, and a gateway to authenticity.”
Authentic Italian grocery products—ParmigianoReggiano, extra-virgin olive oil, Prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar—aren’t just luxury imports anymore. They’re high-growth drivers for American grocery retailers, especially in private label programs that compete on trust, quality, and storytelling. Despite tariffs and supply chain turbulence, Italian suppliers are finding ways to keep their products on U.S. shelves—and in shoppers’ carts.
A Booming Appetite for Real Italian
American consumers increasingly seek authenticity, quality, and provenance. This trend is reflected in robust import numbers: As reported in Italianfood.net, in the first eleven months of 2024 alone, U.S. imports of Italian food and beverage products hit $7.8 billion, marking a 17.4 percent year-over-year increase. Earlier in 2025, exports of Italian agri-food to the U.S. jumped 11 percent in the first two months of the year—even while overall Italian exports fell 3 percent.
February 2025, in particular, saw a 14 percent surge in food exports to the U.S., a spike partly attributed to importers stockpiling ahead of rumored tariffs (1,2). Among standout performers, Grana Padano PDO cheese grew 11 percent in early 2025—nearly double the food export average.
Authenticity as a Differentiator— and a Shield
Consumers don’t just want “Italian-inspired”; they increasingly value true Italian origin. That matters especially in the face of the booming—but deceptive— phenomenon of "Italian Sounding" products. In the U.S., the market for these imitations—brands that evoke Italy in name, packaging, or imagery but are not Italian—is estimated to exceed €3 billion, with 99 percent of “Italian-style” cheeses being fakes.
Retailers with strong private label programs can use authenticity to stand out. Highlighting origin, certification (e.g., DOCG, DOC, DOP, IGT and IGP), and supplier storytelling can convert label shoppers into the “higher-value” segment. And that segment is growing: U.S. specialty food sales—built on heritage, traceability, and uniqueness as key attributes—have grown from $88 billion by 2013 to an estimated $207 billion.
Consumers don’t just want “Italian-inspired”; they increasingly value true Italian origin.
The Tariff Tempest— and How Suppliers Fight Back
Threats loom large. The Trump administration's proposed "reciprocal tariffs"—as high as 20 percent on EU goods— sent shockwaves through Italian food exporters and American retailers alike. Wine—Italy’s second-largest export to the U.S.—is particularly vulnerable. A 20 percent tariff could slash exports by 25–35 percent, potentially forcing some brands off U.S. shelves. The downside could be a staggering €323 million in lost revenues.
Meanwhile, processed tomato derivatives now face a flat 15 percent tariff, up from a previous 6–12 percent range. Though dubbed manageable by industry leaders, the timing—combined with the euro’s strength—squeezes supplier margins.
There’s also continued pressure on olive oil, cheese, jams, and even Prosecco, with retailers and Italian industry associations sounding the alarm.
Still, Italian exporters and logistics partners are responding proactively:
• Stockpiling: Anticipating tariffs, many have accelerated shipments. One Tuscan olive oil producer aimed to send 50,000 litres ahead of his usual schedule of 20–30,000 litres—despite container capacity constraints.
• Logistics innovation: Companies like Agritalia prioritize shipping continuity through advanced planning, alternative routes, and capacity coordination.
• Industry coordination: Associations like Coldiretti and Centromarca have launched investigations, advocacy campaigns, and are urging diplomatic efforts to avert a trade war.
Italian suppliers are not just purveyors of food— they are guardians of tradition.
Why Private Label Retailers Should Double Down on Italian Authenticity
• Consumer loyalty through provenance: Crafting private label lines that spotlight PDO products, small-batch producers, or region-based specialty items (like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Bufala Mozzarella) helps retailers appeal to discerning shoppers who equate authenticity with trust—and are willing to pay a premium.
• Narrative advantage: Italian suppliers are not just purveyors of food—they are guardians of tradition. Their stories of centuries-old practices, rigorous quality standards, and regional pride enable private labels to move beyond product promotions into cultural storytelling.
• Supply chain resilience: By supporting suppliers who innovate—through pre-stocking, flexible logistics, and diversified sourcing—retailers gain stability. Some are already hedging by emphasizing transparency along the supply chain.
• Protection from imitations: With the “Italian Sounding” phenomenon threatening brand integrity, private label programs centered on genuine Italian sourcing can help reduce consumer drift to fakes and reinforce brand trust.
Strategies for Retailers to Boost Authentic Italian Lines
The Italian Trade Agency’s Chicago office works with leading US retailers to develop and promote authentic Italian Store Brands. They share their extensive expertise in supplier selection, supplychain logistics, marketing, product sampling, consumer engagement, e-commerce and more.
In the past year, their efforts have resulted in substantial sales gains and consumer loyalty for Rouses; Schnucks, HyVee; Fresh Market and World Market.
Employee-owned Des Moines, Iowa based Hy-Vee is another excellent example of the value and importance of their partnership with the Italian Trade Agency. HyVee’s development of their successful Product of Italy “Best in Class” private label line “Gustare Vita” features a wide selection of over 130 SKUs in multiple categories ranging from pasta, extra virgin olive oil, sauces, cookies, balsamic vinegars, and more.
Hy-Vee's Italian private label brand has seen their sales of Authentic Italian F&B, since the start of their collaboration in 2017, increase by over 84.5%.
Hy-Vee’s annual Spring and Fall “Say Ciao to Italia” promotion is a big hit with their customer base. Point of Sale window banners, recipe cards, wine cards, digital marketing and social media marketing have been critical elements of their success.
“At Schnuck Markets, we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Italian Trade Association (ITA). Given the significant Italian heritage throughout St. Louis and all the communities we serve across 113 stores in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, our collaboration with the ITA offers numerous benefits. It enables retailers to efficiently source high-quality, authentically sourced and produced Italian products, ensuring our customers have access to the highest quality merchandise.”
“Through organized trade missions and direct access to business partners in Italy, Schnucks successfully hosts two three-week 'Taste of Italy' promotions annually. These events, held each February and September, feature hundreds of authentic Italian food and beverage items. This ongoing collaboration with the ITA further solidifies Schnuck Markets' reputation as a premier destination for authentic Italian-produced products in the communities we serve.”
‘Our annual Spring and Fall 'Taste of Italy' promotions consistently achieve great success with our customers. This is supported by weekly features in our print circular ads, comprehensive in-store marketing and signage, effective event merchandising, in-store product sampling, and robust digital and social media marketing campaigns.”
”Working with the ITA has been incredibly beneficial, providing us with access to Italian suppliers and connections we might not have had otherwise. Whether it’s traveling to Italy or attending the shows they’ve organized — featuring everything from meats, cheeses, baked goods, olive oils, pastas, and vinegars to wine and spirits — the opportunities have been both endless and highly valuable" .
With so many of our customers having Italian heritage, this partnership has enabled us to bring authenticity and cultural relevance to our offerings, deepening our connection with shoppers and enhancing their experience. We are truly grateful for our collaboration with the ITA and look forward to continuing to grow and build on this relationship for years to come.
“Over the past 18 months World Market has expanded its assortment of global foods as consumers continue to seek out authentic snacks, sweets, and savory items from different cultures. Within their food assortment, World Market has created a Little Italy shop filled with pasta, sauces, cookies, cakes and coffees from some of Italy’s best-selling brands. Food is one of the cornerstones of this spirited retailer who is known for its unique mix of stylish furniture, ontrend decor, gifts and seasonal products. And the opportunity to continue expanding its specialty food offerings will be driven by their customers in 247 stores across the country and online at worldmarket.com. Our partnership has been a great success, and we look forward to introducing even more Italian specialties to World Market in the years ahead.”
For more than 40 years, The Fresh Market has delivered a European-style shopping experience, complemented by its signature brand of exceptional hospitality to discerning guests in 22 states. The North Carolina-based premium grocery retailer prides itself in its meticulously curated selection of products from thoroughly vetted partners around the globe. So, when it came to offering the finest, truly authentic Italian foods, The Fresh Market welcomed the opportunity to partner with the Italian Trade Agency.
Featuring high end lifestyle photography, rich storytelling and a two-month spotlight on authentic Made in Italy products, the campaign invited guests into a journey of culinary discovery based on flavor, texture, quality, taste and discovery. At turns aspirational and accessible, the collaboration aligned beautifully with the exceptionally high standards of both brands. The result is a focus on authenticity that drove guests to explore products, recipes, regions and ingredients they can only find through the ITA at The Fresh Market.
In the evolving American grocery landscape, authenticity isn’t just a marketing buzzword— it’s a strategic asset. The enduring allure of genuine Italian grocery staples, underscored by strong import growth and deeply rooted consumer desire for quality, provides a rare opportunity for private label retailers to differentiate, deepen loyalty, and drive margins.
Retailer Playbook: 5 Ways to Boost Italian Private Label Lines
Launch “Origin Spotlight” ranges: Feature Italian regions or ingredients, e.g., “Tuscan Olive Oil” or “Emilia-Romagna Parmigiano Reggiano,” with storytelling panels on packaging or in-store materials.
Leverage certifications:
Display DOCG, DOC, DOP, IGT and IGP, or other European Quallity Certifications prominently—and provide educational content in-store or online.
Work with trusted importers: Partner with suppliers that demonstrate logistical agility and responsiveness to trade volatility.
Educate consumers:
Host tasting events, pairings, and digital guides comparing authentic Italian products with Italian-sounding alternatives.
1 2 3 5 4
Monitor policy closely: Be alert to tariff developments and have promotional tactics ready—e.g., limited-time advertising emphasizing imports purchased before new duties take effect.
Bakery & Bread Products
Breakfast Cereals, Cereal Bars & Baby Food Snacks
Canned & Preserved Vegetables
Coffee & Hot Beverages
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Agritalia, Alimenta Produzioni, Arte Bianca, Farmo, Gruppo Milo, Il Mangiar Sano, Macoritto Valentino, Nove Alpi, Pastificio Di Bari Tarall’Oro, Raff, S.i.a. Società Italiana Alimenti, Savini, Terre Di Puglia, Tipico, Vulcano Food Gourmet
Agritalia, Farmo, Hans Klotz, Il Mangiar Sano, Molino Nicoli, S.i.a. Società Italiana Alimenti
Agritalia, Ferrari & Franceschetti, Fratelli Polli, Gruppo FINI, Montalbano Food, Pancrazio, Pedon
Procaffè
Confectionery & Sweet Bakery
Agritalia, Aziende Agricole Scyavuru, Biscottificio Belli, CasaFolino, Farmo, Icam, Il Mangiar Sano, Molino Nicoli, Nove Alpi, Pastificio Di Bari Tarall’Oro, Savini, Terre Di Puglia, Tipico
Dairy & Desserts
Agritalia, Dolceria Alba, Eurochef Italia, Tipico
Frozen Ready Meals & Appetizers
Jams, Marmalades & Sweet Spreads
Agritalia, Bocon, Eurochef Italia, Gias, Industria Alimentare Ferraro, Margherita, O.p. Cotrapa 2000, O.p. Natura Dauna, O.r.t.o. Verde, Ottaviani Food, S.i.a. Società Italiana Alimenti, Vulcano Food Gourmet
Agritalia, Campo D’Oro, CasaFolino, Gruppo FINI, Orto D’Autore
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Agritalia, Hans Klotz, Quargentan
Olive Oils & Vegetable Oils
2g Olearia, Agritalia, Bonolio, Cavanna Olii, La Rustichella World Wide, Le Vie Del Tartufo, Oleificio Ranieri, Oleificio Zucchi, Olitalia, Orto D’Autore
Pasta, Rice & Grains
Sauces, Pestos & Spreads
Snacks & Savory Products
Tomato Products
Agritalia, Andriani, Bre.ma. Group, CasaFolino, Cerreto, De Matteis Agroalimentare, Farmo, Firma Italia, Gruppo FINI, Gruppo Milo, Il Mangiar Sano, Il Pastaio, Industria Alimentare Ferraro, Le Vie Del Tartufo, Pastificio Dei Prai, Pastificio Di Bari Tarall’Oro, Pastificio F.lli Cellino, Pastificio Gallo, Pastificio Mediterranea, Pedon, Sipa International, Tipico
Acetaia Terra Del Tuono, Agritalia, Aziende Agricole Scyavuru, Campo D’Oro, CasaFolino, Eurochef Italia, Fattoria Mazzalupo, Fratelli Polli, Fratelli Saclà, Gruppo FINI, Italtom, La Rustichella World Wide, Le Vie Del Tartufo, Montalbano Food, Naturello, Orto D’Autore, Pastificio Di Bari Tarall’Oro, Pr.ali.na, Steriltom
Agritalia, Cerreto, Eurochef Italia, Farmo, Fratelli Polli, Gruppo Milo, M.g.m., Macoritto Valentino, Molino Nicoli, Nove Alpi, Pastificio Di Bari Tarall’Oro, Pedon, Raff, S.i.a. Società Italiana Alimenti, Terre Di Puglia, Tipico
Agritalia, Campo D’Oro, Fratelli Polli, Gruppo FINI, Italtom, Montalbano Food, Orto D’Autore, Pancrazio, Pr.ali.na, Quargentan, Rossogargano, Steriltom
Truffle & Mushroom Products
Campo D’Oro, Cerreto, La Rustichella World Wide, Le Vie Del Tartufo
Vinegars & Condiments
Wine & Alcoholic Beverages
Acetaia Giuseppe Cremonini, Acetaia Terra Del Tuono, Acetificio Marcello De Nigris, Agritalia, CasaFolino, Fattorie Giacobazzi, La Rustichella World Wide, Le Vie Del Tartufo, Oleificio Ranieri, Oleificio Zucchi, Olitalia
Azienda Agricola Luca Ricci
HOME, HEALTH & SELF-CARE
Household Cleaning & Laundry Care Products
Packaging & Closures
Pet Care Products
Chemical Flacer
Giflor Eco Pets Italia
BOOTH: F1826
FOOD & BEVERAGES
2g Olearia
Via Marziale, 13 04020 - Formia (LT) T. +39 0771721261 2g@2golearia.com www.2golearia.com
CONTACT
Fabio Saccoccio fabiosaccoccio@2golearia.com
Acetaia Giuseppe Cremonini
Via Foschiero, 1142 41057 - Spilamberto (MO) T. +39 0597474030 orders.agc@acetaiacremonini.com www.acetaiacremonini.com
CONTACT
BOOTH: F1839
BOOTH: F1811
BOOTH: F1803
Enrico Gatti enrico.gatti@olitaliagroup.com
Acetaia Terra del Tuono
Via Paolo Monzani, 5 42122 - Reggio Emilia (RE) T. +39 0522343317 info@terradeltuono.it www.terradeltuono.it
CONTACT
Roberto Zini roberto@terradeltuono.it
Acetificio Marcello De Nigris
Via Badagnano, 1 80021 - Afragola (NA) T. +39 0818808911 exhibition@denigris.it www.denigris1889.com
CONTACT
Michela De Nigris michela@denigris.it
Our company is engaged in the production and sale of extra virgin olive oil, olive oil, pomace oil and other kind of oil since the 1950.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Kosher, Organic
Acetaia Giuseppe Cremonini produces Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and other condiments and is part of the Olitalia Group.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan
Acetaia Terra del Tuono’s expertise blends Tradition and Innovation, crafting premium Balsamic Vinegars and Gourmet Specialties.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Gluten Free, Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan
With a rich heritage, Acetificio Marcello De Nigris crafts Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP, wine vinegars, flavored blends, glazes, and premium condiments.
CERTIFICATIONS
Organic, Non-GMO
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Agritalia
Centro Direzionale, Isola E2
80143 - Napoli (NA) T. +39 0817506111 marketing@agritalia.com www.agritalia.com
CONTACT
Leo Nucera marketing@agritalia.com
Alimenta Produzioni
Via del Progresso, 4/6
47838 - Riccione (RN) T. +39 0541729427 info@alimentaproduzioni.it www.alimentaproduzioni.it
CONTACT
Alessandro Giammona export@alimentaproduzioni.it
Andriani
Via N. Copernico - Zona Pip 70024 - Gravina In Puglia (BA) T. +39 0803255801 info@andrianispa.com www.andrianispa.com
CONTACT
Carlo Stocco c.stocco@andrianispa.com
Arte Bianca
Via del Trifoglio, 18/22
30175 - Venezia (VE) T. +39 0415384233 commerciale@artebiancagroup.it www.artebiancagroup.it
CasaFolino: Italian excellence since 1962. Authentic flavors, certified quality, and sustainable products enjoyed worldwide.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Cavanna Olii
Via Circonvallazione, 5 16015 - Casella (GE) T. +39 01097681 info@cavannaolii.com www.cavannaolii.com
CONTACT
Andrea Bindi abindi@cavannaolii.com
Via G. Verdi, 15 42043 - Gattatico (RE) T. +39 0522475815 m.carlotti@cerreto.bio www.cerretobio.com
CONTACT
Massimo Cangiotti m.cangiotti@cerreto.bio
De Matteis Agroalimentare
Via Amoretta – Parco S. Nicola N.6/E 83100 - Avellino (AV) T. +39 08254212 info@dematteisfood.it www.dematteisfood.it
CONTACT
Luca Nava luca.nava@dematteisfood.it
Strada Vicinale delle Cappellette, 8 10026 - Santena (TO) T. +39 0110625611 dolceria@dolceriaalba.it www.dolceriaalba.it
CONTACT
Carmela Lucariello c.lucariello@dolceriaalba.it
Bottling and distribution of extra virgin olive oil and seed oils. Cavanna Olii has more than fifty years’ experience in the production of Private Label items.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic
Founded in 1976 in the heart of Italy’s Food Valley, Cerreto produces organic plant foods such as legumes, grains, seeds, herbs, soups and ready meals.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Kosher, Organic, Carbon Neutral
DE MATTEIS AGROALIMENTARE is an Italian company producing high-quality pasta using traditional methods and premium durum wheat.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan
High quality frozen desserts for supermarkets, club stores, foodservice, airlines. Long-term international experience. Devoted to Private Label.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Rainforest
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Eurochef
Italia
Via Della Tecnica, 40 37066 - Sommacampagna (VR) T. +39 045891042 info@eurochefitalia.com www.eurochefitalia.com
CONTACT
Lorenzo Colombo commerciale@eurochefitalia.com
Farmo
Viale E. Mattei, 1 20003 - Casorezzo (MI) T. +39 029029231 export@farmo.com www.farmo.com
CONTACT
Andrea F. Giai andrea.giai@farmo.com
Fattoria Mazzalupo
Via Calamandrei, 64 52100 - Arezzo (AR) T. +39 0575178001 info@fattoriamazzalupo.com www.fattoriamazzalupo.com
CONTACT
Alex Zanetti azzanetti@yahoo.com
Via G. Di Vittorio, 28 41015 - Nonantola (MO) T. +39 059546076 info@fattoriegiacobazzi.it www.fattoriegiacobazzi.it
CONTACT
Vittoria Ludergnani vludergnani@fattoriegiacobazzi.it
Italian producer of fresh & frozen ready meals and gluten-free desserts, also in organic vegan versions.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Organic, Vegan
Gluten Free Manufacturer of Innovative Healthy Food: Pasta (Gluten Free, Legume, High Protein), Mac&Cheese, Baking & Pancake Mixes, Cookies, Crackers, Toddler Snacks.
38050 - Novaledo (TN) T. +39 0461720600 info@menz-gasser.it www.menz-gasser.it
CONTACT
John Hazelrigg john.hazelrigg@menz-gasser.it
Molino Nicoli
Via Locatelli, 6
24060 - Costa di Mezzate (BG) T. +39 035689811 info@molinonicoli.it www.molinonicoli.it
CONTACT
Dina Glavcheva dina.glavcheva@gmail.com
Authentic Italian mini breadsticks made with simple, natural ingredients. A tradition shared with the world.
CERTIFICATIONS
IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO
Margherita crafts premium frozen pizzas, pinsa and snacks, hand-stretched and topped, for retail and foodservice.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Organic
Menz&Gasser is an Italian company with a 90-year history. It specializes in producing and distributing jams, and fruit and vegetable preparations.
CERTIFICATIONS
IFS, Gluten Free, Halal, Kosher, Organic, Vegan
Molino Nicoli is a leading food company specializing in gluten-free and allergen-free products: breakfast cereals, cereal bars, snacks for toddler and adults.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Gluten Free, Kosher, Organic, NonGMO
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Via Sestese, 61 50141 - Firenze (FI) T. +39 0573800434 toscana@montalbanofood.com www.montalbanofood.com
CONTACT
Umberta Oriana umberta@montalbanofood.com
Montalbano Food Naturello
Via Enzo Ferrari, 6/8 36026 - Pojana Maggiore (VI) T. +39 0444764543 info@naturello.eu www.naturello.eu
CONTACT
Stefano Azzoni s.azzoni@naturello.eu
Nove Alpi
Via San Pierino Casa Al Vescovo, 1 51100 - Pistoia (PT) T. +39 0573986467 info@novealpi.it www.agluten.it
Since 1965 Montalbano produces Vegetable Appetizers, Pesto, Pasta Sauces, Olives, Tapenades. Certified FDA, ISO, BRC, IFS, Organic, Vegan and Kosher.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan
Naturello is the largest basil producer and a leading manufacturing partner for retailers in look for refrigerated pesto, pasta sauces and dips.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Organic
Today, the company’s product gluten free range focuses on savory baked goods and sweets.
CERTIFICATIONS
Gluten Free
Cotrapa 2000 supplies the products and takes care of their processing for sale on national and international markets.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Organic, Vegan
BOOTH: F1726
BOOTH: F1832
FOOD & BEVERAGES
O.P. Natura Dauna
Via Ordona 71041 - Carapelle (FG) T. +39 0885090115 info@opnaturadauna.bio www.opnaturadauna.bio
CONTACT
Pierluigi Sgarro p.sgarro@opnaturadauna.bio
O.R.T.O. Verde
Strada della Bruciata, 16 60019 - Senigallia (AN) T. +39 0716608200 info@ortoverde.eu www.ifreschidicampo.it
CONTACT
Silvia Bracci s.bracci@ortoverde.eu
Oleificio Ranieri
Via Vittorini, 7 06012 - Citta’ Di Castello (PG) T. +39 0758510039 info@olioranieri.com www.olioranieri.com
CONTACT
BOOTH: F1723
Manuel Maraghelli manuel@olioranieri.com
BOOTH: F1744
Via Acquaviva, 12 26100 - Cremona (CR) T. +39 0372532111 rp@zucchi.com www.oleificiozucchi.com
CONTACT
Lies Delcroix lies.delcroix@zucchi.com
Op Natura Dauna is an enterprise specialized in the production of Italian Fresh and Frozen Vegetables.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Kosher, Organic
Production of Italian frozen vegetables and mixes. Our “I Freschi di Campo” brand represents the quality and the freshness of our products.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, Kosher, Organic
Oleificio Ranieri was founded in 1711. We produce extra virgin olive oil, infused oil and special seed oil. We are focused in sustainability.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Kosher, Organic
Oleificio Zucchi, family-owned company since 1810, produces seed and olive oils with tradition and expertise, ensuring products of the highest quality.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO
Oleificio Zucchi
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Olitalia
Via Antonio Meucci, 22A 47122 - Forlì (FC) T. +39 0543794811 marketing.olitalia@gruppo-olitalia.com www.olitalia.com
CONTACT
Paola Sirotti paola.sirotti@olitaliagroup.com
Orto D’Autore
Contrada Santa Venere, snc 86049 - Ururi (CB) T. +39 0874830060 export@ortodautore.it www.ortodautore.it
CONTACT
Moreno Maricotti export@ortodautore.it
Olitalia specializes in oils and vinegars for retail and foodservice, combining tradition, innovation, and international presence.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Organic
Family-run Farm that produces by directly managing the supply chain, focused on sustainability, clean-label, free-from and plantbased products.
CERTIFICATIONS
BRC, Gluten Free, Organic, Vegan, SA8000® Standard (Social Accountability International (SAI))
Ottaviani Food
Ottaviani Food is an historic enterprise specialized in the production of Italian Frozen Vegetables.
Strada Secondaria A4 - Z.i. Mazzocchio 04014 - Pontinia (LT) T. +39 0773853182 info@surgelatiottaviani.it www.ottavianifood.it
Giflor is an Italian company specialized in the production of injection-molded plastic caps for cosmetics, personal care, food, healthcare and OTC.
CERTIFICATIONS
ISO 9001/ISO14001/BRC/ECOVADIS
The Italian Trade Agency at PLMA 2025
ITA - Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy.
With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world.
CHICAGO
401 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 1720
Chicago, IL 60611
T. +1 312 670 4360
F. +1 312 670 5147
chicago@ice.it
LOS ANGELES
12424 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90025
T. +1 323 879 0950
F. +1 310 203 8335
losangeles@ice.it
MIAMI
1 SE 3rd Avenue
Suite 1000
Miami, FL 33131
T. +1 305 461 3896
F. +1 786 497 8900
miami@ice.it
HOUS TON
777 Post Oak Blvd
Suite 320
Houston, TX 77056
T. +1 281 888 4288
F. +1 281 974 3100
houston@ice.it
NEW YORK
33 East 67th Street
New York, NY 10065
T. +1 212 980 1500
F. +1 212 758 1050
newyork@ice.it
ROME
Via Liszt, 21 00144 Rome, Italy
T. +39 06 59921
www.ice.it
ITALIAN PRIVATE LABEL GROWTH CONTINUES
The Italian private label sector is steadily growing these days despite the generally tough business environment in the country and the weak purchasing power of local consumers.
According to earlier data, provided by the Italian Corriere della Serra business paper, private label became the most dynamic segment of the entire Italian food sector in 2024, as its overall sales grew by 3.3% last year, with total revenues of €26.6 billion and a market share of 31.8%.
This year the growth is ongoing, which is also due to a bigger attention for private labels from major Italian retail chains. In general, compared to 2019 the market has grown by more than 35%. Retailer branded products are no longer considered as a second-best option in Italy, but rather a conscious and often preferred alternative for fresh, organic, or gourmet products.
Still, despite the impressive growth of the segment, Italy remains at the bottom of the European rankings regarding the penetration of private label products in the country’s food retail sector. Currently, the share of private labels in the local market is only 31%, compared to 48% in Spain, 43% in Germany (which also has the highest absolute value: 75 billion euros), and 42% in the Netherlands.
The already achieved growth of private labels in Italy became mainly the result of flexible pricing policy, which is implemented by local food retailers and discounters, which usually take measures for the restriction of a sharp growth of prices for their own products.
While the overall food inflation in Italy is estimated at around 13.5% annually, these figures typically do not exceed 5-6% for private labels.
In terms of market structure, meat products hold the largest share among private labels in Italy at 43.7%. The fruit and vegetables category rank second and third, each with a 35% share. Meanwhile, beverages represent the smallest category at 8.2%.
The importance of private labels for the Italian food retail is confirmed by most of leading local players including discount retailers.
For example, an Aldi Italy spokesperson mentioned in an interview with the Italian Pambianconews that the company’s current product range includes more than 2,000 private label items across over 30 brands, from food to non-food. The Italian private label sector remains of interest to another German discount giant, Lidl, which has been operating in Italy for over 30 years and is considered a pioneer of this format in the country.
As Alessia Bonifazi, Head of Communications & CSR for Lidl Italy said “approximately 80% of its assortment is private label, with over 3,500 items divided into more than 100 brands. Among these, one of the most popular and representative is 'Italiamo': a line that combines love and passion for tradition and the heritage of our land's flavors."
According to the YouGov consumer survey agency, 99.8% of Italian households bought private label products at least once in 2024, setting new records for both total spending (€990) and purchase frequency (last year, consumers bought private labels an average of 102.2 times). In terms of geographical coverage, private labels have a larger presence among households in Central and Northern Italy, where socioeconomic conditions are better, compared to the more agrarian and poorer southern provinces of the country.
Most local analysts and retailers generally predict positive prospects for the Italian private label sector in the coming years. They expect household products, such as detergents and personal care items like shower gel, deodorants, and other essentials, to be among the main drivers of growth for the segment in 2025-2026. Among customer groups, young consumers will continue to be a key segment in the market. For most of them, sustainability issues will hold particular importance.
In the meantime, representatives of local retailers are aware of current consumer preferences. As Mauro Lusetti, president of Conad, one of Italy's leading retail chains, recently stated, there is a growing interest in 'free-from' private label products these days, meaning they contain no sugar, salt, or additives.
As he also added, there's a greater focus on quality, both in terms of raw materials and packaging, which must ensure ever-increasing sustainability and compliance with ESG practice. "The growing success of private label brands is also, obviously, dependent on increasingly competitive prices," says Conad's president.
Eugnen Gerden
is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of international topics, from commerce to chemistry and from wine to aviation. He has contributed to many publications, including Decanter, International Aviation News, Chemistry World and The Journal of Commerce. For Decanter, he has covered several stories on wine markets and production in Russia, Georgia and Bulgaria. gerden.eug@gmail.com
MARKET PROFILE
The Untapped Private Label Potential of Ireland
Countries in Europe consist of large markets where store brand sales reach 40-50%. Store brands dominate in places like Spain (53%), the UK (51%), Germany (50%) and France (45%) have some of the largest shares while others like The Netherlands and Italy reach shares above 30%.
key purchase driver across everyday categories.
Smaller markets in Europe have also seen strong growth and are poised for sales continuing to rise. Ireland is a prime example. In Ireland, own label holds a 44% value market share, and sales of private label products jumped 6.9% in January when compared to last year according to Kantar.
According to a study by EY, the Irish economy is one of the strongest in Europe, with inflation below 2%, low unemployment, and a GDP with 2.7% growth in 2024 and projected to reach almost 4% in 2025.
However, there are concerns among Irish consumers when it comes to their budgets.
In addition, housing prices have risen steadily over the past few years and have increased 35% since 2019 according to the Central Statistics office of Ireland, adding to shopping concerns.
These economic concerns have turned consumers attention to store brands. The EY study found Irish consumers are 78% more likely than the average global shopper to say private label goods meet their needs just as well as branded products.
This has not been lost on Irish retailers where home grown retailer Dunnes Store has expanded their
supermarkets only separated by .2% in total sales. According to Kantar, Dunnes Stores has the largest share with 23.9% of sales followed by Tesco with 23.7% and discounters Aldi and Lidl posting 25% of sales combined.
Dunnes Stores has expanded their store brands across major categories and have featured products highlighting their Irish origin and tastes. In one of their Dublin stores, Irish Spring Water, Irish Mega Beef Burgers as well as ham, corn fed chicken and free range eggs from Irish farms are found. It’s Simply Better own label products also include Irish made Italian Mango & Passion Fruit Sorbet and Pistachio Gelato.
With the strong competition for shoppers, many retailers around the world have tried to find ways to keep consumers in the store. Dunnes has followed this philosophy with one of its Dublin stores in the ILAC Shopping Center. It features 4 levels of clothing, food, and home goods but the top floor houses its Dunnes Stores Café. The café features a full food service area as well as a large section decorated with plants and flowers for consumers to enjoy.
As discounters, Aldi and Lidl could have an advantage in the years ahead. According to the EY study, 47% of consumers have begun turning to discount retailers to save money.
Aldi has also focused on its product’s local origins in Ireland. Aldi identifies one of its Irish own label Brown Bear beers with an “I’m Irish” shelf signs. The store also features in-store posters highlighting its relationship with Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board and identifying how it was chosen Ireland’s Best Family Friendly Supermarket in 2024.
Its nonfood products are featured at eye level on the shelves and in high traffic areas. Aldi’s beauty products include its Mamia diapers, Lacura shampoos and hair care items, its Hotel Collection of upscale beauty care as well as its Garden Bright line of home products.
One of the largest supermarkets in the world, Tesco has been in Ireland since 1997 and now has over 180 stores across the country. While Tesco also has products of Irish origin with all of the fresh chicken, beef, lamb, and pork products sold being 100% Irish.
Tesco’s strategy has turned to price in order to lure Irish shoppers. Its low prices are the main driver of its recently launched summer ad campaign which focuses on its Tesco Value strategy.
In one of their Tesco Express stores, many shelf signs highlight price, but their own label plays an important part. Throughout the store Tesco own label products are highlighted in fresh foods, beverages and especially snacks. In one section of the store, a wide range of cookies including Custard Creams, Fig Rolls, Bourbon Creams and Jaffa Cakes were highlighted for shoppers looking for a quick snack.
In addition, competition among retailers is significant because of the preferences of Irish shoppers. According to EY, physical retail continues to be important to Irish shoppers. In fact, 83% of shoppers prefer physical stores over online ordering of fresh food, while 74% prefer them for personal care items.
Private Brands continue to outpace the broader retail industry, cementing their role as growth engines for leading retailers. In 2024, store-brand sales grew 3.9%, compared to just 1.0% growth for national brands (eMarketer). But what’s fueling this momentum? Looking beyond price inflation, the data reveals a clear answer: 86% of non-inflationary growth in Private Brands came from new product introductions (Spins and Circana). Simply put, innovation is the single biggest driver of Private Brand success.
Retailers that can move quickly to identify and act on emerging trends are best positioned to win. By rapidly developing and launching new products, they can take advantage of shifting consumer tastes — either as first movers, introducing a completely new idea, or as fast followers, capitalizing on a proven trend before competitors catch up.
Large retailers have mastered this playbook. In 2024 alone, Target introduced over 1,000 new products, and Kroger added more than 900. But speed isn’t reserved for the giants: Sprouts, a relatively smaller retailer, launched 300 new products last year, proving that massive scale isn’t required to innovate with pace.
The Bottlenecks Slowing Innovation
Moving quickly requires more than ambition. Even the most forwardthinking retailers face operational bottlenecks that slow new product launches. The key is to identify these friction points and address them systematically.
1. Trend Spotting
The process begins with spotting opportunities. Retailers must use their transactional and purchase data, insights from suppliers, and broader cultural trend analysis to anticipate consumer demand. A well-honed trend-tracking system acts as an early warning radar, ensuring the right products move into development at exactly the right time.
2. Product Sourcing
Finding the right suppliers is often the single biggest barrier. Large minimum order quantities can shut out smaller, innovative vendors, while niche suppliers may lack the capacity to meet network-wide demand. Overcoming this challenge requires flexibility in sourcing and strong relationships across categories — especially for products in entirely new segments.
ALLAN DOUGALL MANAGING DIRECTOR WHITESPACE BRANDS
3. Procurement Complexity
Once a supplier is identified, the internal processes begin: RFPs, business case evaluations, quality control, and planogram planning. Each step is essential, but collectively they can bog down speed to market. Streamlining approvals and aligning cross-functional teams is critical to keep momentum high.
REBECCA HAMILTON CEO FISH AGENCY
4. Packaging Design
Packaging is often the final gatekeeper before launch. Great design takes time — but it doesn’t have to be slow. When a retailer has well-defined brand standards with built-in flexibility, packaging teams can move quickly while still creating compelling, consistent designs that resonate on shelf.
Building an Innovation Engine
Speed to market isn’t just about efficiency; it’s a strategic advantage. The faster you can get high-demand products on shelves, the more likely you are to attract new customers, grow basket size, and strengthen loyalty to your Private Brand portfolio.
At the Fish Agency, through our Whitespace Brands division, we’ve developed services that complement internal retailer teams at any stage of this process — from trend identification to packaging design — with a single goal: accelerating innovation.
The message is clear: new products are the engine of Private Brand success. Streamlining processes to launch quickly isn’t just an advantage — it’s essential for growth.
Rebecca Hamilton
Rebecca is the CEO of the award-winning Fish Agency. 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 ROIgenerating 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.
Allan Dougall
Allan is the Managing Director of Whitespace Brands, a division of the Fish Agency that specializes in building strong and sustainable Private Brands at scale. For over 25 years he has worked with many of North America's leading retailers to develop compelling brand strategies, design packaging that wins at shelf and scale Private Brand product portfolios.
2025 RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET
Sprouts Farmers Market, in partnership with Marketing By Design (MBD), continues to redefine what private brand packaging can achieve. When Sprouts began their private label redesign, MBD leveraged their master brand where Sprouts had the most brand equity. Recognizing the need for a more dynamic and strategic design, Sprouts and MBD then embarked on a category-by-category transformation over the last few years.
The result is a new look that is as strategic as it is stunning. Powered by a strong color strategy, elegant illustrations, and a commitment to storytelling through design, the new system creates a unified brand block that’s instantly recognizable, yet flexible enough to highlight the distinctiveness of every product. This evolution invites shoppers to discover, delight, and connect with each item on shelf— elevating everyday experiences and driving brand loyalty.
Below, we spotlight some of MBD’s recent favorite packaging launches for Sprouts:
Italian Sodas
This design brings a farmers market twist to a classic Italian beverage. Vintage-style illustrations and retro fonts, paired with a prominently placed “Product of Italy” stamp, bridge authenticity with Sprouts’ playful aesthetic. Each bottle is wrapped in vibrant, fruit-forward artwork, with every flavor brought to life through rich color and detail. The fresh fruit imagery entices the eye and reinforces the product’s genuine Italian roots, while the gold-accented stamp evokes a sense of European luxury. Altogether, this packaging transports consumers to the Italian countryside, making every sip feel like a special occasion.
Wafer Rolls
The Wafer Rolls packaging strikes a balance between playful indulgence and refined simplicity. Cylindrical canisters are adorned with whimsical illustrations—vanilla blossoms or peanuts—set against a modern, color-blocked background. The design system uses bold iconography and clear flavor cues, making each variety instantly recognizable and inviting. It’s a fresh take on a classic treat, designed to stand out and delight.
Nut Butters
Sprouts’ nut butters showcase the beauty of simplicity. Each jar features hand-drawn nut illustrations and a color-coded label system, making it easy for shoppers to find their favorite variety. Subtle textures and natural hues reinforce the wholesome, minimally processed promise of the product inside. The overall effect is clean, modern, and shelf-worthy—an invitation to enjoy real ingredients, beautifully presented.
To speak to health-conscious shoppers, MBD designed a fruitforward mandala background and a tea bag–shaped placard that nods to the kombucha’s natural origins. Vibrant, earthy colors and fruity imagery enhance taste appeal. The overall effect is a package that feels both artisanal and refreshing, perfectly capturing the wellnessdriven spirit of the category.
Grain Free Crackers
The Grain Free Crackers line is bold and energetic, with saturated colors and crisp, geometric layouts. Each flavor is differentiated by its own color story, while playful ingredient illustrations and clear callouts for dietary benefits (like “grain free” and “vegan cheddar”) make the packaging both informative and fun. The design is modern and approachable, signaling Sprouts’ commitment to innovation and inclusivity in snacking.
KATIE LOCKE SALES & MARKETING MANAGER MBD
PB&J Dippers
PB&J Dippers are packaged with a sense of joy and nostalgia. The boxes feature bright, inviting colors and playful fonts, with whimsical illustrations of fruit and peanut butter. The design is approachable and family-friendly, making snack time feel like a special occasion and inviting both kids and adults to rediscover a classic pairing.
Plantain Strips
The Plantain Strips packaging is bold and tropical, with vibrant illustrations of plantains and leaves set against a lively background. The use of color blocking and clear flavor cues (like “Sweet” or “Spicy Picante”) ensures strong shelf presence and easy navigation. The design captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that defines the Sprouts brand, inviting consumers to try something new.
Gelato Popsicles
Sprouts’ Gelato Popsicles are a visual treat. The boxes feature mouthwatering photography of the popsicles, paired with elegant Italian-inspired graphics and a subtle gold accent for a touch of luxury. The “Product of Italy” stamp is a proud centerpiece, reinforcing authenticity and quality. The overall look is indulgent, refreshing, and undeniably premium—a perfect finish to any meal.
The transformation of Sprouts’ private brand packaging is more than a visual refresh—it’s a strategic evolution. By embracing a category-driven, designforward system, Sprouts and MBD have created a portfolio that is both unified and expressive. Each package tells a story—of origin, quality, and delight—inviting consumers to experience the Sprouts difference, one product at a time. As the journey continues, Sprouts remains committed to innovation and the power of design to inspire loyalty and excitement in every aisle.
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.
Kombucha
PRIVATE LABELS: TURNING VALUE INTO LASTING SHOPPER LOYALTY
A New Era for Private Labels
Private labels have moved far beyond their discount-only origins. Once perceived as inferior to national brands, they are now a strategic growth engine for retailers, driving store traffic, improving margins, and, above all, securing shopper loyalty. For retailers competing in increasingly consolidated markets, loyalty is no longer built on price alone. Shoppers expect value, quality, and trust and private labels have become one of the most powerful ways to deliver all three.
Quality and Trust Go Hand-in-Hand
A shopper’s decision to buy a private label hinges on three perceptions: price, quality, and the store’s image. The first two are well-known drivers, but the store’s overall reputation plays an equally important, often underestimated role. Consumers are more likely to choose private labels when they believe the products are consistently good. In fact, the perceived quality of a retailer’s brand is only as strong as the weakest product in its portfolio. A single disappointing experience can erode trust across the entire range. Retailers can reinforce quality perceptions through endorsements, a chef promoting chilled ready meals, a veterinarian endorsing pet food as well as free samples, in-store tastings, and engaging digital signage. Advertising also plays a critical role, often influencing private label sales more than price differences versus national brands.
The Power of Price Positioning
Shoppers often judge unfamiliar products by price: higher prices are intuitively associated with better quality. This behavior becomes evident when a retailer offers both a standard and a premium private label line. Shoppers naturally expect the higher-priced item to be of superior quality.
Retailers have invested heavily in multi-tier private label architectures to serve different segments: value (entry) tiers draw price-sensitive shoppers and boost traffic but often carry slim margins. Standard tiers form the backbone of the store’s reputation, where consistent quality is non-negotiable. Premium tiers use higher-grade ingredients, sustainability credentials, or regional provenance to justify price gaps.
The challenge lies in balancing value with profitability. Asda’s launch of Just Essentials in the UK, for example, succeeded so well in a cost-of-living crisis that it required temporary purchase limits yet the very success of the budget line threatened the retailer’s overall margin mix by prompting shoppers to trade down.
Managing Shopper Risk
Private label acceptance is closely tied to perceived risk. If a standard private label product matches a national brand in quality and offers no functional risk, marketing efforts should focus on reducing experimental risk, encouraging trial through tastings or guarantees and on lowering social risk by highlighting popularity and smart-shopping credentials.
Premium private labels, by contrast, often carry higher perceived risk because of their price. Retailers must therefore communicate their superior performance, better ingredients, and added value such as sustainability or regional sourcing to justify the price difference and gain consumer trust.
Store Image: The Silent Influencer
A store’s image, its service quality, convenience, assortment, and corporate values, directly shapes shopper confidence in its private labels. Retailers that align private label strategies with corporate commitments to sustainability, animal welfare, or local sourcing can strengthen both their brand and customer loyalty.
For instance, Aldi Ireland highlights its award-winning buffalo mozzarella produced locally in West Cork. Migros in Switzerland guarantees milk only from animal-friendly farms and promotes long-term partnerships with local producers. REWE in Germany markets “Freshness directly from the neighborhood,” linking its private labels to regional sourcing and community support. Such supplierstory marketing resonates with shoppers who want their purchases to reflect their own values, making private labels not just a purchase but a statement of trust.
Picking the Right Categories
Not all categories contribute equally to loyalty. Private labels in lowfrequency, higher-priced categories such as laundry detergents or specialty foods can better differentiate a store and deepen loyalty. Conversely, in frequently purchased staples like soft drinks or breakfast cereals, lower-priced private labels mainly attract bargain hunters who often shop across several stores, driving traffic but not long-term loyalty.
Beyond Price Wars
Investments in private labels often erode the dominance of national brands but do not always create an advantage over rival retailers. A positive experience with one retailer’s private label can increase a shopper’s willingness to try another store’s private label line. To stand out, retailers must focus on consistent quality, distinctive positioning, and strong brand storytelling, ensuring their private labels reinforce the retailer’s broader brand identity rather than competing on price alone.
A Playbook for Retail Leaders
For retailers aiming to unlock the full potential of private labels:
1. Guard quality consistency across all tiers; one weak product can damage trust.
2. Align price positioning with perceived value, especially in premium lines.
3. Invest in marketing and packaging to close the perception gap with national brands.
4. Leverage endorsements, sampling, and supplier stories to enhance credibility.
5. Integrate private label values with the retailer’s brand promise, from sustainability to community support.
Loyalty Built on Trust
Private labels have matured from low-cost alternatives to strategic loyalty engines. For retailers, they offer a way to differentiate in a crowded marketplace, strengthen brand equity, and meet the evolving expectations of value-driven yet quality-conscious shoppers. Ultimately, the future of private labels hinges on one core truth: loyalty is built on trust, not just price. Retailers that consistently deliver on this promise will win not only more sales but deeper, lasting relationships with their customers.
Order Book Here: WWW.IPLC-EUROPE.COM
Koen De Jong
Koen has extensive management experience in the private label manufacturing industry in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. He has been involved in numerous M&A transactions in the Benelux. His private label strategy and business planning involvement includes company analysis and benchmarking, board consulting and the participation in supervisory boards. He speaks fluent English, German, French and Dutch (mother tongue).
THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIPS IN PRIVATE BRANDS
An Open Letter to Manufacturers
As we close this three-part series, I want to turn our focus to the future. Not the distant one, but the very real and rapidly arriving demands of the next twelve to thirty-six months. Private brands are not an alternative. They are the engine. They are no longer simply a margin strategy or a fill-in-the-blank solution. They are a core business driver, a market differentiator, and in many cases, the most valuable intellectual property a retailer owns.
To serve that role well, private brands require more than capable manufacturing. They require bold, strategic, future-focused partnerships that go far beyond supplying goods and hitting ship windows. As I wrote in my first letter, the most effective partnerships begin with mutual commitment and shared understanding of the business. As I stated in the second, those partnerships are tested and proven during times of crisis. Now, we look ahead at how these relationships must evolve if we intend to keep building own brand programs that matter.
Shared Vision Must Start at the Top
The strongest partnerships of the future will not be built transactionally. They will be built intentionally between organizations whose leaders are aligned not only on product but on strategy. These are conversations that must take place at the executive level not between account teams. We are no longer talking about how to fill next month’s forecast. We are talking about how to build a private brand roadmap that drives competitive advantage for the next three to five years.
That includes clear margin strategies, disciplined category prioritization, shared views on consumer targets, and a joint plan to win both instore and online. The promotional calendar alone is no longer the plan. A coordinated vision for how to grow, protect, and elevate the brand must be in place.
Innovation and Technology Are No Longer Optional
We are well beyond the era of guesswork and lagging indicators. Technology is rapidly reshaping how we develop, track, market, and optimize every aspect of the private brand business. Manufacturers who embrace smart forecasting tools, integrated supply chain platforms, and digital shelf strategies will be those best equipped to deliver value at speed. Those who do not will struggle to keep pace.
Innovation is not limited to trendbased product launches. It shows up in data fluency, in operational agility, in scalable digital content, and in faster response cycles. The ability to offer insight not just ingredients is what will distinguish tomorrow’s best suppliers from yesterday’s capable ones.
Packaging, Sustainability, and Purpose Must Be Built In
Shoppers expect more. They want transparency, responsibility, and purpose. Packaging design and material choices are no longer aesthetic or cost decisions. They are equity decisions. Consumers notice when we lead, and they notice when we fall short. Manufacturers who invest in responsible sourcing, packaging sustainability, and forward-compliance will stand out with consumers and brand owners who are looking for long-term strategic alignment.
Sustainability cannot be a bolt-on initiative. It must be built into the culture, the sourcing model, and the go-to-market plan. It must be verifiable, and it must reflect the values of the consumers we all serve.
The Work Is More Complex—And That Is Exactly Why It Matters
What worked a few years ago will not hold. We are building in a different market now. It is faster, more digital, more price-conscious, and more value-driven than ever before. Retailers are asking more of their manufacturers because the opportunity in private brands has never been greater. The bar is higher and that is a very good thing.
Those manufacturers who meet it will be the ones who win not just a bid, but a seat at the table. They will be the ones who are invited to co-create strategy, who are trusted to deliver, and who become foundational to the next chapter of private brand leadership.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
If you’ve read this full series, you know that everything I have outlined—mutual commitment, operational accountability, contingency planning, transparency, innovation, and strategic collaboration—adds up to a different kind of partnership. A mature one, a modern one, and one deeply needed in our industry right now. We have work to do, and we have the right conditions to do it. The market is ready. The consumer is open. The tools are available. What is needed now are the partners who are ready to lead.
Let us build differently. Let us lead decisively. Let us treat these partnerships not as contracts, but as commitments.
With great respect,
Jill Dearing Founder & CEO, Dearing & Company
Former
VP
of Private Brands, C&S Wholesale Grocers
Former Executive, Save A Lot
Jill Dearing
Jill Dearing, founder & CEO of Dearing & Company, leverages her extensive experience in the grocery, food, and private brand industries to drive innovative solutions and strategic transformations. She can be reached via email at jdearing@dearingco.com or visit www.dearingco.com.
LOYALTY CARDS: DATA GOLDMINES
On Both Sides Of The Atlantic
Not so long ago, a supermarket loyalty card was little more than a flimsy piece of plastic tucked next to a bank card. Flash it at the cashier, get a discount on milk or bread, and feel like a “valued customer.” But in reality, something much bigger was happening behind the checkout scanner. Every beep of the barcode was feeding a silent revolution: supermarkets were turning shopping habits into one of the most valuable currencies in modern business data.
Today, loyalty cards are no longer about free points or coupons. They are sophisticated engines of consumer insight, capable of shaping entire strategies for retailers and suppliers alike. Yet how these cards are used (and what they say about the relationship between business and society) diverges sharply between Europe and the United States. And the comparison reveals not just two retail markets, but also two philosophies of consumer capitalism.
From coupons to code
Supermarkets first embraced loyalty cards to shore up margins in the face of fierce competition. The logic was simple: offer customers a reason to come back, even if the reward was modest. What retailers soon discovered, however, was that the true treasure wasn’t in the discounts handed out, but in the behavior being tracked.
In the US, this realization was seized with characteristic scale. Chains like Kroger and Walmart rapidly transformed loyalty programs into vast data ecosystems, tying them to credit card spending, pharmacy records, and even fuel purchases. The American model became one of vertical integration: loyalty data was combined with multiple consumer touchpoints to build profiles of extraordinary granularity. Promotions turned into algorithmic experiments. A shopper’s basket was no longer just food, it was a predictive model of who they were, what they might need next, and how much more they could be persuaded to spend.
Different route
Europe took a different route. With its fragmented market of regional and national players, loyalty schemes grew less explosively. Here, programs were less about instant promotional gratification and more
about building long-term relationships. Regulations like the general data protection regulation (GDPR) forced European retailers to tread carefully, limiting the data sources they could combine. The result? A ‘slower’ approach, one that positioned loyalty as a matter of trust rather than pure sales uplift.
The power of patterns
At their core, loyalty programs allow retailers to see what shoppers themselves barely notice: the patterns of daily life hidden in receipts. When a basket suddenly includes nappies, it’s a signal of a new life stage. When oat drinks replace cow’s milk, it hints at changing dietary preferences or lifestyle choices. In the US, these signals are often immediately monetized. Promotions and crossselling campaigns fire with relentless precision, often producing sharp spikes in weekly sales.
Europe, however, seems more cautious. Instead of focusing solely on basket size and transaction frequency, European chains are increasingly using loyalty data to drive healthier and more sustainable consumption. Discounts on fruit and vegetables, nudges towards plantbased proteins, and even carbonfootprint feedback are finding their way into loyalty ecosystems. The consumer associations with their cards goes beyond saving euros on steak or soda, but Europeans are starting to see them as instruments of collective well-being, even if wrapped in the language of marketing.
A new seat at the table
For suppliers, loyalty data has changed the game on both continents. FMCG companies once relied on consumer panels or third-party research to understand demand. Now, retailers themselves hold the sharpest insights. In the US, this has given giants like Walmart immense leverage in supplier negotiations. Armed with data, they can dictate terms, demand customized product lines, and run joint marketing campaigns that squeeze efficiency out of every cent.
In Europe, the dynamic seems more collaborative. Supermarkets share loyalty insights with suppliers not just to optimize promotions, but to co-develop new products and align with shifting social expectations. For instance, data showing a surge in plant-based demand in urban areas isn’t just a marketing cue, it becomes the basis for co-investment in sustainable product ranges. In this sense, European loyalty schemes act as bridges between retailer, supplier, and consumer values.
The trust question
But whether in Ohio or Oslo, one truth is universal: data is power, and with power comes responsibility. American consumers, accustomed to Silicon Valley’s data-for-discount model, often accept loyalty card surveillance as the price of convenience. Yet scandals around data leaks or opaque partnerships can quickly erode trust, as Target discovered years ago when its algorithms revealed a teenager’s pregnancy before her family knew.
Europe’s stricter privacy regime forces retailers to be more transparent. Shoppers are asked to consent, to read fine print, to accept cookies not just online but metaphorically in-store. While cumbersome for business, this regulatory environment has one major advantage: it forces companies to think long-term. A loyalty card that feels manipulative risks not just customer churn, but legal consequences. European retailers, therefore, often compete on trust as much as price, a competitive edge that may prove more sustainable than the endless promotion cycles of the American model.
Beyond the checkout
What makes loyalty cards fascinating is not just what they reveal about shopping, but what they could reveal about the future of retail itself. Both in Europe and the US, supermarkets are experimenting with linking loyalty to broader ecosystems. Imagine a card that doesn’t just reward you for buying coffee, but also tracks your use of an e-scooter service, your energy consumption, or even your health insurance incentives. In the US, where corporate conglomerates thrive, this kind of integration could turn loyalty cards into full-blown lifestyle passports.
HANS KRAAK PRINCIPAL KRAAK MEDIA
Europe is more likely to tie such ecosystems to social policy goals, nudging people towards greener choices, healthier lifestyles, and reduced carbon footprints. In both cases, the supermarket becomes more than a place to buy food. It becomes a node in a network of data-driven influence, where every purchase is both a personal choice and a data point in a much larger experiment.
Loyalty as currency
So where does this leave business leaders? The question is no longer whether loyalty cards matter. They do. The real question is: what kind of loyalty do you want to cultivate? In the US, loyalty seems more transactional, discounts today, profits tomorrow. In Europe, loyalty seems more relational, trust today, resilience tomorrow. Both models have their strengths. Both generate enormous value. But the divergence matters. As global FMCG companies straddle both continents, they must adapt not just to different markets, but to different cultural contracts about what loyalty means. In the end, loyalty is not just about keeping customers. It’s about defining what kind of relationship a business wants with society. On both sides of the Atlantic, the future of retail will be written not just in euros or dollars, but in data. And in that economy, loyalty is more than a habit. It is, quite literally, a currency.
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.
TUTTOFOOD MILANO 2026 GOING GLOBAL: Discovering the New Gateway for Food Innovation
11-14 MAY 2026
MILANO, ITALY
Tuttofood Milano is quickly becoming one of the most international business platforms in the global food industry. If 2025 was “Year Zero," to quote Tuttofood Food & Beverage Brand Manager Riccardo Caravita, the 2026 edition will take a significant step forward in positioning Tuttofood and Milan as true crossroads for global trade and innovation: no longer just an Italian show, but a strategic gateway to Europe and the world’s most dynamic food markets.
Tuttofood Goes Global
The upcoming edition will feature an unprecedented number of companies and Trade Promotion Organizations from around the world, including Scandinavia, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. This increase in international participation is the first clear result of the partnership established last year between Tuttofood and Anuga Cologne, the most comprehensive trade show in the industry.
Organized by Fiere di Parma, also known for Cibus Parma, Tuttofood combines strong exhibition management with a solid Global Buyers Program, developed with ITA – Italian Trade Agency. In 2025, over 3,000 VIP buyers from more than 90 countries attended the event, confirming its status as a key meeting place for top decision-makers. Expectations for 2026 are likely even higher.
Brand New At The Show: New Trends, New Global Partnership
Tuttofood continues to evolve in line with the changes transforming food markets worldwide. After launching a successful Beverage and Mixology Area in 2025, the 2026 edition will expand further with a new Fresh and Processed Fruit & Vegetable Pavilion, as well as dedicated focuses on emerging global trends – ranging from plant-based proteins to fermented and organic foods.
A key highlight will be TuttoBio, a new area entirely dedicated to the organic supply chain. The section is developed jointly with NATEXPO, an international leading organic trade show held in Paris (November 30–December 2, 2025). TuttoBio will act as a high-value international hub for organic innovation, combining NATEXPO’s unmatched expertise in the field with Tuttofood’s global reach and strong B2B focus.
Private Label: Why Tuttofood Is A Winning Choice
Private label is much more than a product category at Tuttofood: it is a strategic channel for international growth. The show has long been a destination for co-packers and manufacturers that supply premium, customized solutions for white and private label brands worldwide.
That’s why, for many global retailers, Tuttofood has been the ideal venue for years to find high-quality, exportready products that can boost their premium store brand portfolios and offer new value-for-money options to customers. As private label continues to drive cross-border product movement and margin growth, Tuttofood remains a key hub for retailers and producers aiming to connect Europe’s food excellence with global markets.
In 2026, the show will launch a new dedicated initiative: a unique platform offering exhibitors only exclusive seminars, case studies, and matchmaking sessions with leading international retail and distribution groups. The goal: to foster long-term partnerships, share best practices, and unlock new opportunities in premium private label development. With its growing international presence, forward-looking special areas, and deep commitment to private label excellence, Tuttofood Milano 2026 stands as a truly global marketplace, where brands, buyers, and innovators converge to shape the future of food retail worldwide.
www.tuttofood.it/en
MARCA BY BOLOGNAFIERE & ADM 2026: Where the Private Label Year Begins
14 – 15 JANUARY 2026
BOLOGNA
MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM stands as a unique ecosystem in the global trade show landscape, the only event where 28 leading Large Scale Distributors actively exhibit alongside Food and non-Food producers, creating an unparalleled platform for Private Label innovation and business networking.
Scheduled for January 14-15, 2026, at Bologna's Trade Fair District, MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM represents an absolute unique trade event: retailers don't just visit, they exhibit their future launches and innovations, transforming the traditional trade show model into a business platform where Private Label trends take shape.
The DNA of Private Label excellence
What makes MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM distinctive is also its complete ecosystem integration under one roof. From product innovation spanning Food, Fresh, and Non-Food categories to upstream services through MARCATech –encompassing packaging, logistics, technology, and sustainability solutions –the event offers a 360-degree view of the private label value chain.
A dedicated innovation showcase presents breakthrough products from both Large Scale retailers and producers, innovations recognized through the prestigious MARCA Awards. Combined with the MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM comprehensive conference program and specialized workshops, this
creates a pre-competitive environment where Large Scale Distributors share market vision and next-generation product developments that preview market direction. The Gala Awards Ceremony will be held on 14th January from 6 pm at the MARCA Trend area.
Italian Excellence as global benchmark
Italian Large Scale Distributors have established themselves as trendsetters, particularly in food excellence and fresh product management, especially in fruit and vegetables where supply chain control and quality standards make the difference. MARCAFresh demonstrates this expertise, showcasing the strategic fresh sector where retail quality identity is truly defined: a critical differentiator that Italian Retailers have mastered.
The Made in Italy Private Labels also represent a quality driver that influences international markets, with Italian Large Scale Distributors setting best-in-class standards that inspire global retail development. This Italian DNA, combined with food heritage excellence, creates a preview of tomorrow's Private Label trends –what happens in Italy often anticipates European market evolution.
Beyond product: the complete supply chain ecosystem
packaging solutions to logistics, technology platforms, and sustainability innovations, MARCA Tech connects Large Scale Distributors and producers with the specialized suppliers who enable product excellence and operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach –spanning from concept to shelf –creates distinctive business opportunities, making MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM an indispensable platform for anyone operating in the sector. Confirming Bologna's role as the international meeting point where the retail year truly begins.
Global significance with Italian heart
Bologna has established itself as the Private Label capital where annual strategies are conceived and business relationships forged. The International Buyers Preview on January 13 offers an exclusive pre-show B2B platform, attracting over 350 international buyers and providing direct access to category managers and decision-makers from leading distributors worldwide.
This format creates high-value business matching opportunities before the exhibition officially opens, maximizing the effectiveness of international participation. From North American chains to European distributors, the Preview has become the strategic gateway to the global Private Label community –confirming Bologna's role as the international meeting point where the retail year truly begins.
MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM is the only trade show that addresses the entire Private Label value chain through MARCA Tech (Hall 19), a dedicated platform showcasing the upstream services that make Private Label innovation possible. From primary and secondary marcabybolognafiere.com
BIOFACH 2026: EMPHASIS ON THE NEXT GENERATION
Growing Tomorrow: Young Voices, Bold Visions – Focus on the next generation at BIOFACH 2026
10-13 FEBRUARY 2026 NUREMBERG
From 10 to 13 February 2026, Nuremberg will once again become the global center of the organic community: BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food, invites the international sector to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and shape the future. Under the main theme “Growing Tomorrow: Young Voices, Bold Visions,” the spotlight will be on the next generation— young players with fresh ideas, bold visions, and a clear commitment to rethinking organic.
BIOFACH is a multifaceted trade fair experience that covers the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to retail and out of home catering. Organic products can be experienced in all their facets in special product-specific areas, on stages, and in target group-specific formats. Whether olive oil, vegan products, planetary health, or out of home catering— visitors can expect a wide range of topics, trends, and products.
Special attention will be paid to communal catering: school cafeterias, canteens, and catering companies will be highlighted as levers for sustainable nutrition. Formats such as the Forum STADTLANDBIO as part of the BIOFACH Congress will show how organic products can be anchored in public catering – with political foresight, educational equity, and innovative concepts.
Retailers will also find tailor-made offers at BIOFACH 2026. Start-ups present their ideas on the Innovation Stage, while young and established companies showcase their new products at the Novelty Stand. The BIOFACH Start-up Pitches, where visionary entrepreneurs compete for the BIOFACH Start-up Award in five-minute presentations, offer a glimpse into the future of organic innovation. In addition, retail topics are addressed at the Meeting-Point BIOimSEH and in the BIOFACH Congress Forum Retail, among other places.
With India as country of the year, BIOFACH is putting the spotlight on a dynamic organic nation. Indian producers and companies are demonstrating how organic farming can be successful even under challenging conditions – and what potential lies dormant in regional markets around the world.
In times of climate crisis, geopolitical tension, and growing social inequality, BIOFACH 2026 emphasizes that organic is more than a market—it is a movement. Sustainability and social relevance are at the heart of the fair: from regenerative agriculture and fair supply chains to food sovereignty and climate protection.
The BIOFACH Congress as well as the SustainableFutureLab invite the community to participate, to talk and to showcase how organic can contribute to a responsible and resilient food system.
With its focus on “Growing Tomorrow,” BIOFACH 2026 provides a space for intergenerational dialogue, bold ideas, and concrete solutions. It brings together pioneers and newcomers, thinkers and doers—united by the belief that organic is the path forward.
www.biofach.de/en
COSMOPACK 2026 THE WORLD’S LEADING TRADE FAIR FOR COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE, AND FRAGRANCE SUPPLY CHAIN
15 – 17 MARCH 2026
BOLOGNA, ITALY
Cosmopack 2026, the world’s leading trade fair showcasing every link in the cosmetics, personal care, and fragrance supply chain, opens March 26–28 in Bologna, Italy, at the renowned BolognaFiere Exhibition Center.
The comprehensive supply-side show is thoughtfully arranged across five Halls at the Exhibition Center, enabling attendees to plan a results-oriented experience while leaving room for spontaneous discovery, impromptu networking, and actionable insights. Every part of the supply chain is present, from ingredients to fragrance, manufacturing to machinery, packaging to labeling, and more. Here, the future of the cosmetics and fragrance industry takes shape.
Ingredients, Raw Materials, And All Things Fragrance
The Fragrances & Ingredients Zone is where cosmetic and personal care ingredient manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and distributors showcase both new and classic
ingredients. It’s also where R&D professionals, product developers, and brand leaders find the inspiration and partners they need to plan their upcoming product launches.
For example, Austria-based Kern Tec will be participating at Cosmopack in 2026. This company specializes in stone-fruit seed oils derived from apricots, cherries, and plums. The skincare-ready oils are cold-pressed and rich in antioxidants and lipids. While the fruit itself is harvested and processed into jam or juice for the food and beverage market, Kern Tec also upcycles the outer pit-shells of these fruits for use in skincare and body care products as a physical exfoliant.
The Fragrances & Ingredients Zone at Cosmopack is also where fragrance houses, fragrance ingredient suppliers, and fragrance manufacturers turn out in force. In 2026, exhibitors including Scentmate by Firmenich and eps Fragrances, based in Spain and Turkey, respectively, will be there showing the latest scent concepts.
These suppliers and many, many more—across active and functional ingredients, raw materials, and all things fragrance, as well as supplement specialists, and formulation consultancies—are located in Hall 20.
Production Machinery, Automation, and Robotic Technologies
On the ground floor (one level down from the Fragrances & Ingredients Zone), Hall 19 is home to state-of-the-art equipment for ingredient processing, product
manufacturing, filling, packaging, and more. Cosmopack is the only trade fair where beauty makers can discover and experience machinery, automation, and robotic technologies specific to their needs.
This is where the world’s top production machinery companies demonstrate stand-alone and full line capabilities including, but not limited to, processing, mixing and blending, filling, quality control, labeling, cartoning, and pallet loading. Technical experts, engineers, and support specialists are on-site at Cosmopack, providing information and answering questions about how the various equipment solutions allow for scale up, interoperability, and system upgrades, as well as details on service and maintenance support.
Cosmopack 2026 will take place from March 26 to 28, 2026, in Bologna, at BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre, alongside Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the international leading event for the cosmetics industry.
