Store Brands are Expanding into New Categories, New Chains, and New Channels
A phenomenon can be a one-time occurrence, something remarkable or mysterious. The phenomenon of store brands, however, is no singular or unexplainable event. In fact, store brands have been around for decades and have grown into a $220 billion industry. It’s ever growing and changing, penetrating into more and more new categories, and expanding across multiple channels and virtual platforms to become a powerful retail tool to build consumer loyalty and bolster the bottom line for companies.
Consumers are being swept up in the phenomenon, too. Store brands accounted for nearly 30% of all new dollar sales flowing into the U.S. retailing industry last year. Quality, innovation, and value are the fundamentals of why today’s shoppers continue to trust and fill their carts with store brands. This robust industry offers a combination of not only what a family needs but what they want in products that are socially and environmentally aware and support their desire for an overall healthier lifestyle.
Manufacturers and retailers are listening to those consumers. In partnership, they introduce value brands consumers can rely on as well as premium items and exclusive product offerings as a differentiator in today’s competitive retail market. This symbiotic phenomenon is key for the industry. Being able to easily pivot with changing consumer and product trends or surmount logistical challenges keeps the industry on the cutting
edge of development and consistently provides retailers an assortment of products.
Experience the Phenomenon
With over 2,500 exhibit booths and more than 5,000 visitors, PLMA’s 2023 Annual Private Label Trade Show is at the center of the phenomenon. For more than 40 years, PLMA has provided supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, wholesale clubs, dollar and specialty stores, mass merchandisers, importers and exporters and e-commerce retailers an exclusive venue to discover the latest food and non-food products, ingredients, flavors, fragrances, packaging and supplier trends in the private label industry.
The show floor is segmented to maximize efficiency for buyers. The South Hall is devoted to health and wellness, beauty, self-care, cosmetics, household, kitchenware and general merchandise. Food, snacks, beverages, dairy, refrigerated and frozen products are in the North and Sky Halls and also included in the South Hall.
The Food and Beverage Phenomenon
The exhibit floor at PLMA’s 2023 Annual Private Label Trade Show is akin to the aisles of your local supermar ket, drug chain or mass merchandiser. Nearly every major category is on display for the thousands of visitors and buyers. With more than $115 billion in sales in the U.S., and up 32% over the previous year, it’s no surprise food and beverages are among the major highlights at the show and the fastest growing phenomenon in store brands.
Buyers visiting the show can taste, touch, and experience the latest trends and store brand product innovation in the industry. Some key categories and trends buyers will be looking for at the show include:
Children’s Food and Snacks category has exploded with health and socially conscious parents seeking nutritious yet kid-pleasing snacks and meals. Award-winning private label snacks including chips made with organic seaweed, brain-boosting veggies molded into toddler-sized puffs, organic snack bars and clean-label, sustainable drinks are just a few of the popular products trending not only with parents but with kids, too.
Plant-based, Healthy and Dietary conscious food and beverages in a wide range of categories is what consumers have come to expect from their local retailer. Whether it’s high-protein or low-sugar snacks, legume pasta, vegan entrees, plant-based meat products or healthy and functional drinks, shoppers are looking for a variety of options.
Wines and Spirits – including alcohol-free – is growing in popularity among adult consumers. From cabernet wine to ready-to-drink ‘mocktails’, retailers own brands spirits and cocktail mixes in creative packaging are increasingly in demand at club and warehouse stores, discounters, and other traditional retail outlets.
Flavors and Ingredients are evolving with American consumers’ healthier mindset and more global demographics. The combination of regional, international, and exotic flavors is becoming common place on retailers’ shelves along with plant-based and wellness-promoting ingredients included in products such as pasta, snacks and nutritional supplements.
Pet Foods and Treats is a $4.5 billion private label category that has clearly expanded beyond the basics over the past few years. The category has grown to include such things as meals designed for aging pets, hip and joint treats, pet-friendly bone broth, eco-conscious chews, supplements with wellness attributes, training treats and toys for dogs, cats and other creatures.
Foodservice and Restaurant quality meals is a growing category as consumers continue to look for convenience with freshprepared, deli and upscale prepared meal options. The post-pandemic consumer demand for food service is surging as they seek restaurant quality meals without the price tag of dining out. With today’s shoppers putting more focus on meal planning options, supermarkets, wholesale clubs and other retail vendors are increasingly relying on private label options to keep pace with this growing trend.
Facts for Exhibitors
Show Location
PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, only 10 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Conveniently located within walking distance or short shuttle bus rides from major hotels, the convention center provides exhibitors with an easy-to-reach, efficient venue for trade shows.
Trade Show Schedule
November 13
14
15
Booth Assignments
The trade show floor is divided into separate halls for food and beverage, and home and health. All booth assignments are on a first-come, first-served basis in order of receipt of application and payment, product eligibility and availability of space. Show floor halls and configuration are subject to modifications as needed.
Official Program Guide
PLMA exhibitors receive a complimentary listing in the Official Program Guide which includes company name, address, phone, website, email, product lines and exhibitor personnel. Advertising space is also available for companies who wish to promote their booth location or products.
Preliminary Retail and Wholesale Registration List
Exhibitors receive a preliminary retailer and wholesaler list 30 days prior to the show to help arrange appointments in advance.
Online Show Navigator
PLMA’s online Show Navigator provides category-by-category listings of exhibitors including full contact details and is made available to all registered retail and wholesale visitors 30 days prior to the show to help them identify exhibitors that they want to visit. In their online listings, exhibitors can announce their new products, upload pictures and highlight their standard company listings by ordering online advertising space. PLMA regularly updates the online Show Navigator to include the latest exhibitor additions and updates. Onsite, the online Show Navigator is mobile-friendly and accessible to all exhibitors and visitors.
PLMA Matchmaker™
PLMA Matchmaker helps retailers and wholesalers arrange appointments with exhibitors prior to the show. Exhibitors receive secure access codes prior to the show in order to participate.
Seminar Program
To help show attendees learn about the latest industry trends, PLMA offers a special seminar and speakers program. This includes Sunday seminars and workshops, the Monday Keynote Breakfast and the Tuesday Trends Breakfast. Consult the Official Program Guide, Online Show Navigator or plma.com for this year’s presentations.
Exhibit Rates
The cost of exhibiting at PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show is low, too. Choose from a variety of in-line or island configurations. This year’s member rates are:
1 booth (10’ x 10’) $ 3,000*
2 booths (20’ x 10’) $ 4,500
3 booths (30’ x 10’) $ 6,000
4 booths (40’ x 10’) $ 7,500
4-unit island (20’ x 20’) $ 8,000
6-unit island (30’ x 20’) $ 10,000
8-unit island (40’ x 20’) $ 12,000
10-unit island (50’ x 20’) $ 15,000
12-unit island (30’ x 40’) $ 18,000
16-unit island (40’ x 40’) $ 21,000
20-unit island (50’ x 40’) $ 25,000
*Single unit price increases to $3,500 after Sept. 8.
†Non-members add surcharge based on maximum membership dues.
PLMA’s Who’s Who of Retailers and Wholesalers
Supermarkets and Food Retailers
AHOLD DELHAIZE USA
ALBERTSONS COMPANIES
ALDI, INC.
ANGELO CAPUTO’S FRESH MARKETS
BASHAS’
BERKOT’S SUPER FOODS
BIG Y FOODS
BRISTOL FARMS
BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS
BROOKSHIRE GROCERY
BUTERA MARKET
DOROTHY LANE MARKETS
FAIRWAY MARKET
FIESTA MART
FOOD BAZAAR SUPERMARKETS
THE FRESH MARKET
FRESH THYME FARMERS MARKET
GIANT EAGLE
GROCERY OUTLET
HARMON’S GROCERY
HARRIS TEETER
H-E-B GROCERY COMPANY
HEINEN’S FINE FOODS
HMART
HY-VEE
INGLES MARKETS
JETRO CASH & CARRY
K-VA-T FOOD STORES
KEY FOOD STORES
KINGS/BALDUCCI’S
KOWALSKI’S MARKETS
THE KROGER CO.
LIDL US
LOWES FOODS
LUND FOOD HOLDINGS
METROPOLITAN MARKET
MOM’S ORGANIC MARKET
NATURAL GROCERS
NORTHGATE GONZALEZ MARKET
PLAZA LOIZA SUPERMARKETS
PRICE CHOPPER
PUBLIX
RALEY’S
RIDLEY’S FAMILY MARKETS
ROCHE BROS.
ROUNDY’S
ROUSES MARKETS
SAVE MART SUPERMARKETS
SAVE A LOT
SCHNUCKS
SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS
SULLIVAN FAMILY OF COMPANIES
SUPERMERCADOS SELECTOS
TOPS MARKETS
TRADER JOE’S
WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS
WEIS MARKETS
WESTERN BEEF
WHOLE FOODS MARKETS
WINCO FOODS
Club Stores
BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB
COSTCO WHOLESALE
SAM’S CLUB
Drug Chains
CVS HEALTH
DISCOUNT DRUG MART
HARMON FACE VALUES
MARC GLASSMAN
RITE AID CORP.
WALGREENS CO.
Mass Merchandisers
MEIJER
SMART & FINAL STORES
TARGET
VARIETY WHOLESALERS
WALMART, INC.
WALMART PUERTO RICO
Internet Retailers
ALIBABA GROUP
AMAZON.COM
BLUE APRON
BOXED WHOLESALE
CHEWY.COM
FRESHDIRECT
FSA STORE
HELLO FRESH
JD.COM
PEAPOD DIGITAL LABS
SHOP.COM
THRIVE MARKET
Dollar Stores & Discounters
BIG LOTS STORES
DOLLAR GENERAL CORP.
DOLLAR POWER
DOLLAR TREE STORES
FAMILY DOLLAR STORES
FIVE BELOW
99¢ ONLY STORES
R. H. RENY
Convenience Stores
BUCEES
CASEY’S GENERAL STORES
CEFCO
CIRCLE K
CUMBERLAND FARMS
FAMILY EXPRESS
JACKSONS FOOD STORES
KUM & GO
KWIK TRIP
LOVE’S TRAVEL SHOP
SPEEDWAY
7-ELEVEN
Specialty Retailers
ACE HARDWARE
BED BATH & BEYOND
CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPS
COST PLUS WORLD MARKETS
CRATE & BARREL
EARTH FARE
HICKORY FARMS
HOMEGOODS
IKEA
MACY’S
PETLAND
PET’S BARN
PETSMART
SALLY BEAUTY SUPPLY
STAPLES
STARBUCKS
SUR LA TABLE
TRUE VALUE
ULTA BEAUTY
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
WILLIAM SONOMA
Co-ops & Wholesalers
ALABAMA MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATED SUPERMARKET GROUP
ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS
BINGO WHOLESALE
BOZZUTO’S
C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS
CARDINAL HEALTH
CERTCO
CHAIN DRUG MARKETING ASSOC.
GREAT LAKES WHOLESALE
GREATER AUSTIN MERCHANTS
ASSOCIATION
GREATER HOUSTON RETAILERS
ASSOCIATION
GROCERS SUPPLY
IGA
INTERNATIONAL WHOLESALE
KINRAY
KRASDALE FOODS
MCKESSON CORP.
MCLANE COMPANY
MERCHANT DISTRIBUTORS
PIGGLY WIGGLY ALABAMA
PIGGLY WIGGLY MIDWEST
SOUTH TEXAS MERCHANTS
ASSOCIATION
SPARTANNASH
TOPCO
UNFI
VALU MERCHANDISERS
WAKEFERN FOOD CORP.
International Retailers
AEON TOPVALU CO.
ALDI AUSTRALIA
ALKOSTO
AL RAYA SUPERMARKETS
BIGGIE EXPRESS
BRAVO SUPERMARKETS
BUDGET FOOD STORES
CALIMAX
CANADIAN TIRE
CARREFOUR BRAZIL
CARREFOUR TAIWAN
CITY CLUB
CLICKS
COMERCIAL MEXICANA
COPSERVIR
COSTCO WHOLESALE CANADA
COST RIGHT LIMITED
DELI K MARKET
DOLLARAMA
DUKAN
EMART
EUROMARKET
FEDERATED CO-OPERATIVES
FLYING TIGER COPENHAGEN
GRUPO EXITO
GRUPO PAO DE ACUCAR
HAPPY FAMILY SUPERMARKET CO.
H-E-B MEXICO
HELEKANG
HIPERMERCADOS OLE
HIPERMERCADOS TOTTUS
HOMEPLUS
JERONIMO MARTINS COLUMBIA
JIATAILE RETAIL STORES GROUP
LOBLAWS
LONGO BROTHERS
LOTTE MART
LULU HIPERMARKETS
MASSY STORES
MEGA MART
MERCATODO S.A.
METRO RETAIL STORES GROUP
METRO RICHELIEU
MITSUI & CO.
MM MEGA MARKET VIETNAM
MONDOU LTEE.
OXXO
PHARMACHOICE
PHARMASAVE DRUGS NATIONAL
PRICESMART
PURE GOLD PRICE CLUB
REDE SMART DE SUPERMERCADOS
REXALL
SAM’S CLUB MEXICO
SAVE ON FOODS
SHINSEGAE CO.
SHOPPERS DRUG MART
SHUFERSAL
SIGO SA
SOBEYS
SORIANA
SUPER 99
SUPERMARCHE PA
SUPERMERCADO RICOY
SUPERMERCADOS ECONO
SUPERTIENDAS Y DROGUERIA
OLIMPICA
TIENDAS D1
TOKYU STORE CHAIN CO.
UNIPRIX
WALDO’S DOLAR MART MEXICO
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE
WALMART ARGENTINA
WALMART/ASDA
WALMART ASIA
WALMART CANADA
WALMART CHILE
WALMART JAPAN
WALMART MEXICO
WALMART MEXICO Y CENTRO AMERICA
WILSON GO STORES
Military
ARMY AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE (AAFES)
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DECA)
MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE (MCX)
NAVY EXCHANGE (NEXCOM)
Food Service
GORDON FOOD SERVICE
HMSHOST
SYSCO
US FOODS
Here is a sample of the buyers you can meet at the show
A Unique Organization for a Unique Industry
With more than 4,500 member companies worldwide, PLMA is the only industry organization devoted entirely to promoting the interests of store brands. Through its year-round programs and publications, PLMA gives members the contacts and services they need to compete effectively in today's marketplace.
Membership Profile
Founded in 1979, PLMA’s membership ranges from multi-national corporations to small familyowned suppliers. Their products include food, beverages, snacks, health and beauty, household, kitchen, housewares, DIY, leisure and general merchandise. Many member manufacturers only do private label. Others are well-known brand makers who also have private label capacity. Together, they form PLMA’s Active Membership. For brokers and trade suppliers, there is PLMA’s Associate Membership. International companies may join the PLMA International Council.
Trade Shows
In addition to PLMA’s Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, PLMA provides member manufacturers with international selling opportunities at the “World of Private Label” International Trade Show in May in Europe.
Conferences and Seminars
PLMA also presents conferences and events throughout the year that deal with current issues from marketing and consumer trends to professional development. These include PLMA’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference and PLMA’s Lunch and Learn Speakers Series.
Executive Education
PLMA’s Executive Education program, developed with St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia is open to all members, non-members, suppliers and retailers. The program held in June offers courses covering the retail landscape, private brand strategy, new product development and includes store tours.
Classes are also held in conjunction with the trade show seminars and workshops in November.
Research and Publications
PLMA has partnered with Circana to provide monthly online store brand industry sales for more than 350 categories and 950 sub-categories as part of the members-only and retailers-only Web site. Annually, PLMA also publishes the Private Label Yearbook Report with market share data from supermarkets, drug chains and mass merchandisers. Working with SurveyLab and other market research specialists, PLMA conducts regular research on shopping and consumer attitudes toward store brands.
Digital Media
Visit www.plmalive.com to watch reports on the latest industry news stories and happenings. This video programming features in-depth coverage of events, trends and interviews with newsmakers and influencers in the private label industry and beyond. Browse PLMA’s e-scanner newsletter for the latest on retailers, store brands marketing and merchandising and association activities.