Press Corner

Private labels source of innovation on the grocery shelves

Amsterdam - 30 May 2024  - Drinkable sea water. How does this compare to drinkable vinegar? What about jelly bread spread made from tea, or medical diapers with allowing for urine sampling for sick babies? These and many more remarkable private label items were shown at the PLMA International Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam. 

“This is the place to be to spot innovation”, PLMA President Peggy Davies comments. “Retailers know shoppers want the very best of quality, innovation, and performance. The exhibitors at PLMA's Annual World of Private Label Trade Show offer products and packaging to support retailers product development plans.”

On May 28 and 29, the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre welcomed more than 17.000 visitors from over 125 countries, who were all keen to find out new trends in products and packaging. PLMA’s International World of Private Label Trade Show was, as it always is, a meeting place for retailers, buyers, category managers and other visitors who walked the 43,500 m2 trade show floor to browse what the almost 3,000 exhibiting companies from 73 countries offered. A challenging task, given the show floor space and the abundance of food and non-food exhibitors which was 10% larger compared to last year. 

“Retail is a highly competitive market, so it’s key to always stay one step ahead with our retail brand”, a category manager said. “The PLMA Trade Show is THE event for inspiration and doing business.”

To guide visitors to identify innovation on the expansive show floor, PLMA’s Idea Supermarket was an area buzzing with trends through hundreds of innovative and newly developed products from retailers and manufacturers around the world.

“For my company this trade show gains relevance year by year”, a manufacturer comments. “The trade show floor is full of retailers that are truly interested in our products and our way of working.”

Among the product trends spotted on the show floor:  

Innovative Beverages 
Sea water and vinegar are unlikely to be someone’s favorite beverage. Still, product developers succeeded in creating refreshing drinks based on these ingredients. 
Functional teas with added zinc to support the immune system, or tea especially for men as it contains herbs to maintain the prostate function. And what about beverage on your bread? Tea is used to create a jelly bread spread, as could be seen in PLMA’s New Product Expo.

Halal and Kosher
A notable number of interesting Halal and Kosher products could be seen, including a Ramadan Calendar for fasting. New items that comply with the requirements of Halal and Kosher are developed to such an extent that they may even allow for special ranges in retailers’ private label architecture.

Functionality in non-food
In non-food private label manufacturers developed functional and surprising unexpected new products, such as a probiotic cleaning cloth, or medical diapers allowing for urine sampling for babies that are sick. The New Product Expo even showed an AI-enabled air fryer that identifies its content and automatically adjusts the cooking time. Similarly remarkable is an aroma therapy product for pets, and in packaging the addition of braille on tampons packaging stands out.

The 2024 International Private Label Trade Show kicked off on Monday May 27 with two workshops addressing the topics of how to build a strategic partnership and the evolution of packaging design in Gen Z era, followed by the seminar programme with presentations from Circana and Euromonitor. Picnic the intriguing and trendsetting online-only retailer gave an insight in its clear vision on the future of retailing in Europe whereas Coop Italia gave a speech on its revolutionary approach to private label.  

AMSTERDAM - 28 May 2024 - It’s once again time to connect, source and grow! More than 28,000 industry professionals from over 120 countries are attending the 2024 edition of PLMA’s annual World of Private Label International Trade Show, which kicked off today and runs through tomorrow at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

The show floor boasts 2,960 exhibiting companies from 73 countries, good for 44,000 m2 of net exhibit space filling 9 Food halls and 5 Non-Food halls. There are 67 national and regional pavilions, representing 40 countries.

Visitors are seeing a bustling show floor filled with fresh, frozen and refrigerated food, dry groceries and beverages, as well as non-food categories such as cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchenware, garden supplies, housewares and much more.

Among the product attributes on the trade show floor:

-  Sustainable Claims - 41% - 1,215 exhibitors 
-  Dietary Needs - 35% - 1,040 exhibitors 
-  Vegan, Plant-Based & Vegetarian - 23% - 680  exhibitors 
-   Organic - 27% - 780 exhibitors  

A highlight of the show is the ‘Idea Supermarket’ innovation and new product development area. This section features private label ranges from over 60 supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, specialty stores and drugstores around the world. Also in this area is the New Product Expo, a showcase of nearly 500 new products and packaging developed by exhibitors. Plus, there is the display of all retail products that won a 2024 International PLMA Salute to Excellence Award for private label innovation.

This year’s pre-show programme held on 27 May included seminars by Circana, Euromonitor, Picnic and Coop Italia, plus workshops led by industry experts touching relevant topics in a smaller interactive setting. Participation in the seminars and workshops was free of charge to all registered exhibitors and visitors.

For more than 35 years, PLMA’s annual World of Private Label International Trade Show has helped retailers and manufacturers come together to find new products, make new contacts, and discover new ideas that will help their private label programs succeed and grow.

Shoppers can rely on retailers supporting them in healthy and sustainable lifestyles while keeping an eye on their budgets. Trends in the 2024 International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards are use of recycled materials, attention for origin and optimized quality and affordability. 

AMSTERDAM (27 May 2024) – Consumers are capricious. That’s why private label offerings cater to shoppers who are both health-conscious and keen on magic moments of indulgence. Consumers also care for the planet. That’s why innovative plant-based private label items have been introduced, helping shoppers with diets that are sustainable and healthy. Such excellent new items, along many more, have been rewarded with an International Salute to Excellence Award.

In this year’s edition, over 550 new private label items from 72 retailers in 23 countries were submitted for judgement. An international panel of judges – including former retailers, chefs, marketing professionals, nutritionists, and journalists – evaluated these items in intensive sessions. This resulted in 99 food and non-food winners of the International Salute to Excellence Awards.

“Plant-based increased in quality and diversity”, according to one judge when referring to the Vegan Falafel Veta Bowl from Rewe, adding “This is the way to sell vegan!”. An innovative and healthy approach was praised In the category Granola & Muesli where two products stood out, from Aldi Netherlands with its Granola with Nutri-Score A and from Woolworths South Africa, with its carb clever beetroot & berry granola. “I have seen some great innovations and flavours” one judge said.

99 winners by 43 retailers from 23 countries

These winners were introduced by 43 retailers from 23 countries. Most award winning private labels (19) were introduced last year in Germany, followed by Denmark and Italy with 13 Salute-winners each. Dutch and French retailers gained 7 awards each, while retailers in Spain, Portugal and Ireland were given 6 awards respectively. The other awards were divided between retailers from United Kingdom, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Türkiye, Ukraine, China, South Africa and Thailand.

High-quality products at affordable prices remain a focus area for retailers who clearly respond to the needs of today’s consumers. “These retailers have successfully responded to the changing wants and needs of today’s shopper,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “They are providing not just quality and affordability but also innovative food and non-food products that reflect current lifestyle trends.”

A closer look at winning retailers learns that the German Rewe Group gained most awards for private labels introduced in its Rewe supermarkets and Penny discount stores. The 9 Salute to Excellence awards for

Rewe  Group clearly demonstrates the retailers’ innovative performance in new product development. Also from Germany is the drugstore chain Rossmann, who gained 6 awards, just like the Irish retailer Musgrave.

The Netherlands hosts 3 retailers who submitted their new private label items for judgement. The Dutch branch of ALDI (Nord) achieved 4 award winners, while drugstore retailers Etos (Ahold Delhaize) and Kruidvat (AS Watson) were honoured in total with 3 awards.

Continente from Portugal, and the Danish retailers REMA 1000 and COOP each walked away with 5 awards.  Auchan and Carrefour Group were honoured with 4 awards each.

Italy had the largest presence of retailers in the competition and divided the 13 awards between COOP Italia, CRAI, Despar and PAM Panorama, MD, Végé Retail and Vega Soc. Coop. In Spain EROSKI Desarrollo de Marcas and Carrefour Spain divided the 6 awards. 
The judges were impressed by the ever increasing level of quality of all new items submitted. 

“Every year suppliers perform better in sustainability and health. Increasing attention to this across the board is really paying off, given the products and packaging that were submitted” , one of the judges said. “More FSC paper packaging, especially in the diaper department, is being used, and many manufacturers use plastic made from recycled material”.

International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards – Wines
This balance between affordability and quality is also found at the wine awards. Judges tasted over 130 wines divided in some twenty categories. 14 retailers from 6 countries were honoured with an International Salute to Excellence Award for Best Quality and Best Value in wine.
The private label wine category had its own separate tasting sessions. Under guidance of Master of Wine Cees van Casteren, two panels of wine experts blind-tasted over 130 wines divided in some twenty categories. From sparkling whites and rosés, through classic wines to organic cuvées, judges rolled the wine, smelled it, looked at it, tasted, and also scored it on a variety of criteria such as colour, style, nose, and appellation. 

The judges selected 33 winning wines in the category Best Quality and Best Value. Trendy sparkling, rosé and special grape varieties targeted to millennials and adventurous consumers, were offered in this year wine competition. 

Dutch retailer Albert Heijn introduced six winning wines and Gruppo PAM from Italy five recognized wines, closely followed by Aldi US,  MC SONAE from Portugal and the Danish discounter Rema1000 who each had three wines that received a thumbs up by the judges. 

Catering to adventurous consumers, means sourcing wines from new regions. “Multiple retailers seem to be more open to source wines from non-mainstream origins and grape varieties”, a judge said, mentioning Portugal with Loureiro, Verdelho and Alvarinho as an example.

According to the tasting panels, the quality of the wines versus their price levels exceeded all expectations and received the praise of the judges. When tasing they experienced a much increased consistency in quality.

“I would definitely serve these wines at a dinner with friends without a doubt or reservation” Cees van Casteren said. “Some of the wines that were presented had such a high quality that they can compete with the most expensive wines on the shelves.” 
“Private label seems to become a strategic choice for some producers rather than a Plan B”, one of the judges stated.

And all winners are….
Albert Heijn (The Netherlands); Albertsons (USA); ALDI (The Netherlands); ALDI (Italy); ALDI INC. (USA); AS Watson (The Netherlands); AUCHAN (France); Salling Group (Denmark); Coop Danmark A/S (Denmark); Kremmerhuset (Norway); Vita (Norway); Carrefour (Spain); Carrefour (France); Central Food Retail (Thailand); Circle K (USA); Continente/SONAE MC (Portugal); COOP Italia (Italy); COOP Norge (Norway); COOP Trading (Denmark); CRAI SECOM (Italy); Dagrofa (Denmark); Desarrollo de Marcas (Spain); DESPAR (Italy); Dirk Rossmann (Germany); EDEKA(Germany); EROSKI (Spain); Etos (The Netherlands); EVA (Ukraine); Globus (Germany); Jeronimo Martins Polska S.A (Poland); M Commerce Group (China); Marks & Spencer (United Kingdom); MD S.p.A. (Italy); METRO (Germany); Metro (Türkiye); Migros (Türkiye); Migross (Italy) Musgrave Retail Partners (Ireland);  New Seasons Market (USA); PAM Panorama (Italy); PENNY (Germany); Pingo Doce (Portugal); PLUS Retail B.V. (The Netherlands); REMA 1000 (Denmark); REWE Group (Germany); Rohlik Group (Czech Republic); Shandong Quanfuyuan Commercial  Group (China); Vega Società Cooperativa (Italy); VéGé Retail (Italy); Woolworths (South Africa)

As of May 27 the full list of winners will be available via www.plmasalute.com. 

Take-aways from this year’s competition:

• The trend towards health-conscious eating seems to clash with the highly indulgence snacking offerings. Retailers know that consumers are capricious! Also health-conscious shoppers may reward themselves with a moment of indulgence. Chocolate that is both organic and vegan offers sustainable indulgence.
• The common factor in many categories is sustainable sourcing. Buyers have a keen eye for organic, but also pay attention to social aspects like fair income and wages for farmers. Also protected geographical origin, indicated by IGP or AOP labels, is important, just like the use of upscale ingredients.  
• Sustainability remains a topic of interest, both in raw materials and ingredients as in packaging materials. Packaging is clearly moving from recyclable material to recycled material. 
• Such improvement can also be seen in plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. The days that this innovation was limited to an alternative for burgers are definitely over. New plant-based food clearly takes a higher level of quality and taste, with premium vegan private label items that are now available. 
• In terms of healthy eating, catering to an active lifestyle is a trend as many items claim high levels of protein. It responds to the growing trend of increased protein intake among active and health conscious consumers. Both in food – protein bars – as in personal care – hair care with plant-protein – this is clearly a trend.
• In non-food health and wellness is part of the indulgence trend, given an impressive private label assortment of skin and body care products created with clean ingredients.  In household cleaning products, manufacturers improve their performance in using less packing material to reduce waste, and developing detergents with natural ingredients that allow for washing at lower temperatures.

All winners of the PLMA 2024 International Salute to Excellence Awards will be displayed on May 28 and 29 at the Idea Supermarket section during the 2024 World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam. 

AMSTERDAM (22 April 2024) - More than 2,950 exhibitors from more than 73 countries will fill over 43,500 m2 of exhibit space at PLMA’s 2024 World of Private Label International Trade Show, May 28 and 29 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

The show floor will span 14 halls, including nine for food and five for non-food. It will feature 67 national and regional pavilions.

“Our high-impact global event provides a dynamic two-day platform for more than 28,000 private label professionals from 120 countries to connect, source and grow,”said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “The innovation unveiled for food and non-food products and packaging on the show floor and in Idea Supermarket will strengthen the already booming private label industry.”

Products on display will include fresh, frozen, refrigerated food, dry groceries and beverages, as well as non-food categories, including cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchen, garden supplies, housewares and more.

Among the product trends on show floor: 

• Sustainable Claims – 39% or 1,150+ exhibitors
• Dietary Needs – 31% or 900+ exhibitors 
• Vegan, Plant-Based & Vegetarian – 22% or 650+ exhibitors 
• Organic – 26% or 750+ exhibitors 

A popular part of the trade show is the innovation and new product development area known as the Idea Supermarket. This section features private label ranges from 64 supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, specialty stores and drugstores around the world. Also in this area is the New Product Expo, which will feature 500+ new products developed by exhibitors. Plus, there will be a display of winning products from retailers that won a 2024 International PLMA Salute to Excellence Award for private label innovation.

The pre-show seminar programme on Monday 27 May will include workshops led by industry experts on relevant topics. Participation in the seminars and workshops is free to all registered retailers, exhibitors, visitors, and industry professionals. 

13.00 – 14.00 WORKSHOPS (by pre-registration only)

• Getting to Yes: Strategic Partnership & Creating Mutual Value
  Speaker: Erik Aapkes, Managing Partner, Blueprint Europe

• Unboxing the Future: The Evolution of Packaging Design
  Speakers: Loe Limpens & Sabine Louet Feisser, Yellow Dress Retail

14.00 – 16.00 SEMINAR PROGRAMME ((open to all registrants with a 2024 Trade Show badge))

• Private Labels: Transformation for Growth
  Speaker: Ananda Roy, SVP Thought Leadership Europe, Circana

• Top Global Consumer Trends Report 2024
  Speaker: Ana Tique, Client and Insight Consultant, Euromonitor

Retailer Insight   

• PICNIC - “The Story of Picnic’s Own Brand”.

An insight look in Europe’s fastest growing and trendsetting online supermarket
Speakers: Vibeke van der Bilt, Business Lead Private Label, and Fleur Randag, Business Lead Private Label, Picnic

• COOP ITALIA - "Coop and its Revolutionary Approach to Private Label"

Learn about its dynamic exploration of real-world success, grounded in practical insights as one of the largest established retailers in Italy. 

Speaker: Paolo Bonsignore, COO, Coop Italian Food

• During the pre-show seminar programme, the winners of 2024 International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards will be announced. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

AMSTERDAM, March 2024 – PLMA’s 2024 World of Private Label International Trade Show, which is scheduled on 28 and 29 May at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, is the premier gathering for the private label industry for sourcing and business opportunities. 

With a record-breaking 2,850 exhibitors representing over 70 countries, this year's trade show promises to be larger and more dynamic than ever. An additional exhibit hall will be used to accommodate the strong demand for exhibit space. 

The World of Private Label welcomes more than 60 national and regional pavilions. Among the new pavilions are: Dubai, Egypt, Georgia, Germany (Thuringia), Italy (Organic), Poland, South Korea, Thailand and the Netherlands.

The latest trends in food and non-food - including organic, plant-based and sustainable products and packaging - will be on display on the trade show floor.

The trade show is expected to attract more than 16,000 professionals; retail buyers from supermarkets, discounters, hypermarkets, convenience stores and specialty stores and more, from over 120 countries from all continents. 
The show is appropriately themed “Connect. Source. Grow.”

One retail executive said the show provides the ideal opportunity to source new products and strengthen business relationships. 

“World of Private Label is a must-go and a recurrent happening for our company on our calendars. We return every year,” the retailer said.

One of the popular parts of the trade show is the innovation and new product development area known as the Idea Supermarket. This section features private label ranges from 64 supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, specialty stores and drugstores around the world. Also in this area is the New Product Expo, which will feature 500+ new products developed by exhibitors. Plus, there will be a display of winning products from retailers that earned an award in International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards for best private label product of 2024.  

This year’s pre-show seminar programme will be enhanced by concurrent workshops that will be led by industry experts touching relevant topics in a smaller interactive setting. Participation in the seminars and workshops is free of charge to all registered retailers, exhibitors, visitors, and industry professionals. 

At PLMA, connections are made, ideas are shared and success stories are written. Join us for an unparalleled journey into the world of private label excellence. 

PLMA International Council reports that private label share across 17 countries in Europe continues to grow according to an update on the latest data of NielsenIQ commissioned by PLMA. The share grew to 38.1% based on MAT W28 2023 (+1.7%pnt versus MAT W28 2022). 

NielsenIQ surveyed 17 markets for PLMA’s 2023 International Private Label Yearbook update and noticed an increase for retail brands in 16 out of the 17 countries, the only exception is Switzerland where the private label share slightly declined. European markets remain some of the biggest Private Label markets globally, 11 markets sustained their market share position above 30%, and 6 markets are now above 40% of Private Label share.

Peggy Davies, president of PLMA says: The growing market shares in the findings of NielsenIQ confirms that private label continues to be on the right track. In the 17 countries tracked for this update, but which is also true for US and other continents, more consumers turn to private label products as part of their daily shopping basket recognizing quality and affordability that meet their demands. 

The highest growth countries in private label share are Portugal (+4.4%pnt), Germany (+2.9%pnt), The Czech Republic (+2.8%pnt) and Spain (+2.2%pnt). While Switzerland is the only country showing a decline in private label share, it is still the country with the highest share across the 17 countries tracked. The share of Switzerland is in 2023 51.8% (-0.1%pnt vs last year), Switzerland remains the only country with a share higher than 50%

Europe’s largest markets, Germany, United Kingdom and France, have a collective Private Label share 39.6% 2023, this share grew 1.9%pnt vs last year. The highest share growth for the largest markets is visible in Pet Food, Ambient Food and Frozen Food, all categories grew over 2%pnt in share. 

Spain and Portugal Private Label gained share with +2.5%pnt, the highest share growth is visible in non-alcoholic beverages which grew with +3.4%pnt. In Spain and Portugal there is only 1 group with a decline in share which is Healthcare.

In Belgium (38.9%) and The Netherlands (44.9%) the private label share grew with +1.5%pnt, the highest growth for the 2 countries is visible in paper products, home care and ambient food. All categories grew over 2%pnt in share.

Also the Scandinavian countries, Denmark (35.1%), Sweden (27.9%), and Norway (21.9%), show growth in Private label share, together the countries grew +1.7%pnt in share. Growth of private label share is visible in all categories. The highest share growth is visible in paper products (+4.0%pnt). 

Also in Eastern Europe, Czech Republic (23.2%), Hungary (29.1%) and Poland (32.7%), the private label share is showing a continued and steady growth. The highest growth in private label share is visible in perishable food and pet food.

According to NielsenIQ’s data, perishable & frozen foods, paper products, and ambient food are the top 3 categories of Private Label value share with an average of 51.3% representing in total 230 billion in Euros across the 17 European countries tracked.  

The private label sales grew with 43 billion euros across the 17 European countries tracked. Perishable and ambient food have the highest contribution to this growth.

Amsterdam, June 2023 - PLMA’s 2023 World of Private Label International Trade Show, which was held 23-24 May at RAI Amsterdam, has come to a close. The show welcomed a record number of 16,000+ trade visitors from 120 countries worldwide. Attendance exceeded pre-pandemic records and confirmed that the industry is back in full force.

2650 exhibiting companies from 72 countries presented thousands of food and non-food products at the show. Exhibitors reported that, as usual at the PLMA show, visitor quality was impeccable. Many new contacts were made, meetings with existing partners took place and groundwork for future deals was laid. “After this meeting with one buyer just now, we are highly confident that we will do a multi-million business with the company” said one exhibitor, “if you’re in private label, you just cannot miss this show.”

Among the main attractions were also PLMA Idea Supermarket and New Product Expo, presenting one centralised display of private label innovation and new product development. As one retailer commented: “This area is a source of information for our teams, where we can see what the industry offers, pick up new ideas and get inspired.”

The event kicked off with the well-attended pre-show seminars on Monday 22 May. For the current year 2023, private label is expected to grow with 2-3% points in Europe, with strongest growth in Eastern Europe. “Private label is having a winning momentum, so now is the time to positively connect with your shoppers”, said Servé Muijres of GfK.

Both NielsenIQ and GfK confirmed Europe as the biggest market for private label, with a 34% market share. What’s more, across countries and across product categories, private label is still gaining market share.

Arjan Both of Walmart explained how the world’s largest retailer has been working on its strategy to build the most trusted and resilient supply chain. The company is very much open to doing business with European private label suppliers who are recognised globally for setting the bar.

PLMA’s President Peggy Davies said: “The "World of Private Label" is a global affair and is the leading B2B private label platform. We are proud that internationally the private label industry recognises the show’s importance.”

Next year’s World of Private Label will be held on 28-29 May 2024.

AMSTERDAM (23 May 2023) - With major interest from all over the world, the private label industry gathers today for the first day of PLMA’s World of Private Label International Trade Show at the RAI in Amsterdam.  The trade show floor is open today and tomorrow.

More than 30,000 professionals from 125 countries, including suppliers, retailers and wholesalers, will discover new products, make new business contacts, share ideas, and strengthen business relations.

“The interest from over 2,600 exhibitors and 15,000 registered visitors is tremendous,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “We are proud that PLMA’s annual International Private Label Trade Show is the place for new business opportunities in food and non-food categories to be explored and for current partnerships to grow and expand.”

Before diving into the buzz of the trade show and two days of business meetings, pre-show presentations were held yesterday, 22 May. The highlight was a keynote presentation from Arjan Both, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Food Sourcing.
Other presenters yesterday were Servé Muijres, Retail Consultant Shopper, GfK Netherlands; and Kayleigh Meister, Analytical Team Lead, NielsenIQ.

On the show floor today and tomorrow, buyers will see the latest innovations in fresh, frozen and refrigerated foods, dry grocery, and beverages, as well as non-food categories, including cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchen, auto aftercare, garden, housewares and DIY, plus much more.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Peggy Davies, President of PLMA, contact Leonique White, Director Trade & Retail Relations at Telephone: +31 20 5753032 or email: white@plma.nl.

Sustainability, quality, and affordability are the leading trends of PLMA’s 2023 International Salute to Excellence Awards.

AMSTERDAM (2023) - 39 retailers from 20 countries honoured for innovation, NPD, and quality in private label.

Retailers in Germany and Italy were honoured with 15 awards, followed by the retailers in The Netherlands, 12 awards. Retailers in Denmark were given eight awards, while retailers in Ireland and Spain walked away with seven awards each. Retailers in France received six awards. The other 31 awards were divided between retailers from Portugal, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, China, and South Africa. 

An international panel of judges - including former retailers, chefs, marketing professionals, nutritionists, and journalists - evaluated 525 submitted products introduced in the past year by 64 retailers in 20 countries. The judges selected 101 food and non-food winning products.

“Sustainability is an important trend driven by retailers; and private label is really taking action,” one of the judges said.

Along with sustainability, a common theme among the winners is high-quality, yet affordable products - a clear response to the needs of their retail customers.

“The submissions emphasize affordability without compromising on quality,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “For instance, organic foods were presented at non-organic prices, making organic more accessible for all wallets.”

And the winners are…

In Germany, REWE Group, including Penny, earned seven awards, including three for vegan food products. German drugstore chain Dirk Rossmann received six awards in baby, health & beauty non-food categories. In Italy, Md S.p.A received six awards for its authentic Italian food range with a story, while Coop Italia earned four awards in total among others for innovative savoury spread.

ALDI in the Netherlands honoured for indulgence and A.S.Watson, owner of the drugstore chain Kruidvat, recognized in personal care categories, each received five awards. Musgrave Retail Partners in Ireland was recognized with seven awards for its premium food range in food for the family food categories. 

In France, Carrefour for its solid beauty, Auchan for its innovation in household cleaning, and Monoprix for plant-based fresh salad, divided the awards among each other. The seven awards given to retailers in Spain were shared by EROSKI and Consum for, among others, Mediterranean food products. The five awards in Turkey were given to CarrefourSA for organic food products and Migros Ticaret in wellness categories. In the U.K., Marks & Spencer won three awards, all for sustainable non-food products. In South Africa Woolworths walked away with five awards for, among others, its innovative pet products.

In food categories, winning products include Coop Norway’s interesting Mac'n Cheese Fish Burger; Crai’s exciting La Rosa dei Gusti Anchovies in Vermouth; Eroski’s pizza dough ball as an easy and convenient solution;  ALDI’s Excellence Mini Black Angus Beefburger; and Modelo Continente Hypermercados lower calories spelt pancakes with banana.

In non-food and near non-food categories, winning products include Dirk Rossmann’s interesting Babydream nail file ring; Axfood’s sustainable dish wash cleaner with a fresh scent of rhubarb; EVA’s convenient About Face cleansing balls; Etos vegan sugar-free protein shake; SHIZU’s steamed hot relaxing eye pads; and Woolworths frozen strawberry flavoured yoghurt for Dogs.

All retail winners in alphabetical order are: A.S. Watson Benelux (The Netherlands); ALDI (Belgium); ALDI (The Netherlands); Auchan (France); Axfood/Dagab Purchasing & Logistics (Sweden); Carrefour (France); CarrefourSA (Turkey); Consum Coop.V. (Spain); Coop (Denmark); Coop Italia (Italy); COOP Jednota (Slovakia); Coop Norge SA (Norway); Coop Trading (Denmark); CRAI Secom (Italy); Dagrofa (Denmark); Despar (Italy); Dirk Rossmann (Germany); EROSKI (Spain); Etos (The Netherlands); EVA (RUSH LLC) (Ukraine); GLOBUS Markthallen Holding (Germany); Hangzhou Miaomanfen E-commerce (China); Marks & Spencer (United Kingdom); MD S.p.A. (Italy); METRO Commerce Group (China); Migros Ticaret A.Ş. (Turkey); Modelo Continente Hipermercados, SA (Portugal); Monoprix (France); Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland (Ireland); Penny (Germany); Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar (Portugal); REMA 1000 (Denmark); REMA 1000 (Norway); REWE Group (Germany); Rohlik Group (Czech Republic); Salling Group (Denmark); SHIZU Group (China); SOK (Finland), Sopharma Trading (Bulgaria); Vega Società Cooperativa (Italy); and Woolworths (South Africa).

Take-aways from this year’s competition:

• Sustainability is a continued priority and high on the agenda. In non-food, 100% recyclable and recycled materials, including triggers, are prevailing; that includes eco-friendly content. A common claim is the use of monomaterials and the reduction of plastic/packaging, thus saving tons/kilos of packaging material.  Some products claimed the use of paper with great barrier properties, making it suitable for more products in food and non-food.
• PL seems to be filling up real niches: such as after-tattoo healing cream, pigment spots brightener, simple footwarmers, laundry detergent for white clothing on low temperature washing programmes, novelties in feminine hygiene and humanization in petfood.
• Healthy indulgence, local sourcing and creative production processes using sea water.
• Authentic products with DOP/PGI claim, ingredients with DOP/PGI and products with a story.
• New flavours and developments like pumpkin spice smoothie, alcohol-free mojito, frozen Greek yogurt, dried truffle pasta, anchovies spread, low carb crackers, chocolate with cappuccino crunch, candy rolls with strawberry cheesecake flavour, pint of cannolo ice cream.
• Plant-based solutions in food are growing and offer high quality and interesting flavours and combinations like plant-based currywurst and plant-based salmon.

“The best-of-the-best in innovation, concept and quality in private label was brought to the table,” said Leonique White, PLMA’s Director of Trade & Retail Relations. “It’s amazing to see what retailers and their suppliers developed in the past year.”

The International PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards were established in 2014. To see all laureates of PLMA’s 2023 International Salute to Excellence Awards visit PLMA’s Idea Supermarket area at the World of Private Label trade show or go to www.plmasalute.com.

• Editor’s Note: To download the winning product pictures, go to www.plmasalute.com.
• For more information contact Leonique white at white@plma.nl or call +31 20 5753032

AMSTERDAM (May 2023) - PLMA announces that Arjan Both, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Food Sourcing, will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 World of Private Label International Trade Show next month at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

Arjan Both will speak on 22 May about opportunities in global sourcing and international negotiations. His presentation is part of the pre-show seminar programme that will be held one day before the opening of the 23-24 May international trade show.

Other presenters at the pre-show seminars are:

- Servé Muijres, Retail Consultant Shopper, GfK Netherlands. Muijres will speak about “Behavior Changes of FMCG Shoppers in Challenging Times: Insight in Consumer Attitudes and the Implications for Private Label Retailers and Manufacturers.”

- Kayleigh Meister, Analytical Team Lead, NielsenIQ. Meister will discuss the “Current Outlook of European Private Label Trends: The Latest Update of the Country-by-Country Market Share Data and Trends.”

Admission to the seminars is complimentary to all registered visitors and exhibitors in possession of a valid "World of Private Label" entrance badge.

Also on 22 May, the winners of PLMA’s 2023 International Salute to Excellence Awards will be announced. The awards honour retailers for innovation and quality in private label products and packaging. More than 100 award-winning products representing 56 food categories and 34 non-food categories will be recognized.
“PLMA is proud to offer a comprehensive pre-show programme to give attendees a clear understanding of product and consumer trends that will drive the private label business forward,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies.

PLMA’s 2023 World of Private Label International Trade Show is the world’s largest private label event, featuring more than 2,600 exhibiting manufacturers from 70 countries, including 1,000+ exhibitors of sustainable products and 60 national and regional pavilions. PLMA is thrilled to welcome many first-time exhibitors from countries including Argentine, New Zealand and Singapore, as well as a new country pavilion from Costa Rica.

More than 500 products will be on display in the New Product Expo, along with 60+ private label ranges from retailers across the world in the PLMA Idea Supermarket®.
Products on display will include fresh, frozen and refrigerated foods, dry grocery, and beverages, as well as non-food categories, including cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchen, auto aftercare, garden, housewares and DIY. The show floor is divided into separate food and non-food halls to help visitors make the most of their time.

The show will draw more than 15,000 visitors from over 120 countries.

For more than 35 years, PLMA’s annual World of Private Label International Trade Show has brought retailers together with manufacturers to help them find new products, make new contacts, and discover new ideas that will help their private label programmes succeed and grow. This year’s show comes at a time when private label accounts for more than 40% of all products sold in seven European countries and for more than 30% in another nine countries in Europe.

2,500+ exhibitors, New Product Expo, Seminars, Retailer Awards and More

AMSTERDAM (27 March, 2023) - PLMA’s 2023 World of Private Label International Trade Show - the world’s largest private label event - will feature more than 2,500 exhibiting manufacturers from 70 countries, including 1,000+ exhibitors of sustainable products and 60 national and regional pavilions. This global event takes place 23-24 May at the RAI Amsterdam Exhibition Centre.

More than 500 products will be on display in the New Product Expo, along with 60+ private label ranges from retailers across the world in the PLMA Idea Supermarket®.

Another highlight is PLMA’s International Salute to Excellence Awards, which honor retailers for excellence in private label food, and non-food products and packaging. More than 100 winners will be announced at the show.

“This high-impact global event will feature a dynamic two days of buying, sourcing, learning and networking,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “The innovation unveiled at the event will strengthen the already booming private label industry.”
Products on display will include fresh, frozen and refrigerated foods, dry grocery, and beverages, as well as non-food categories, including cosmetics, health and beauty, household and kitchen, auto aftercare, garden, housewares and DIY. The show floor is divided into separate food and non-food halls to help visitors make the most of their time.
The show is truly an international event, drawing more than 15,000 visitors from over 120 countries.

“There’s remarkable global interest in this show. Along with Europe, we see growing interest from Asia, as well as the Americas,” said Jan van Lier, PLMA’s International Show Director.

The event also will present free educational seminars, including a presentation from NielsenIQ on the latest private label sales data and trends.

For more than 35 years, PLMA’s annual “World of Private Label” International Trade Show has brought retailers together with manufacturers to help them find new products, make new contacts, and discover new ideas that will help their private label programmes succeed and grow. This year’s show comes at a time when private label accounts for more than 40% of all products sold in seven European countries and for more than 30% in another nine countries in Europe.

Amsterdam, February 2023 – After two years online, PLMA’s Annual Roundtable Conference returns in-person with a full schedule of outstanding industry professionals, announced PLMA International Council. Join the conference at the Hilton Hotel in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on 8 and 9 March.

The first day of the conference, 8 March, will start in the afternoon with lunch and a presentation of the Dutch Retail Landscape followed by a store tour to see the latest store concepts of interesting retailers as well as different store formats. To close off day 1 of the conference, PLMA organises a networking reception for all registered attendees at the Hilton Hotel Rotterdam to give them the opportunity to connect with likeminded international professionals.

On 9 March the following key-note speakers are lined up:

• Paul Earnshaw who is Senior Packaging Manager at Tesco PLC has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of packaging and an exceptional understanding of packaging materials and processes. He developed Tesco’s strategy for sustainable packaging, including the creation of preferred materials and formats guidelines. Paul will give Tesco’s view on how to deliver true sustainable packaging and why it is important to Tesco. He will also introduce the preferred approach to packaging materials and formats for optimising durable packaging for the retail industry.

• Business Insights Leader at EY and co-writer of the Future Consumer Index – Andrew Cosgrove, brings 20 years of experience in the industry and is often quoted in publications like the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal for his perspective on the market. He will give you tools to “Prepare your Business for the Consumer of tomorrow” by identifying 5 different consumer types and drivers that motivate them.

• Petr Chvojka, Group Head of Private Label at Czech e-grocery retailer Rohlik Group is responsible for building a new private label department at the group and will share his insights into the expansion plans, the challenges and the opportunities of online retailing for private label. Furthermore, he will address the differences and similarities between brick and mortar and online retailing in view of brand architecture and strategy.

• To better understand discounters, Ray Gaul, CEO of Retail Cities will reveal the do’s and don’ts when working with Europe’s International Discounters and what to look out for in 2023. He will explain the meaning of reflective Private Label and incandescent Private Label.

• Ayisha Koyenikan, Associate Director Food & Drink at Mintel, gained her broad experience in product development, innovation and food trend analyses while working for various retailers in the UK. She will address how Private Label is getting Ready for the Future and the current opportunities for private labels to grow.

For more information or to register click here!