As the private label industry continues to evolve at pace, staying connected to emerging trends, new ideas, and influential decision-makers has never been more important. On 28 and 29 October, industry professionals from across Europe and beyond will gather in Manchester for PLMA’s annual Private Label Summit.

The Summit offers a unique opportunity to step away from day-to-day business and gain fresh perspectives on the forces shaping the future of private label. Over two days, manufacturers, retailers, consultants, and trade media will come together to exchange insights, discuss market developments, and explore new opportunities for growth.

More details on the Summit can be found here.

British consumers believe supermarkets generate profit margins of around 50%, despite actual margins typically ranging between 2% and 4%, according to research from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

The survey of 3,001 UK voters found that supermarkets are perceived to be among the most profitable sectors in the economy, ranking alongside airlines and property developers. In reality, food retailers operate on some of the lowest margins of any major industry.

The IEA said the findings highlight a significant gap between public perception and commercial reality, with many consumers viewing large businesses as benefiting at their expense. The report warns that such beliefs may make it harder to build support for policies designed to encourage business growth.

The results come as supermarket leaders continue to call for reduced regulatory burdens amid ongoing inflationary pressures and rising operating costs.

Single-use food and beverage packaging has been identified as the largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution, according to a new global study published in One Earth. Researchers evaluated more than 350 studies and analysed beach litter data from 112 countries, representing 86% of the world’s population.

The findings show that food packaging, plastic bottles, caps and lids are among the three most common types of plastic waste in 93% of countries surveyed. Plastic bags and cigarette butts were the next most frequently recorded items.

Researchers noted that the sources of plastic pollution are remarkably consistent across different regions and economies, suggesting that common products are driving a global challenge. The study also highlights evidence that policy interventions can reduce waste. Countries including Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, which have introduced strict plastic bag bans, have reported lower levels of related pollution.

The authors conclude that improved waste management alone is unlikely to solve the issue, pointing instead to measures such as reusable packaging systems, packaging redesign and levies on single-use products.

Social media has transformed how food and beverage trends emerge. A single TikTok video can propel an obscure ingredient from niche curiosity to global must-have in a matter of weeks. But while consumer demand can scale overnight, supply chains rarely can.

Recent examples include matcha, pistachios used in Dubai-style chocolate, and butterfly pea flower, the vibrant blue botanical that became a social media sensation in drinks. As companies rush to capitalize on these trends, many discover that sourcing enough high-quality supply is far more challenging than generating consumer interest.

The problem is simple: information travels faster than infrastructure. Farmers, processors, manufacturers and logistics networks cannot instantly expand production to meet sudden spikes in demand. The result is often ingredient shortages, price volatility and inconsistent product quality.

The lesson from these hypes is clear. Trend spotting is no longer enough; scalability must be considered from the earliest stages of product development. In today's market, the biggest risk isn't missing the trend, it's being unable to deliver once consumers discover it.

Lidl has made a notable move into online grocery retailing with the launch of a new Click & Collect service in Ireland, signalling a potential shift in the discounter’s long-standing cautious approach to e-commerce.

The pilot programme allows customers to order groceries through the Lidl Plus app and collect their purchases from designated parking spaces at participating stores. Orders must be placed by midnight the previous day, with a minimum basket value of €30 and a collection fee of €4.99.

Unlike Lidl’s previous online initiatives, the new service is fully integrated into the retailer’s digital ecosystem. Product selection, payment processing, collection slots and customer communications are all managed through the Lidl Plus app. This level of integration suggests the platform has been designed with scalability in mind, making a future rollout across additional markets considerably easier.

Sugar taxes have become a significant policy tool across Europe as governments seek to combat obesity, diabetes, and rising healthcare costs. Rather than targeting sugar directly, most schemes focus on sugar-sweetened beverages, encouraging reformulation and healthier product choices.

Several countries have implemented sugar-related taxes, including the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, and Hungary. Other markets continue to evaluate similar measures, often as part of broader public health strategies.

The results have been notable. The UK's Soft Drinks Industry Levy is widely regarded as one of the most successful examples. Rather than driving large declines in sales, it incentivized manufacturers to reformulate products. Within a few years, the average sugar content of soft drinks fell substantially, while many brands were able to maintain market share. Similar trends have been observed in Portugal and Ireland, where reduced sugar levels and shifts toward lower-sugar alternatives have been reported.

For years, sustainability has dominated conversations in personal and home care. Yet according to futurologist Helga Hertsig-Lavocah, the next wave of innovation may be shaped by a different concept: longevity. 

And longevity isn’t just about living longer. Longevity resonates strongly with consumers because it empowers them to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. This sense of personal agency becomes particularly valuable during periods of uncertainty, when many external factors feel beyond individual control. By focusing on physical and mental health, consumers can create a greater sense of stability, predictability, and control in their daily lives. Health, wellbeing, independence and quality of life are becoming intertwined with purchasing decisions, creating new expectations of the products people use every day.

These themes will be explored further by Helga Hertsig-Lavocah, Senior Futurologist and Founder of Hint Futurology, during the free PLMA Lunch & Learn webinar, "Longevity and Sustainability in Personal & Home Care: What's Next."

When? 24 June, 12.30-13.30 CET. Are you a PLMA member or retailer/wholesaler? Request a registration link here.

For years, private label products were largely viewed through the lens of value: reliable, affordable alternatives that followed trends established elsewhere. While that perception still exists in some corners of the industry, recent developments suggest a significant shift is underway. Across FMCG categories, retailers are increasingly using private label as a platform for genuine innovation.

The evidence is mounting. According to Mintel, private labels in the UK launched more new products than brands last year for the first time on record. More importantly, many of these launches are not simply incremental line extensions. They reflect emerging consumer trends, new consumption occasions, and evolving expectations around health, convenience, sustainability, and experience.

This year's PLMA trade show in Amsterdam highlighted just how far private label innovation has progressed. Showcased retailer products tapped into some of the most dynamic trends in FMCG, including functional beverages with added fibre or protein, globally inspired flavour profiles such as matcha and chilli, premium frozen snacks, and new concepts in beauty and personal care.