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Wine & Spirits Spotlighted at PLMA's 'Store Brands Marketplace'
Expanding Categories Reflect Growing Retailer Investment in Adult Beverages
NEW YORK (August 6, 2026) -- As retailers continue to elevate store brand adult beverage categories, PLMA's 2026 Store Brand Marketplace, Nov. 15-17 in Chicago, will again host a dedicated Wine & Spirits section on the Show floor that gives buyers one-stop access to private label sourcing opportunities from around the world.
Building on the success of previous Shows, PLMA will showcase the adult beverage and non- and low-alcohol sectors as retailers increasingly invest in premium experiences. For example, Kroger’s recent rollout of in-store wine shops that feature expanded premium assortments and tasting experiences. Kroger’s own brand wines include the Acronym, Parker's Estate, Simple Truth and Private Selection lines.
Meanwhile, ALDI continues to present its award-winning seasonal wine collections that reinforce consumer demand for quality, value-driven private label wines. These developments underscore the growing importance of differentiated beverage programs to meet consumer demand across grocery, club, discount and specialty retail formats.
"Retailers are looking beyond traditional assortments to create unique beverage destinations that build shopper loyalty and product and store differentiation," said Dan Weil, PLMA’s Senior Director, Chicago Trade Show. "We’re offering a designated wine and spirits section where buyers can connect with exhibitors from around the world to build out their own portfolios.”
The 2026 Store Brands Marketplace will offer buyers access to a wide range of wines, spirits, beers, ciders, ready-to-drink beverages and emerging beverage concepts from multiple continents. In the newly rebranded World of Ideas, the International Salute to Excellence Wine Awards will feature three dozen winners hailing from seven European countries and the U.S.
uring the judging several trends were noted including the continued improvement in product quality, rising interest in low-and no-alcohol wines and greater retailer investment in wines as a strategic category rather than as just a value alternative.
PLMA's 2026 Private Label Trade Show will assemble thousands of exhibitors from 60 countries who will present the latest in food, beverages, health and beauty, household products and general merchandise.
"This isn't a post-pandemic correction. It's a structural reset and brands still betting on loyalty to absorb their next price increase may be the last to realize it." Kelly added.
Retailer, wholesaler and visitor registration is open for buyers looking to expand their adult beverage programs at the U.S. private label industry’s most comprehensive annual event.
About PLMA
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry worldwide. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA, is the only trade group of its kind, representing more than 5,200 member companies in more than 80 countries. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label international trade show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides in person and online events including annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities. An advocate for the industry, PLMA created Store Brands Month, a nationwide collaboration of retailers, wholesalers, and private label suppliers focused on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories and retail formats. For more information visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA on LinkedIn.