Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Libby M. Roberge
lmroberge@plma.com
press@plma.com

NEW YORK (April 22, 2026) -- The hometown of the world's biggest retailer was, fittingly, the site of PLMA's best-attended, non-trade show event ever. 

A record number of store brand executives -- retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers and others involved in adjacent industries -- converged on Bentonville, Arkansas, the birthplace and global HQ of retail titan Walmart, on April 15-17, to participate in PLMA's 2026 Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting.

Themed "Building Brands That Drive Success," the event offered tracks on Brand Building: Value Proposition and Social Media; Emerging Technologies; Trends in Innovation; Private Brands and Consumer Behavior, and Private Brands: Purpose, Personalization and Performance.

Scott Morris, Walmart's SVP of Private Brands Food, Consumables, and Manufacturing, delivered the keynote address on The Future of Private Brands. Morris and his team are tasked with positioning Walmart’s Private Brands, strengthening their value proposition, developing quality core and innovative products, and building customer loyalty and holistic cultural support as a strategic impetus for the organization.

"This isn’t your mama’s private brand anymore, today’s shopper is more engaged than ever before," Morris told the standing room only breakfast session. “We want to give the customer powerful choices they can trade into – not down.”

On the eve of the PLMA event, Walmart announced an update of the logo and packaging for its 10,000 SKU Great Value private label brand. It's the first major change to the brand's packaging, which was launched in 1993, in 10 years. "It's time after a 10-year cycle to renew the brand and give it a fresh look; something that's modernized and connects with the customer,” offered Morris.

The more than 300 conference participants were able to craft their own agenda from a schedule of more than a dozen breakout sessions on the tracks along with several main stage plenary presentations.

"Attendance has more than doubled from last year reflecting the momentum, energy and growth of our industry,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies during the Annual Meeting. “There’s no better time than right now to be in store brands,” she continued. “Today’s attendees represent one of the most dynamic, relevant, and fastest-moving sectors in all of consumer goods.”

“This is the moment PLMA was built for, we have grown by 65% - a true testament to the value we bring to our members.”

"In a world filled with overwhelming amounts of information and limited time, PLMA is your go-to source. PLMA isn't just an industry association anymore. We've stepped into a bigger role, moving from setting principles to setting strategy, with a sharper value proposition and a global vision to back it up," Davies said in her President's address.

"If you are resource-constrained, time-starved, or operating without the tools, training, and intelligence that larger CPG companies take for granted, we are here for you. We carefully select the best insights, experts, and intelligence so you can stay informed without the hassle. Our agenda today and tomorrow reflects that care."

The induction of 24 new members to the Private Label Hall of Fame also took place during the conference. “We are proud to recognize this exceptional group of leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen and advance store brands,” said Davies, of the honorees. “From champions and innovators to emerging talent and lifetime achievers, each reflects the collaboration, forward thinking and commitment that help move our industry ahead.”

The Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas, in nearby Rogers, Arkansas, home of the first Walmart store, served as the official hotel for the event. The Bentonville location was in keeping with PLMA's decision to conduct its annual conference around the country and near executive offices of major U.S. operators. Recent iterations were held in San Antonio and Scottsdale, close to home bases of H.E.B and Sprouts Farmers Market, respectively.

At the conclusion of the conference, Davies announced the association's 2027 Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting will be held in Cincinnati, HQ city of the Kroger Company.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Libby M. Roberge
lmroberge@plma.com
press@plma.com

Editor’s Note:
Logos and Photos Available Here

NEW YORK (April 20, 2026) -- The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has announced its 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, led by newly elected Chairperson Mark Cheney of Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc.

Cheney will serve a one-year term as Chairperson. Joining him on the Executive Committee are:

• First Vice Chairperson: Anthony Biggers, Simmons Pet Food, Inc.
• Second Vice Chairperson: Lauren McNamara, SunOpta Inc.

In addition, PLMA announced new and continuing members of its Board of Directors including:

Board of Directors (2026–2027 Term)

• Sarah York, Huhtamaki Inc.

Board of Directors (2026–2029 Term)

• Derek Dafoe, Sofidel America Corp.
• Brian Mangan, Refresco Beverages
• Otto Nudding, Monarca Snacks
• Jennifer Rozzelle, FedUp Foods P.B.C.
• Joe Super, Shearer's Foods, LLC

The newly elected slate was presented by PLMA’s Nominating Committee, John Galioto of Trinidad Benham Corporation and Alissa Lodahl of Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. during PLMA’s Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference, April 15-17 in Bentonville, AR.

“Our new Chairperson and this accomplished group of Board members bring a depth of industry experience that will continue to advance PLMA’s mission of strengthening connections and collaboration while driving resilience, innovation, development, growth, and excellence across the private label industry,” said Peggy Davies, PLMA President.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Libby M. Roberge
lmroberge@plma.com
press@plma.com

Editor’s Note:
Logos and Photos Available Here

Bentonville, AR (April 17, 2026) -- A record number of 24 inductees joined the Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a special ceremony at PLMA’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas. Since its inception in 2006, the Hall of Fame has honored 136 store brand industry leaders.

Induction in the Private Label Hall of Fame is based on annual nominations offered by representatives of the industry in the following categories:

• Private Brand Leadership Champion
• Private Brand Leadership Innovator
• Private Brand Leadership – Next Gen (40 & under)
• Lifetime Achievement

“We are proud to recognize this exceptional group of leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen and advance store brands,” said Peggy Davies, PLMA President. “From champions and innovators to emerging talent and lifetime achievers, each honoree reflects the collaboration, forward thinking, and commitment that help move our industry ahead.'

The 2026 Inductees include:

Private Brand Leadership Champion

• Brianna Blanton, Head of Product Commercialization, Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores Private Brands
• Terri Fubio, Vice President of Private Label Sales, DelGrosso Foods, Inc.
• Brian Hartshorn, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager – Consumables, Dollar General
• Seth Malley, Chief Merchandising Officer, Massmart, Walmart Africa
• Gary Petersen, Senior Vice President of Sales, Red Gold, LLC

Private Brand Leadership Innovator

• Anthony Bennie, Founder & Chief Nutrition Officer, Clear Conscience Pet, LLC
• Violeta Bingham, Product Development Manager II in Merchandise, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
• Josh Jansen, Category Strategy Manager, Frozen Treats and Frozen Meals, Our Brands, The Kroger Co.
• Dwight Richmond, Director of Center Store and Own Brands, Town & Country Markets
• Michelle Turnbull, CEO, The Barking Bakery Limited
• Hannah Williams, Senior Sourcing Manager, Baking & Mixes, Walmart Inc.

Private Brand Leadership – Next Gen (40 & Under)

• Caryn Czapran, Director of Sales, Rodelle, Inc.
• Haley Harvey, Consumable Private Brands Category Manager, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
• Laura Smith, Senior Category Strategy Manager, The Kroger Co.
• Andrew Spiker, Director, Private Brands Procurement, Hy-Vee, Inc.
• Natalie Tabisz, Senior Category Manager, Topco Associates LLC

Lifetime Achievement

• Robert Baker, Senior Vice President of Sales, Olam Food Ingredients
• Steve Corsun, Founder, Premier Brands of America Inc.
• John Farris, Chairman of American Home Foods, Inc.
• Keith Hardy, National/Key Account Manager, AJM Packaging Corporation
• Russell Kidd, Former Director of Product Development (Retired), Circle K Stores
• Anthony Schelich, Sr. Partner & President, Marketing Concepts Group, Inc.
• Brad Studer, Senior Director of Our Brands, The Kroger Co.
• Andrea Zweig Wagner, Director of Private Brands - Brand Management & Design, Ahold Delhaize USA

Additional information about the Private Label Hall of Fame and the professional profiles of the inductees will be featured on storebrands.com and posted on plma.com.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Libby M. Roberge
lmroberge@plma.com
press@plma.com

Editor’s Note:
Logos and Photos Available Here

NEW YORK (April 15, 2026) - In the wake of record store brand sales, shares and annual revenue, the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has announced its 2026 Private Label Trade Show, the industry’s flagship business event, will be held November 15-17, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

"It's clearly a good time to be in private label," said Peggy Davies, PLMA President, in offering details of the 2026 Show, which is themed the “Store Brands Marketplace,” an apt description of thousands of retailers manufacturers and sourcing partners assembling over two days to curate products and restock and expand store brand programs in all formats.

"With their comprehensive private label programs, retailers today are truly brand builders,” continued Davies. “PLMA's 2026 Private Label Trade Show will once again provide for a convenient, one stop shopping for all players in the industry -- from high quality suppliers to buyers from the nation's leading retailers and wholesalers."

In addition to store brands increasing nearly three times the rate of national brands in 2025 and setting all-time highs of 21.3% in dollar share and 23.5% in unit share, a key barometer of store brand expansion are metrics from PLMA's annual Show.

Since 2022, the Show has increased 35% in exhibiting companies and 31% in participating retailers, wholesalers and other visitors. Over 60 countries were represented at the 2025 Show in Chicago, most of them appearing in 54 national pavilions. Overall, more than 1,900 exhibiting companies occupied over 3,000 booths. 

"Exhibitors come away with a great experience and more than anything are impressed with the high quality of retail buyers who they describe as serious, empowered dealmakers and not just browsers," says Dan Weil, Senior Director of the PLMA Show. “Buyers appreciate the opportunity the Show provides.”

"Seeing what's on display in person is a crucial experience — smelling, tasting, handling — that transforms the products and their packaging from abstract concepts into tangible goods,” continued Weil. “Buyers are looking for more than cost savings, they're also seeking innovation, quality, and brand identity."

Manufacturers and suppliers interested in exhibiting their products at PLMA’s 2026 Store Brands Marketplace Private Label Trade Show in Chicago can contact exhibit@plma.com for more information and available exhibit opportunities.

Requests to attend the Show in November are now being accepted here. Retailers and qualified visitors who submit the form will receive notification and a registration link when registration opens in mid-June.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: press@plma.com

NEW YORK (January 20, 2026) - U.S. sales of store brands increased slightly more than $9 billion to a record $282.8 billion in all outlets last year compared to 2024, according to PLMA's just-released Circana Unify+™ data.

Store brand dollar sales increased nearly three times the rate of national brands, climbing 3.3%, compared to a gain of only 1.2% for their national brand counterparts for the 52 weeks ending December 28, 2025.

“Store brands are outperforming national brands across the U.S., growing faster, expanding share, and delivering record-setting sales results," said PLMA President Peggy Davies.

Store brand unit volume was up by 434.3 million to 68.7 billion, also setting a new record. This represents a 0.6% rise, while national brands declined by -0.6%.

In store brand unit sales gains, the best performing department for 2025 was Pet Care, up 5.4%, followed by Liquor +4.4%; Beverages, +2.3%; Frozen, +0.9%; Refrigerated, + 0.7% and General Food, +0.2%. 

In dollar sales, seven departments finished ahead of the prior year. The Refrigerated department expanded the most, gaining 6.1% in store brand revenue, followed by Beverages, +4.8%; Pet Care, +3.7%; Beauty, +2.8%; Frozen, +2.4%; General Food, +1.6% and General Merchandise, +0.9%.

Annual dollar sales of store brands increased $64.8 billion, or plus 30%, over the past five years - from 2021 to 2025 - and dollar share rose from 19.1% to 21.3%. Annual unit sales of store brands advanced 2.7 billion, or plus 4%, and unit share improved from 21.6% to a record 23.5% during the period.

"Private label growth reflects a shift in consumer priorities, as retailer-owned brands increasingly compete—and win—on value, quality, health, and sustainability, not just price," said Davies.

Source: PLMA/Circana Unify+™

Retailers and PLMA members can click here to access this exclusive PLMA Circana Unify+™ data.  PLMA's full 2026 Private Label Report will be available on plma.com in a few weeks.

The year-end sales figures were released during the second annual Store Brands Month. Created by PLMA, Store Brands Month is a national month-long consumer awareness campaign held annually in January to educate consumers about the quality, innovation, and value offered by private label products. Retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers nationwide are supporting Store Brands Month through in-store messaging, digital promotion, email campaigns, and social platforms encouraging shoppers to explore, try, and buy store brands.

“We’re thrilled to see all the exciting and innovative ways the industry is celebrating Store Brands Month to drive shopper engagement with private label products,” Davies said.

Click here for more details. 

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: press@plma.com

NEW YORK (January 13, 2026) - PLMA has expanded its partnership with SalesStar, a global authority in sales and business leadership transformation, to offer members a suite of three online curricula - Mastering Enterprise Sales, Account Management and Category Leadership - that is customized for private brand manufacturers, brokers and suppliers.

The online learning programs provide a structured development journey that equips participants with the skills and capabilities needed to succeed with today’s enterprise retailers.

The series will kick off February 2 with the Sales track and continue throughout the year. Click here for the full schedule and registration details.

"Following two well-received programs in 2025, SalesStar will increase its programming for PLMA in 2026 by providing a suite of cohort-based learning tracks that strengthen manufacturer capabilities across key functions in the business lifecycle: Mastering Enterprise Sales, Account Management and Category Leadership," explained PLMA President Peggy Davies.

“The three tracks are suitable for VPs and directors of small- to mid-sized private brand suppliers; new enterprise account sales managers; and marketing and sales leaders for small to mid-size private label suppliers, respectively. Store brand executives involved in other areas of responsibility are welcome to enroll," added Davies.

Classes are conducted as multi-week, virtual cohorts that are led by high performance coaches. They include live instruction and on-demand learning. Coursework demonstrates specific competency and skill sets essential to mastering Sales, Account Management or Category Leadership.

Custom programs and volume incentives are available for companies enrolling five or more participants.

For additional information, contact at education@plma.com.

About PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies worldwide. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides 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, promoting store brand products to the country's grocery shoppers. The month-long event focuses on increasing consumer attention to the quality, value and innovation of store brand products across all categories within brick and mortar and online retail formats. For more information, visit plma.com, plmainternational.com, and follow PLMA: