In response to soaring demand for global foods and flavors, PLMA has announced that nearly 900 international suppliers and a record 52 country pavilions will be featured at “The Store Brands Phenomenon 2024 - Empowering the Retail Industry” Private Label Trade Show, November 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago.

Authentic international foods and nonfoods from more than 60 countries will be showcased in the North, South and Sky Halls at the convention center. The globally diverse product assortment includes gourmet and specialty food, ethnic products, authentic flavors, personal care items, household products and unique ingredients from their origin country.

The exhibit floor will include country and regional pavilions from North and South America, Europe and Asia to help buyers to source new and innovative products for today’s global consumer. These include five new pavilions this year:

•    Morocco: Couscous, cotton candy, rice and more will be on display.
•    Poland: Functional beverages, smoothies and vodka.
•    Vietnam: Spices, seasonings, fruit juice and coconut milk.
•    Portugal: Rice-based ready meals.
•    Costa Rica: Frozen and dried pineapple and healthy snacks.

In addition, there will be expanded pavilions from Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Peru, Spain, Ukraine, and many other countries and regions.

Watch our news report on the pavilions and international suppliers here:

Eighty-four percent of food retailers and manufacturers surveyed say that private brands are extremely important to their organizations and 93% plan to moderately or significantly increase private label investments in the next two years, up from 82% a year ago, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s “The Power of Private Brands 2024: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum” report.

Key areas of investment include adding capacity and value through innovation and new product development in growth opportunities like premium, best value, health and well-being, products with simple/clean ingredients, and frozen and fresh foods, according to the report.

Price (71%) and good value (72%) are top reasons cited by shoppers for buying more private brand items, and 80% of food industry respondents believe that private labels continue to perform well in terms of driving growth of customer purchases via delivering value.

However, more than half (54%) of retailers are focused on emphasizing the value of private brands beyond price, focusing on other areas that motivate consumers’ private brand purchases, including quality, taste, and meeting meal solution needs.

Wawa earned the top score (82 out of 100) in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) Convenience Store Study 2024.

QuikTrip finished second with an ACSI score of 81, followed by Buc-ee’s and Murphy USA, at 80 each.

A robust set of food options is a main reason for the high scores. Examples include hoagies from Wawa and QuikTrip’s QT Kitchens®. Buc-ee’s has a reputation for a wide variety of on-the-go food options, and Casey’s General Stores, with a satisfaction score of 79 (same as Sheetz), is a go-to option in the Midwest for pizza, both traditional and breakfast varieties, according to the report.

Nearly all reported chains have scores exceeding the industry average (76).

Most convenience stores are investing in enhancements to the customer experience by adding more customized food offerings, larger merchandise selections, enticing rewards programs, and mobile ordering services, according to the report.

“Convenience stores are no longer just a quick stop for gas and snacks — they are becoming serious competitors in the food service industry,” Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI, said in a statement. “By focusing on the in-store dining experience, while maintaining the speedy service that customers have grown accustomed to, convenience stores may have found the perfect recipe for success.”
 

- A cast iron 7.5-quart braising pan and 12-inch fry pan are among the new additions to the Tabitha Brown for Target kitchenware line.

- Walmart’s Bettergoods fully cooked frozen chicken wings with garlic butter dry rub are among the store brands the retailer is promoting for tailgate season.

- Pumpkin Crumble, Lakeside Leaves and Honeycrisp Apple are among the fall scents available in a limited-edition line of foaming hand soaps at Whole Foods Market. 
 

Rouses Markets, Thibodaux, La., and Hy-Vee, West Des Moines, Iowa, are among the retailers that carry authentic Italian store brands. Hy-Vee’s Gustare Vita line includes imported capers, pizza, pesto Genovese, and sundried tomatoes. At Rouses, there’s Rouses Markets-brand imported balsamic vinegar, pasta and olive oil, among many other products.

“Life can be overwhelming, but taking care of yourself shouldn’t have to be. Real Root by Sprouts products focus on wellness, delivering a restorative experience that nurtures both inner and outer well-being.”

- Kim Coffin, Chief Forager of Sprouts Farmers Market, on the launch of Real Root by Sprouts, a store brand line of more than 130 premium body care, personal care and home fragrance items.                
 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the judging ceremony for the 2024 PLMA Salute to Excellence Awards®