The Private Label Hall of Fame induction ceremony was conducted April 2 at PLMA's 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Scottsdale.

The Class of 2025 consists of nine men and women who were honored in one of three categories:

Private Brand Champion:

• Thomas Becker, who most recently served as Director of Proprietary Brands, Circle K
• John Yannuzzi, Vice President of Corporate Brands,  Powermax USA
• Carolyn Boege, Private Brands Category Development Manager, Ahold Delhaize USA

Private Brand Innovator:

• Jeannine Buscher, Co-Founder and EVP of Innovation, FedUp Foods
• Michelle Helena Denk, Director, Retail Division, Affinity Group

Lifetime Achievement:

• Judy Albazi, President/CEO, Chase Products Co.
• Juan De Paoli, who most recently served as Vice President of Our Brands, The Kroger Co.
• Ross Purdy, Vice President, Center Store Operations, K-VA-T Food Stores
• Robert Snyder, former CEO, Sinco (Retired)

“Our nine-member Class of 2025 represents the best-of-the-best thought leaders and changemakers,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “Their commitment and dedication to private label is an inspiration to all.”

Presented by PLMA and Store Brands, the Private Label Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize those who have made significant contributions in their own organizations, as well as those who have set standards of excellence and accomplishment throughout the industry.

Profiles on the new inductees will be featured on StoreBrands.com and posted in the Hall of Fame section of plma.com.
 

PLMA’s 2025 Annual Private Label Trade Show will be held Nov. 16-18 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. Here are five things to know about this year’s event:

The “Store Brands Marketplace”

The 2025 Show is aptly themed the “Store Brands Marketplace.” That’s because the exhibit floor will be filled with thousands of new and trending products under one roof.

This includes a wide array of foods, beverages, wine and spirits, ingredients, authentic international foods and nonfoods, refrigerated and frozen foods, foodservice items, sustainable packaging, snack foods, beauty and cosmetic products, pet products, self-care, baby care, health and wellness, household goods, kitchenware, general merchandise, convenience foods and grab-and-go items and much more.

Multi-Channel Engagement

The Show provides all formats -- supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, wholesale clubs, dollar and specialty stores, mass merchandisers, importers and exporters and e-commerce retailers and visitors – with an exclusive venue to learn, taste and discover.

Top-tier manufacturers showcase products with multi-generational appeal, such as sustainable packaging for Gen Z, functional beverages for Baby Boomers, ethnic-inspired offerings, as well as vegan, organic, and specialty products.

Well-Organized Show Floor

Exhibit booths are segmented into the North, South and Sky Halls to complement the consolidation, specialization, and expansion of all formats. Special interest is given to a wide range of food and nonfood categories, including organic, vegan, enhanced flavors and ingredients, age-specific health and wellness products, beauty and cosmetics, unique snacks and beverages, foodservice, sustainability, pet care and wine and spirits, among many others.

A Global Event

Aisles upon aisles of the Show floor will be filled with international suppliers exhibiting food and non-food product offerings throughout the North, South and Sky Halls. Gourmet and specialty food, ethnic products, authentic flavors and unique ingredients from their origin country will be displayed for buyers seeking to satisfy the changing wants, needs and tastes of today’s global consumer.

Last year, the sold-out Show was filled with 1,821 exhibitors from 60 countries, including 700 first-time exhibitors. In all, some 14,000 retailers, visitors, exhibitors, and others from the store brand and retail industries attended the event.

There were more than 60 national and regional pavilions from North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Education Sessions and On-Site Displays

Attendees will have access to valuable insights through opening seminars, a keynote breakfast on both show days, networking events, and informational on-site displays, including:

• PLMA’s Idea Supermarket®, featuring the latest product and packaging trends from around the globe.
• New Product Expo, a showcase of select product and packaging innovations from companies exhibiting at the show.
• PLMA 2025 Salute to Excellence Awards®, a display of retailer food and non-food product innovations chosen best private label product in their categories by industry and consumer judges.

Click here for registration information.

Retailers are responding to consumer demands for grab-and-go foods and quick-and-easy meals for the home. Among the store brand examples:

-Fresh Market’s” Little Big Meals,” meal kit-style bundle that includes pre-portioned protein, veggies, sides and store brand products.
-Meal Simple by H E B, a prepared foods line that includes selections like Spinach and Parmesan-Stuffed Salmon.
- Kroger® Chef Salad Kits for One

Kroger has introduced Simple Truth Organic Instant Mushroom Tea in two blends — Black and Chai. Mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties and potential to support wellness.

$1.2 billion

The amount of store brand yogurt sales in all outlets for the 52 weeks ending February 23, 2025, a 14% increase vs the same period the prior year, according to PLMA’s latest Circana Unify+ data.

“As we continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and sustainability goals, we are setting the stage for an even brighter and more prosperous future ahead."

Kristal Sevcik - Vice President of Business Development at AmeriQual Group, LLC, said about the strength of the  private label industry. Sevcik has been re-elected chairperson of PLMA’s Board of Directors.

Click here to read press release on the newly elected PLMA Board of Directors.

Industry consulting and branding experts Bobby Gibbs and David Mayer revealed the transformative impact of private brands on consumer engagement through social media strategies. Watch highlights from their PLMA Live! Lunch and Learn presentation here: