PLMA e-scanner September 21, 2024

Dave Rinaldo, president at ALDI, the expansion-minded efficient grocer that is an exemplar of store brand marketing, will deliver the keynote at PLMA's 2024 Private Label Trade Show. 

Rinaldo will speak at the Monday Keynote Breakfast on November 18 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, which is adjacent to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, site of the annual show organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

In his presentation, “Hungry for Value: How Retailers and Manufacturers Can Fuel the Private Label Boom,” he will discuss how demand for private label is at an all-time high, and the industry is poised for continued growth. Rinaldo will share insights about the retailer mindset and how the private label industry can come together to make the most of this historic moment.

The breakfast audience will include retailers, manufacturers and other visitors who are attending PLMA's 2024 Private Label Trade Show, Nov. 17-19, which is themed "Empowering the Retail Industry" and was sold out in mid-August. On display will be tens of thousands of store brand products at some 3,000 exhibit booths of nearly 1,800 suppliers representing more than 60 countries. The Show floor will feature 50+ national pavilions and special sections for wine and spirits, beauty and cosmetics, and home, health and self-care.

Rinaldo has served as president at ALDI since 2020, after more than 20 years with the company. He oversees the retailer’s product, marketing and sustainability strategies. He also travels the country to lead operations of regional warehouses and stores.  

He began his career at ALDI in 2000 as a district manager trainee. He rose through the ranks to serve in various other roles within the company, including president of ALDI Australia for three years. He was part of the team that launched the first ALDI stores in Florida in 2008. He has worked in various roles supporting the growth of ALDI in the Southeastern U.S. market.

Additionally, he oversees community partnerships with organizations, including Feeding America, the American Red Cross and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). He serves on the advisory council of ALSF.

ALDI, headquartered in Batavia, Ill., presently operates over 2,400 stores in 39 states and territories and has plans to add 800 more over the next five years.

From specialty heirloom eggs to cold-pressed juice and key lime pie-flavored dark chocolate, hundreds of new and innovative private label products were put to the test this month during PLMA’s 2024 Salute to Excellence Awards competition.

The prestigious awards program recognizes outstanding food and nonfood products introduced within the last year by North American supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, online retailers and wholesalers.  

More than 760 products were submitted for consideration this year, a record. Fifty-two retailers nominated products.

Over the course of several days this month, product entries were sampled and evaluated by a panel of professional and consumer judges on several criteria, including taste, product concept, packaging, and value for money.

Among the trends: specialty sweets like dark chocolate with key lime pie-flavored filling; ethically sourced products; fiber-rich snacks like blueberry pomegranate trail mix bites; keto-friendly cookies; better-for-you bottled beverages like oat smoothies and cold pressed juice; and ethnic flavors like tikka masala curry simmer sauce.

The much-anticipated list of winners will be officially announced at PLMA’s “The Store Brands Phenomenon 2024 – Empowering the Retail Industry” Private Label Trade Show, November 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago. There will also be a special display of winning products at the Show.
 

U.S. private label grocery spending is 20% of the total market and projected to rise to 24% by 2030, according to “Accelerate Your Private Brand Journey to Win with Customers and Shareholders,” a report by global professional services firm Alvarez & Marshal.

The report highlights the private label approach of market leaders:

• Treat private label with the same attention and detail as national brands.
• Year-round commitment to stand behind store brands with promotions, etc.
• Marketing and branding efforts that elevate private label, increasing visibility and customer awareness.
• Continuous investments to build private label capabilities, such as innovation centers, data-analytics and trend spotting.
• Unique or innovative approach to sourcing, including vertical integration, joint ventures and exclusive partnerships.

Nearly nine out of 10 (87%) of shoppers say high food prices will be a “major factor” in their November voting decisions, and 83% say they are more likely to support candidates who have a clear plan for reducing food prices, according to “Why the Price of Milk Will Determine Who Becomes President,” a report from Grocery Doppio, Incisiv and Wynshop.

Results are based on a survey of more than 1,200 digital grocery shoppers and 109 grocery executives in August 2024.
Among other results:

• 59% of grocery shoppers say that economic conditions have negatively impacted their grocery buying habits.
• 73% of shoppers worry inflation could worsen after the election, making it difficult for them to afford food.
• Of those shoppers receiving SNAP benefits, 97% say that their benefits are not enough to cover the rising cost of food; 79% worry that changes in government policy may reduce or eliminate their benefits.
• 68% of grocers say rate cuts will allow them to lower prices, attracting more customers.
• 72% of grocers feel that a rate cut will result in increased shopper spending.
• 89% of grocers say that impending rate cuts have not yet affected their business strategies for the remainder of 2024, and 94% said they have no plans yet to increase their investments as a result of rate cuts.

“Rising food prices have become a significant issue for voters, with a majority indicating it heavily influences their voting decisions,” according to the report.
 

• Walgreens has introduced a line of Walgreens-brand premium beauty products. The assortment includes cleansers, exfoliants, serums, creams and masks. Company officials said the new assortment was developed in response to growing consumer demand for premium skincare solutions.

• Amazon Saver is a new Amazon no-frills brand of affordable groceries. From crackers and cookies to canned fruit and condiments, most Amazon Saver items are priced under $5. Prime members can get an additional 10% off.

• Grocery Outlet, Emeryville, Calif., has launched a new private label program, GO Brands. The new private label line will feature products across three brands: SimplyGO, GO Home & Haven, and GO Paw & Pamper. About 100 new private label SKUs will be available in stores by the end of the year under the SimplyGO and GO Home & Haven brands. GO Paw & Pamper will arrive in stores next year.

   

Halloween-themed confections are among the seasonal items in the new Overjoyed private label brand from Albertsons Cos. Eyeball-shaped gumballs, vampire gummy fangs, pumpkin gummies and skull gummies are available.

The confections join an initial assortment of 150 Overjoyed items, including cupcakes, cookies, chocolatey trail mixes and cakes.

Additionally, the Overjoyed Boutique line offers a selection of decorative vases, candles, and seasonal gifts.

400

The number of private label items now offered at c-store chain Love’s Travel Stops, Oklahoma City. The just-launched Traverse Travel Gear line features road trip essentials, including a neck pillow, a traditional-sized blanket and a lightweight throw blanket.

“The Cuddle Collab is all about celebrating our pets, and it's a fun way to extend our design expertise to the entire family — pets and the people who love them."

- Jill Sando - Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of apparel & accessories, home and hardlines - said of the limited-edition The Cuddle Collab collection for pets and pet lovers. Inspired by pet influencers, the line includes matching accessories for dogs, cats and humans; plush toys, treats and home décor. 

PLMA’s Anthony Aloia reveals details about “The Store Brands Phenomenon 2024 – Empowering the Retail Industry” Private Label Trade Show, November 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago.

Watch our news report here: