Data Points: The Protein Craze

Kroger plans to introduce about 80 new protein products under its Simple Truth natural and organic brand, including bars, powders and shakes, Ronald Sargent, Chairman & Interim Chief Executive Officer, said during a Q1 2025 earnings call. The popularity of healthier eating and GLP-1 medications has sparked more consumer interest in high protein foods, Sargent noted.

In Case You Missed It: PLMA Show Spotlight

In a pre-Show report, Jodi Daley shares trends in Wine & Spirits, Self-Care/Wellness and Grab-and-Go.
Watch the video here:

Notable Quotable: Eddie Attubato, Stop & Shop

“It’s my favorite drink and I make them at home all the time. I figured, why not try and share them with everyone?”

- Eddie Attubato, Beverage Category Manager, Stop & Shop, said of his idea to launch limited-time Shirley Temple-Inspired Soda, priced at $1 for a 2-liter bottle.

Ideas and Inspiration: Gelson’s, Kowalski’s, Sprouts

Gelson’s Markets, Encino, Calif., has reintroduced its kettle-cooked pita chips in Sea Salt, Lemon Pepper and Garlic Herb. They are made in California.

Kowalski's Signature hot sauce is locally made and available in four flavors: Habanero Tomatillo, Cherry Fresno, Classic Green and Tropical Tomatillo.

Sprouts Farmers Market’s store brand “Fizzy Vitamin C” drink mixes contain 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per serving. The dietary supplement comes in several flavors, including pineapple mango, peach passion and mixed berry.

Trend Alert: Garden Décor

Lawn and garden decor is in the spotlight this summer season to make outdoor space more enjoyable. For instance, Dollar General’s True Living brand includes bamboo table torches, solar lanterns and string lights.

The Rise of Hispanic Groceries

ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; and diced tomatoes and green chiles are among the growing number of Hispanic-oriented products on store shelves.

New and innovative Hispanic food, beverages and nonfoods will be on exhibit at PLMA's 2025 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago, November 16-18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The 2025 theme - "Store Brands Marketplace" - speaks of an industry coming together to engage in mutually beneficial commerce; to see and examine new store brand product, packaging and marketing concepts, and to build new and reinforce existing connections.

The PLMA Show will reflect both the growing influence of the Hispanic population and the broader appetite for authentic, global experiences.

Among some 2,000 domestic and international exhibitors from 65 countries at the Show will be several dozen pavilions that represent countries and regions from Mexico and South America to Europe.

National pavilions committed for the 2025 Show include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Spain. And many others are expected to enlist in the coming months.

Mexican hot sauces, Brazilian coffee, Peruvian quinoa and Columbian beauty and personal care products are among the exciting offerings visitors will discover at the Show.

The strong presence of Hispanic products comes at a time when sales of Hispanic-oriented food and beverages are growing in the U.S. across multiple categories and in both mainstream supermarkets and specialized ethnic stores. Many of the products are marketed as store brands, items that retailers put their own name or brands on. 

Click here for registration information.

Study: Consumers Trust Quality of Private Label

Traditional distinctions between private labels and national brands have become so subtle that most consumers can’t tell the difference between them, according to “The Quiet Takeover of Private Label,” a study by First Insight.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of consumers surveyed believed they could recognize a private label when making a purchase, yet 72% were unable to do so when shown side-by-side images of store brand and national brand products. 

Among other results:

  • 84% of consumers now trust in the quality of store brand products more or the same as national brands, while more than half (52%) say they’ve been influenced to try a store brand product by in-store promotions, packaging, displays or marketing materials.
  • More than seven in 10 (71%) consumers say they would be willing to try a private label if their preferred national brand was out of stock. And once a consumer makes the switch and feels satisfied, they rarely go back, with nearly half (45%) saying they’ve permanently switched from a national brand to a private label when the product met or exceeded expectations.
  • Two-thirds (66%) of consumers say they recommend private label products to friends and family, and 34% say they’re more likely to shop at a retailer specifically because of its private label offerings.

“Shoppers aren’t loyal to brand names the way they used to be. They’re loyal to price, quality and marketing. This creates a highly competitive arena where the best–yet not necessarily the most well-known brands will win,” Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight, said in a statement.

The report is based on responses from 1,267 respondents ranging from 18 to over 80 years old.

A Toast to Success: Store Brand Wine

Store brand wine generated $44.9 million in sales in all outlets for the 52 weeks ending June 15, a 19% increase from the same period a year ago.

The rise in sales comes at a time of new introductions and packaging innovations.

Costco, for instance, recently introduced a 2023 Cabernet from Sonoma County to its Kirkland wine portfolio.

Among many other innovations in packaging, Albertsons’ Bee Lightly wine comes in a compact, lightweight flat bottle made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).  It’s available in chardonnay and rosé.

Wine & Spirts are among the highlights of PLMA’s 2025 “Store Brands Marketplace” Private Label Trade Show, November 16-18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago.

Ideas and Inspiration: Costco, D&W, Wegmans

-    Wegmans Food Markets’ “Seasoning Shak’rs” are shakable herbs and spices. Flavors include Cajun, Garlic Parmesan and Everything Bagel.

-    D&W Fresh Market’s Finest Reserve gourmet pizza sauces are imported from Italy. Varieties include Spicy Arrabbiata and Classic Napoli.

-    Costco has introduced Kirkland Signature™ Sonoma County Cabernet wine at select locations.

Trend Alert: Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

Shoppers are cooling off this summer with limited-time summer ice cream flavors. Kroger, for instance, has launched four limited-time selections:

- Italian Style Summer Fizz (blood orange sherbet with candy clusters)
- Fireside Nights (toasted marshmallow ice cream with s’mores bits and an orange swirl)
- Sandy Shores (coconut ice cream with sweet and salty pretzel crunch)
- Poolside Tan Lines (a blend of vanilla bean, chocolate, and coffee ice creams).