May 9, 2026 Issue
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Notable Quotable: Tim Horton, Schnuck Markets
"Our goal is to simplify and enhance our customers’ grocery shopping experiences while also bringing them extraordinary quality at an affordable price."

- Tim Horton, Vice President of Center Store, Schnuck Markets, said about the launch of Culinaria Italian Table - a private label line of super-premium, authentic Italian culinary products now available to customers at all Schnucks stores. Sourced directly from Italy, the line includes more than 40 different products spanning pastas, sauces, olive oils, and vinegars with more to follow.

 
Trending: Simmer Sauces

Ethnic simmer sauces provide quick-and-easy way to bring global flavors to life. Kowalski’s Markets has a full line of Indian store brand simmer sauces: Korma Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala, Tandori Grill Sauce and Vindaloo Marinade.

Did You Know? - Uncle Giuseppe’s

Specialty grocer Uncle Giuseppe’s, based on Long Island, N.Y., opened its 13th store, located in Greenvale, N.Y.

Along with an abundance of fresh prepared foods, it carries a wide range of shelf stable private label items.

I recently toured the store and here are the private label products I found:

The new store in Greenvale, N.Y., opened in August.
Signature pasta sauces
Olive oil
Olive oil
Imported tomatoes
Breadcrumbs
Marinated mushrooms
Marinated mushrooms
Sampling stations
Gift baskets filled with private label specialties
 
 
Stats and Facts: Store Brand Sales at Nine-Month Mark of the Year

In a challenging retail environment where American consumers are carefully scrutinizing their grocery purchases, store brands well outperformed national brands in unit sales over the first nine months of the year by a full percentage point - up 0.2% for store brands vs down 0.8% for national brands.

Store brand unit sales increased in five of the nine reporting periods so far this year, according to Circana, PLMA's exclusive provider of sales data, and outpaced national brands in seven of the nine. As a result of its steady yearlong results, store brand unit share has risen to 23.6%, a new record.

Store brands were also in the black in dollar sales for the nine-month period ending September 9, ahead by 0.1% while national brands were up 2%. Store brand dollar share came in at 21%.

In product departments monitored for PLMA by Circana, Beverages was the leader in store brand dollar sales gains over the 52 weeks ending September 6, increasing by 5%, followed by Pet Care, + 2.9%; Frozen +2.4%; Auto, +2.2%; General Food and General Merchandise, both +1.9%; Beauty, +0.7%, and Household Essentials, +0.4%. In departmental store brand unit sales gains, Pet Care was first in line, up 3.8%, then Beverages, +1.9%, and Refrigerated, +1.8%.

PLMA Study Finds Growth Opportunity in Store Brand Personal Care

Nearly eight in 10 U.S. personal care shoppers purchased at least one store brand product during the past six months. Yet store brands reach only about one-third of the personal care categories these shoppers buy, revealing significant room for growth.

PLMA’s inaugural Shopper Intelligence study surveyed 1,501 shoppers across 14 categories. Among the findings:

  • Store brand trial was highest in first aid at 64%, followed by incontinence at 47% and body wash, soap and bath at 35%.
  • Performance was the leading trial motivator: 64% said store brands perform as well as national brands, compared with 42% citing lower price.

The study also explores where shoppers hesitate, what could encourage trial and which category relationships may support broader adoption.

The findings debuted during PLMA’s October 1 Lunch and Learn. Click here to view the presentation. The Show’s Opening Seminars in November will provide an overview of topline results and expand on their managerial implications.

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Did You Know?

58% of consumers say they don't care if a product is a national brand or private label. They just buy what they need, according to a NielsenIQ report, “A Tale of Two Consumers: The Polarized Mindsets Reshaping Global Consumption.”

Among other findings:

  • 67% of Gen Z consumers believe private-label products are just as good as national brands.
  • 68% of consumers view private-label products as a good alternative to national brands.
  • 69% of consumers believe private-label products offer good value for money.
  • About one-third of price-constrained consumers will switch to lower-priced products or whichever brand is on promotion.
Trending: Water Enhancers

Liquid water enhancers add flavor to plain water. Tangerine and Fruit Punch are among the flavors in Harris Teeter’s private label line.

Ideas and Inspiration: Costco, Stewart’s Shops, Wakefern

Fresh thinking to attract customers, increase sales, and build loyalty

  • Wakefern’s Bowl & Basket thin crust white pizza is made with mozzarella cheese, spinach and a white sauce.
  • Stewart’s Shops has introduced cold brew coffee in half-gallon containers.
  • Costco’s new Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Diapers feature a breathable outer cover and a comfortable hypoallergenic liner that is said to be gentle on the skin.