PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show, which experienced record attendance with more than 13,000 exhibitors, retailers, and other visitors, showcased the latest innovations in products, flavors, packaging, ingredients, and services.
The largest event for store brands in North America, held Nov. 12-14 in Chicago, hosted 1,685 exhibitors and featured 2,740 stands showcasing a wide assortment of products across all categories.
“PLMA’s 2023 ‘The Store Brands Phenomenon’ Private Label Trade Show provided unparalleled access. We are enjoying a growth spurt, with nearly 600 new exhibitors added this year. And, within our non-food South Hall, a section was dedicated to Beauty & Cosmetics (including color, fragrances, skincare, men’s grooming), Kitchenware, and Housewares,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies.
Five Product Trends at the Private Label Show
Plant-Based Power. To elevate the plant-based dining experience, manufacturers are offering new options in ethnic meals as well as convenient handheld snacks: beefless Korean bulgogi, porkless carnitas, plant-based butter “chik’n” and alternative chicken fries, and fish sticks mozzarella bites.
Spicy Snacks. The global shift to spicy food options has found its way into the snack aisle, which is heating up with new flavor combinations featuring jalapeno, chili, habanero, and other spicy peppers: Jalapeno cheddar trail mix; habanero pork rinds; spicy jalapeno sweet potato chips; habanero nacho sweet potato chips; and pineapple habanero honey roast sesame sticks.
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Tropical Tastes. The popularity of plant-based diets and increasing awareness about the health benefits of coconut is driving the growth of coconut-based baking food, snacks, and beverages: Coconut water, coconut chips, coconut sugar, coconut pet treats, coconut flour, and tube-filled coconut rolls.
Specialized Skincare. Responding to growing concerns about appearance among the aging population, suppliers have expanded product lines of skincare products marketed for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties, specialized formulas and ingredients: Serums with wrinkle-improving functions; hydrating facial cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid; and glycolic acid cleansers.
Green Parenting. Parents are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the baby products they buy. They are looking for biodegradable, compostable, and reusable products: Bamboo diapers, baby wipes, and biodegradable wipes.
Innovations like these have contributed to the impressive performance of store brands. PLMA projects total U.S. store brand dollar sales for 2023 will reach $233 billion, an increase of about $4 billion over 2022, based on Circana data.
The power of private brands is reflected in significant increases in exhibitor participation at the Annual Private Label Trade Show.
Additionally, there was a solid global presence. About 760 specialty food and non-food exhibitors from 60 countries occupied more than 45% of the show floor, including 40 country pavilions, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Peru, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom, among others.