Private label suppliers will get an insider look into two of the nation’s top store brand programs at PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Trade Show, set for Nov. 15–17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.
Senior executives John Conlin, SVP of Merchandising, Food & Beverage at Target, and Abby Cook, SVP of Own Brands at Ahold Delhaize USA, will headline successive breakfast sessions during the three-day event. Both keynote addresses begin at 8:00 a.m., with Conlin speaking on Monday, Nov. 16, followed by Cook on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
The sessions will offer food and non-food suppliers actionable insights into the strategies, inner workings, and growth opportunities driving successful own-brand portfolios in today’s competitive retail landscape.
As private label demand continues to rise, the addresses will provide vital direction for manufacturers and brokers looking to strengthen their partnerships with major supermarket and mass retail operators.
“This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from top retail executives leading their companies’ own brand strategies,” said Peggy Davies, PLMA president. “We’re looking forward to their insights into how strong retailer-supplier collaboration supports the evolution of their brands and creates opportunities for continued growth.”
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About John Conlin
Conlin leads Target’s Food & Beverage business and is responsible for all merchandising and buying activities, as well as the company’s owned brand food portfolio and sourcing operations. Since joining Target in 2000, he has held numerous leadership positions across merchandising and digital businesses, leading a wide range of categories including Seasonal, Home, and Apparel. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Vice President of Properties and New Store Development.
“Our role at Target is really to curate the best food assortment in the industry,” said Conlin in a recent interview. Food and beverage comprised 24% of the chain’s merchandise sales last year.
About Abby Cook
Cook oversees Ahold Delhaize USA’s Own Brands portfolio, leading strategy, innovation and execution to support growth and differentiation across the company’s U.S. grocery brands. She is responsible for positioning the portfolio for its next phase of growth and helping advance the company’s Growing Together strategy through product innovation, quality and value. Prior to her current role, Cook served as Vice President of U.S. Strategy and Portfolio, where she led the development and execution of key strategic priorities, including the advancement and long-term strategy for Own Brands.
“The role of our team is to stay a few horizons ahead, anticipating shopper needs and bringing innovation, quality and value to life through our Own Brands portfolio,” said Cook.
Ahold Delhaize USA continues to expand its Own Brands portfolio, which is available across its local grocery brands, including Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. The company’s portfolio consists of 12 private label brands. Among them are Nature’s Promise, which offers organic, plant-based and free-from products, and Taste of Inspirations, its premium specialty and gourmet food brand. Last year, the company expanded the assortment with approximately 1,100 items focused on healthier options and ready-to-eat offerings.
About PLMA
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry worldwide. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA, is the only trade group of its kind, representing more than 5,200 member companies in more than 80 countries.