The Private Label Manufacturing Association is hailing its 2023 Private Label Trade Show as a success, citing a record 1,685 exhibitors showcasing products, flavors, packaging, ingredients and services.
The largest event for store brands in North America, the show ran Nov. 12-14 in Chicago, drawing more than 13,000 exhibitors, retailers and other visitors. It was 20 percent larger than last year, resulting in an additional 435 exhibit booths. Non-food exhibitors increased by 45 percent, according to PLMA.
In addition, there was a strong global presence, with more than 45 percent of the exhibit floor filled with food and nonfood suppliers from outside the U.S. About 760 specialty food and nonfood exhibitors from 60 countries were there, including 40 country pavilions.
The sold-out show floor had 2,740 booths featuring the latest innovations in food, beverages, health and beauty, baby care, household goods, kitchenware, general merchandise, wine and spirits, pet care and refrigerated and frozen foods.
“PLMA’s 2023 ‘The Store Brands Phenomen’ Private Label Trade Show provided unparalleled access to a wide assortment of products across all categories,” said Peggy Davies, president of the association.
“We are enjoying a growth spurt, with nearly 600 new exhibitors added to the show this year. And within our non-food South Hall, a section was dedicated to beauty and cosmetics (including color, fragrances, skincare and men’s grooming), as well as kitchenware and housewares. The event started with opening seminars on [Nov. 12], and it was a networking palooza.”
Among the product trends spotted on the show floor:
Plant-based power
To elevate the plant-based dining experience, manufacturers are offering new options in ethnic meals, as well as convenient handheld snacks like beefless Korean bulgogi, porkless carnitas, plant-based butter “chik’n” and alternative chicken fries, fish sticks and mozzarella bites.
Spicy snacks
The global shift to spicy food options has found its way into the snack aisle with new flavor combinations, including Jalapeno cheddar trail mix, habanero pork rinds, spicy jalapeno sweet potato chips, habanero nacho sweet potato chips and pineapple habanero honey roast sesame sticks.
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.
Tropical tastes
The popularity of plant-based diets, coupled with increasing awareness about health benefits of coconut, are driving growth of coconut-based baking food, snacks and beverages.
Green parenting
Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of baby products. They are on the lookout for products made with biodegradable, compostable and reusable materials.
Innovations such as these have contributed to the 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.
About PLMA
A nonprofit trade organization founded in 1979, PLMA promotes the store brands industry. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, it represents more than 4,500 member companies worldwide.
In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, PLMA holds annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities.
Read more private label news from The Shelby Report.
