Private-label trade show returns in-person for 1st time in 3 years as owned brands' sales surge

With increasing sales of private-label brands and 83% of retailers saying they plan to boost their investments in the segment, according to FMI-The Food Industry Association, it’s no wonder the upcoming 2022 Private Label Trade Show is reporting a sold-out event.

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) said in a release that they are “gratified but not surprised by the early sell-out of exhibition space” for the private-label show that begins Sunday and runs through Tuesday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

Research from FMI shows that retailers would like to increase private brands in their stores from 18.2% to 22.6% over the next two years.

“Retailers know that in these difficult times, more and more consumers are turning to store brand food and non-food products. And the best single place to source those products is our Chicago show,” said Peggy Davies, PLMA president, in a statement. “We declared the event sold-out for exhibitors about a month ago, the earliest call ever, and the number of individual retailers who've registered has already exceeded the 2019 figure and is close to a record.”

The PLMA show is the industry association's first in-person trade show in three years. “After all that time apart, we're pleased that our industry reunion in Chicago will draw large crowds from across the board,” said Davies.

The theme of the show is “Consumers Are Back In Charge,” which is “a nod to the evolving attitudes and demands of post-pandemic shoppers,” said PLMA.

The South Hall of the show will be devoted to health and beauty, household goods, kitchenware and general merchandise; and food, snacks, beverages, refrigerated and frozen products will be located in the North, South and Sky Halls. Innovation will be featured in every aisle and in PLMA's Idea Supermarket, New Product Expo and Salute to Excellence displays. There will also be showcases for wine and spirits, hemp-derived CBD products, and plant-based meat and entrees. 

“Visitors will discover high-quality food and non-food store brand products from some 1,400 outstanding suppliers in 2,300 booths. And it's a global affair. More than 50 countries are represented on the floor, including more than 500 booths in national pavilions from Europe, Latin America and Asia,” said Anthony Aloia, PLMA's corporate VP, in a statement. “Overall, we're expecting attendance to top 5,000.”

As a result of the strong exhibitor participation, retail executives are eager to walk the floor, said PLMA. “We look forward to meeting with companies we already partner with, especially those we haven’t seen outside of a Zoom call,” said Christine Heffernan, SVP, sourcing and supply chain at Topco Associates, in a statement. “Quality is a key element for a successful program. If I find something I like, I ensure my team stops at the booth to inquire about that company's capabilities.”

According to FMI, 69% of retailers surveyed said premium private-label categories have a big opportunity for growth, followed by those with “simple, clean ingredients” (60%), price/value (56%), prepared meal solutions (42%), e-commerce home delivery (35%), health and well-being (33%) and fresh foods such as bakery and deli (33%).

“The PLMA show is our innovation pipeline, and we've found many new items and vendors there. It is great to be back in person as our private brands are in a great position to grow share, and the resources we find in Chicago help us meet consumers’ needs of the future,” said John Evans, director of private brands, HBC, GM and non-foods for Weis Markets, in a statement.

Highlights of the show include Sunday presentations by MaryEllen Lynch, principal, Center Store Solutions, IRI; Ken Harris, Cadent Consulting Group; Jon Hauptman, president, Price Dimensions LLC; and Gary Stibel, founder/CEO, New England Consulting Group. Followed by a Sunday afternoon panel titled “Hemp is More Than CBD,” which will be moderated by Joe Linne, VP, Hemp Brand Builders.

On Monday, Arjun Chakravarti, managing partner of Cogknition Analytics, will deliver the breakfast keynote—“Economic Growth in 2023: Will It Impact Your Business Strategy?” A retail trends panel on “How has the upheaval of the Covid era impacted store brands and shoppers?” will be held Tuesday, moderated by Michael Sansolo, president of Sansolo Solutions.

The PLMA was founded in 1979. It represents 3,800 member companies in more than 75 countries. PLMA also offers executive education and professional development programs, as well as consumer and market research.