UNFI: Private label expected to soar over the next few yearsUNFI: Private label expected to soar over the next few years

Private-label brands are expected to grow by about 40% over the next six years. United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) highlighted current trends and growth opportunities in the grocery retail industry during its Spring and Summer Selling Show in San Diego, Calif., earlier this week. One of the key trends was the continued surge in the private-label segment of the business.

Biggest news for grocery?

Other trends identified by UNFI include:

Private-label power

Grocery food inflation is driving the private-label boom. In 2024, sales of store brands grew by $9 billion year over year, reaching a record $271 billion, according to new data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and market research firm Circana. This impressive growth represents a 3.9% rise in dollar sales compared to the previous year.

Here’s the pitch

UNFI’s show also featured a Pitch Slam competition, where emerging suppliers in the grocery wholesaler’s UpNext program had the opportunity to pitch their new products to a live audience. UpNext helps emerging brands and partners grow their businesses. Dumpling maker Sobo Foods, based in San Francisco, won the event.

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In their own words

“While many retailers are engaging their shoppers digitally, there are still untapped opportunities to create a more comprehensive and customized digital experience.” —Louis Martin, president of Conventional Grocery Products and UNFI’s chief commercial officer.