2025 Game Changer: Megi Sidley, G.S. Gelato
The private label segment maintained its momentum in 2024 as sales across a host of food and non-food categories continued its multi-year growth streak.
A larger number of consumers in the U.S. have grown accustomed to retail brands that offer quality and value, and more affordable selections than many national brand products. Now, the pressure has been ramped up for retailers and product suppliers to exceed the high bar they have set as they continue developing unique new products.
The honorees featured in Store Brands 2005 Game Changer show the broad selection of ideas that are being implemented by major retailers and product suppliers across the industry. The items are giving shoppers additional choices and allowing retailers to carry products not found elsewhere.
Megi Sidley
Director of Retail Business Development
G.S. Gelato
Megi Sidley, director of Retail Business Development for G.S. Gelato, has played a pivotal role in transforming the private label frozen dessert category.
With a deep understanding of consumer trends and retail strategy, she has guided retailers in formulating unique flavors that rise above national benchmarks. These products range from non-dairy and no-sugar-added varieties to keto-friendly innovations and vibrant sorbets that meet the growing demand for premium, yet value-driven, frozen treats.
Sidley’s success stems from her ability to act as an extension of the retailers she partners with, prioritizing their goals and delivering solutions tailored to their needs. By offering strategic insights and leveraging her expertise, she has helped retailers move beyond merely replicating national brands, instead creating distinct and innovative assortments that drive repeat purchases and foster customer loyalty. Her approach has redefined the role of private brands in the frozen dessert space, elevating them into powerful differentiators in an increasingly competitive market.
A champion of innovation, Sidley has led the charge in developing forward-thinking frozen dessert programs. She has worked with retailers to introduce non-dairy, allergen-free, and functional flavors that cater to modern dietary preferences, ensuring private label lines are not only competitive but also trend-forward. Her leadership has enabled retailers to meet evolving consumer demands while maintaining a strong value proposition.
One of her more significant achievements at G.S. Gelato was securing a major national retailer, a testament to her ability to build trust and deliver results. By demonstrating the quality, innovation, and value that G.S. Gelato offers, she successfully guided the launch of a thriving private label program—one that continues to expand with new product lines.