2025 Rising Stars: Madeline Tate of Misfits Market
Every year, Store Brands sets out to recognize the next generation of private label leaders, individuals who are not only excelling in their roles but also driving meaningful progress across the industry. The 2025 Rising Stars embody the innovation, energy, and strategic thinking that are essential to keeping store brands competitive, relevant, and compelling to today’s consumers.
This year’s honorees share a deep commitment to delivering value, quality, and fresh ideas to their companies and retail partners. Whether launching new product lines, strengthening brand identities, or collaborating across teams to improve execution, each of these professionals brings passion and purpose to their work.
The impact of these Rising Stars is already being felt across the private label landscape. Many have played pivotal roles in building more shopper-centric brands, streamlining supply chains, or identifying on-trend innovations that resonate at shelf. In an era where private brands are gaining ground, their efforts are helping to redefine what store brands can be.
As the private label industry continues to evolve, future success will depend on a new generation of leaders. Their drive, insights, and collaborative spirit are setting a new standard, one that ensures the future of store brands is bright, bold, and built to last.
Madeline Tate
Product Development Manager
Misfits Market
In less than two years at Misfits Market, Madeline Tate has emerged as a rising force in the private label industry, helping to transform the company’s owned brand program with both speed and precision.
Tate played a key role in the rebrand of Misfits Market’s private label offerings following its acquisition of Imperfect Foods. Joining the project midstream, she quickly took charge, coordinating efforts across dozens of suppliers, printers, and a third-party design agency. The rebrand, encompassing more than 60 products, expanded the Odds & Ends brand presence and strengthened its alignment with Misfits’ sustainability mission.
Her project management and leadership delivered results. The company’s bakery program saw 55% year-over-year growth, while deli and prepared foods surged 110%. Her ability to balance strategy and execution was critical to these outcomes, even as she navigated unexpected supplier closures and shifting production timelines.
Beyond driving growth, Tate’s work has directly supported Misfits Market’s mission of reducing food waste. Many of the new products she helped develop have become top sellers, showcasing her skill in leveraging both new and existing supplier relationships to create high-impact, mission-aligned offerings.
Tate’s success stems from her proactive mindset, adaptability, and talent for relationship-building. She thrives in cross-functional settings, earning the trust of internal and external stakeholders alike through clear communication and collaborative leadership.
Still early in her retail career, Tate has already made a lasting mark. Her ability to manage complexity, build strong teams, and deliver measurable results underscores her potential as a future leader in private brands.
