BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
May 2021
May 27
Target takes to Instagram for Instagram-inspired plant products
Store Brands in the Wild views ads on Instagram that tout the limited-time Hilton Carter collaboration.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
June 2021
June 17
Walmart eyes scaling up drone delivery
After a test with drone services provider DroneUp, the retailer looks to extend the last-mile delivery option to more stores.
June 17
Path to Purchase Institute debuts in-person event this November
The brand marketing and retail intelligence organization presents Path to Purchase Live Nov. 1-3 in Orlando — the first in-person event for retailers, marketers and retail leaders in two years.
June 17
Kroger launched 253 new store brand products in Q1
The private brands were part of its “leading with fresh” and summer cooking strategy that resulted in a strong first quarter and a raised 2021 guidance.
June 17
Chewy launches private brand in fresh category
The Tylee’s brand of foods bring the online pet retailer into fresh, prepared foods with patented sustainable packaging to keep foods fresh for delivery.
June 17
7-Eleven expands own brand wines with Plot + Point
Two white wines in a Tetra Pak packaging and screwcap top offer consumers a summer wine perfect for the beach or outdoor gatherings.
June 17
Rocky Mountain High invests in private label producer
The company will produce with AGS Labs a line of national brand equivalent products in the electrolyte and infant rub categories.
June 16
Albertsons has a new CMO
Jennifer Saenz joins the company from PepsiCo and will oversee the Own Brands division.
June 16
3 beverage companies merge, forming private brand wine, beer, spirits producer
Two Trees Beverage is the merger of Prost Beverage, RF Kettle and Two Trees Distilling.
June 16
Aldi lowers prices for summer cookouts
The discounter aims to make summer cookouts more affordable, pricing a slate of cookout staples to be 30% less than the national average spend on a cookout.
June 15
C-P Flexible Packaging intros compostable lid for single-serve coffee pods
The company said it is a BPI-certified lid that works with leading brands of single-serve coffee makers.
June 15
Whole Foods touts own brands in rainy day care packages
The retailer launched a clever campaign that gives away limited prize packs of store brand products if a weekend gets rained out this summer.
June 15
PetDine hires sustainability leader
The private label pet products producer has hired Amelia Den Boer to be its sustainability manager, helping it reduce its carbon footprint and source friendlier.
June 15
Walgreens delivers through Uber Eats
For the second time, Walgreens has partnered with Uber, this time on delivery of essential items and more, joining delivery deals the retailer has made with Instacart, DoorDash and Postmates.
June 15
Boxed merges with Seven Oaks Acquisition, goes public
The combined equity value is estimated at nearly $900 million.
June 14
NielsenIQ identifies categories poised to sell beyond the pandemic
The analysts also shared with Store Brands yearly data on how store brand sales have matched up to national brands.
June 14
Trader Joe’s video series highlights global cuisine
Retailer released six videos that spotlight foods and beverages from six countries only available at the retailer.
June 14
Streaming device battle is 'onn.' at Walmart
Retailer launched streamer devices under its onn. brand, which Walmart told Store Brands was first developed as an industry disruptor to simplify electronics.
June 14
Kraft Heinz gains global ground with acquisition
CPG company purchased private brand and branded sauce-maker Assan Foods in Turkey.
June 11
The Store Brands Industry Summit is online
A partial webcast of the event is available for registrants and non-registrants.
June 11
New legislation targets Amazon private brands
The bill seeks big technology companies such as Amazon to separate private brand practices or remove them.
June 11
Crown Bakeries acquires private brand baker Michel’s
Acquisition bolsters the company’s sweet baked goods business.
June 10
Private brands shine in UNFI Q3 report
The company cited private label and its record sales internationally as a pillar for long-term growth.
June 10
Baldwin Richardson Foods promotes Cara Huges
A sales and marketing leader at the ingredients manufacturer and private label producer, Hughes is being promoted to a larger role that reflects her community outreach.
June 10
7-Eleven hands out free Slurpees next month
The chain is extending a free Slurpee usually designated for July 11 to be claimed all month long and to be joined by other foodservice deals in-store and via delivery.
June 09
Kroger, Ocado continue e-commerce fulfillment partnership with Florida opening
A 375,000 sq. ft. facility opened in Groveland, Fla., leveraging robotics, machine learning and technology to power grocery fulfillment, with an emphasis on fresh and store brand products.
June 09
Private Label Trade Show expands foodservice focus
Private Label Manufacturers Association said the Nov. 14-16 Private Label Trade Show will include expanded participation by foodservice suppliers, triggered by the growth of grocers providing restaurant-quality meals to shoppers.
June 09
Lidl private brand wines recognized by Sommeliers Choice Awards
47 of the retailer’s wines earned a gold, silver or bronze award and are sold for $10 or less, as private brand wines continue to experience growth.
June 08
Carrefour, Tesco end purchasing agreement
A three-year deal that began in 2018, the purchasing agreement helped the two chains jointly source private brand products.
June 08
Target expands Opalhouse brand with influencer partnership
More than 300 products designed by Jungalow’s Justina Blakeney, featured under the Opalhouse store brand, will hit stores this month.
June 08
Naturally Splendid gets first private label order under new Canadian agreement
The plant-based meats producer recently signed a letter of intent with an Australian plant-based manufacturer for manufacturing rights in Canada.
June 08
Pinterest grows shopping features
A new Shopping List tool joins an announcement of Pinterest expanding its shopping features into Australia, Canada, France and Germany.
June 07
West Liberty Foods highlights social responsibility measures
The private brand poultry and meat company issued its second Corporate Social Responsibility Report in the last three years.
June 07
JCP styles Stylus for men
The women’s apparel owned brand has been extended into a men’s line of athleisure items, adding to the retailer’s barrage of private brands to hit stores in the last six months.
June 07
Bed Bath & Beyond highlights Our Table brand in virtual cooking series
Three videos beginning next week on the retailer’s IGTV channel feature celebrity chefs using a selection of Our Table cookware and products.
June 04
Meijer predicts a strong asparagus season
The Michigan-based grocer benefitted from a strong local harvest and saw sales double last week of the produce, expects to sell more than 2 million pounds this summer.
June 04
Nut snacks producer pledges to save bee colonies
Flagstone Foods, a leader in private brand nut snacks, said it will source 100% of its almonds from bee-friendly farms and has introduced an initiative to do its part to improve the bee population that is crucial to nut-snack production.
June 04
Sprouts opens first DC in Orlando
The facility supports the grocer’s rapid growth in the state and its exclusive produce from local farms like Sugar Baby watermelons.
June 03
Amazon Prime Day scheduled for June 21, 22
The shopping event returns to the summer after a fall event last year that generated around $10 billion in sales.
June 03
Hofmann Sausage adds relish to its condiments business
The sausage and hot dog producer has developed three flavors of relish.
June 03
PLMA revamps online site
The Private Label Manufacturers Association introduced a new home website that includes new features like member press releases and a way to directly sign up and become a member.
June 02
Post acquires TreeHouse cereal business
Post Holdings acquired the private label leader’s ready-to-eat cereal business for $85 million; the two companies attempted a deal two years ago but was halted by FTC.
June 02
Walmart selects 8th annual Open Call finalists
The retailer has invited more than 1,000 entrepreneurs to attend the June 30 virtual pitch day for a chance to get a product on shelves or a private brand partnership.
June 02
Sam’s Club revs up sampling with Member’s Mark food truck
The club store is bringing back sampling at its locations, including the Taste & Tips program and a food truck dedicated to Member’s Mark summer eats and treats.
June 02
Walmart launches exclusive McClaren Farms Beef products
The Angus beef products are the first to launch from an Angus beef supply chain the retailer initiated two years ago.
June 02
3 more owned brands debut at Bed Bath & Beyond
The July rollouts join three spring launches, totaling six new private brands in five months.
June 01
Ulta Beauty bounces back
The retailer reported a same-store sales increase of 65.9% for the first quarter, reversing declines from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 01
Symphony RetailAI creates chief product officer role
Company taps Cheryl Sullivan from DemandTec to fill the role. Sullivan has been a contributor to Store Brands on AI and private label.
June 01
Target celebrates Pride Month
More than 150 exclusive apparel and home goods products support Pride all year long; the retailer also donated to key nonprofits such as GLSEN.
May 2021
May 28
Organic Valley aims for a carbon-neutral supply chain
The cooperative of farmers and producers of private label dairy and produce had its dairy farms assessed for their carbon footprint compared to conventional dairy farms in the U.S.
May 28
Costco crushes Q3 despite inflation challenges
The retailer reported same-store sales growth of more than 15% for the quarter and announced food courts and sampling are on track for a full return.
May 28
Report: Flavor trends in bakery
Seasonings and spices supplier Fuchs North America released a report exploring flavor trends to support the bakery category.
May 27
Walmart, Gap collaborate on home goods line
Gap Home — which encompasses more than 400 products — will be sold exclusively at Walmart, kicking off a multi-year partnership between the iconic retailers.
May 27
Dollar General pleased with Q1 performance
The retailer saw comp-store sales increase over two years but decrease in the first quarter.
May 26
Albertsons makes debi lilly wedding flowers available online
In time for wedding season, the retailer created a way for shoppers to design their own debi lilly flower collections online to fit their big day.
May 26
West Liberty Foods opens innovation center
The company opened a 7,000 sq. ft. customer collaboration center and has unveiled a rebranded logo to honor its 25th year in business.
May 25
Agritalia honored by Whole Foods for 3rd time
The private brand supplier of products from Italy won a Supplier of the Year award for its assortment of products it supplies to Whole Foods.
May 25
JCP adds luxury apparel to private brand roster
The Ryegrass women’s collection is the fifth private brand in apparel to launch in the last six months.
May 25
FMI report explores how the pandemic changed grocery shopping
In its four decades of releasing a U.S. grocery shopper trends report, FMI, with help from The Hartman Group, found significant changes in eating at home, buying online and striving to be well.
May 24
Q&A: Lowe’s Curates for Pro, Beginner Shoppers
Store Brands talks with Bill Boltz, Lowe's executive vice president of merchandising, about its recent curation-based programs and the acquisition of Stainmaster.
May 24
Wakefern partnering with dunnhumby
The retailer cooperative has named dunnhumby its strategic platform for category management and merchandising.
May 24
Sprouts Farmers Market has fresh launches for the summer
Innovative store brand kettle chips, exclusive steaks, Italian sodas and more headline a roster of items geared just for the summer.
May 21
Sustainable toilet paper company partners with Target
Reel, a DTC company, is entering Target stores with an exclusive 12-pack of its sustainable toilet paper. The company has a mission to save on use of water and lumber, and serves underserved communities.
May 21
CVS completes Beauty Mark program
Three years ago the retailer embarked on ensuring all of the beauty imagery it produced on packaging, in-store materials and online, as well as that of branded partners, would disclose if models had been digitally altered.
May 20
Walmart sets up live shopping event for exclusive Pioneer Woman products
The Facebook live shopping event features Ree Drummond, influencer behind The Pioneer Woman, and her daughter, presenting exclusive products from their exclusive line at Walmart.
May 20
Target reports strongest store brand growth ever in Q1
In addition to big sales increases in the apparel and home categories, sales of Target’s private brands grew 36% in the first quarter of 2021.
May 20
Trilliant introduces all-in-one coffee, toppings product
The single-serve beverage is a coffee or cocoa that comes with a cap of toppings; the private label producer is launching it first under its branded Café Caps name.
May 19
Survey: U.S. consumers are switching stores based on rise in grocery prices
The study from Inmar Intelligence also found that 86% of U.S. shoppers are buying private brand products to save money, impacting the store they choose.
May 19
Despite the numbers, online grocery sales remain high
The Brick Meets Click and Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey found a double-digit dip in online grocery sales for April versus a month prior, but the sales earned online are still four times higher than pre-pandemic measures.
May 19
IKEA partners with Pinterest for AI-powered home renovation quiz
The campaign engages with Pinterest users, creating a personalized board of home renovation ideas and product recommendations.
May 18
H-E-B removes curbside pickup fee
The retailer is skipping the near $5 fee on orders of $35 or more at all of its Texas locations with curbside service.
May 18
PLM platform rolls out to food and beverage categories
Centric Software has extended its capabilities to work with food and beverage retailers and manufacturers, offering a way to network, manage and facilitate private label development.
May 18
Walmart posts strong start to fiscal 2021
The retailer’s first quarter demonstrated a more than 6% gain for Walmart and Sam’s Club comp sales and an e-commerce gain in the mid-double digits.
May 18
Seasonal sweets from Publix
The retailer has returned its limited-edition ice cream flavors, adding two new ones to the roster, and has a line of limited snack mixes for the summer.
May 17
Target adds alcohol to pickup, delivery orders
The capability should boost sales of Target’s own brands of adult beverages, including releases to come such as SunPop Wine, as the retailer saw triple-digit growth in the category during a pilot test.
May 17
Aldi’s latest Fan Favorite Survey is live
The shopper survey began in 2019, asking Aldi shoppers to choose their favorite Aldi-exclusive product across several categories. This year adds new categories such as the favorite "morning meeting" product.
May 14
C-P Flexible Packaging expands pre-made poly bag production
The company is adding three converting lines to its Buffalo, N.Y.-based facility. The bags are used for food products and more for in-store and e-commerce distribution.
May 13
Kroger seeks fresh food suppliers
The retailer opened an online application process for suppliers looking to join its first Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator that will occur in August in Cincinnati.
May 13
Bed Bath & Beyond bolsters merchandising team
The rejuvenated home store has added Stacey Shively, a former Target and JCPenney executive, to the role of SVP, general merchandise manager.
May 13
Thrive Market creates exclusive frozen meals with Beyond Meat
The online grocer developed five meals using the plant-based meat product, building on a previous partnership offering an line of exclusive plant-based chillis.
May 13
Walmart to bring virtual try-on experience to its apparel
The retailer has acquired virtual fitting room provider Zeekit, which will enable shoppers to virtually try on its own brands before buying and share images socially with friends.
May 12
Walmart’s Waffles + Mochi tool gets kids, parents engaging with healthy foods
The interactive experience with games and recipes features characters from the Netflix show “Waffles + Mochi” and highlights the retailer’s store brands.
May 12
Big Lots raises money to benefit local veterans memorial museum
For the second year, the discount retailer offers consumers a chance to donate at checkout to serve the museum and veterans; military members and veterans also get an additional discount on its large patio assortment.
May 12
Mercatus taps grocery veteran for advisor role
John Lucot, formerly president and COO of Giant Eagle, will serve as a senior strategic advisor for the e-commerce grocery platform.
May 12
Ahold generates large online sales gains for Q1
The triple-digit online sales growth for the period piggybacks off triple-digit online sales growth in Q4 2020, and Ahold gained further increases from its acquisition of Fresh Direct in the fall.
May 11
First Quality steps up for organization that supplies diapers to families in need
The private brand diaper and hygiene products supplier is donating proceeds of purchases of its branded Cuties diapers to the organization and sponsoring an awareness campaign for volunteers.
May 11
Tradex meets certification goal for its sustainably sourced seafood
The global supplier of private brand frozen seafood products and the SINBAD line in America said it is 100% sourced from sustainable sources.
May 11
Target’s Good & Gather adds plant-based line
More than 30 plant-based items — including meatless dishes, dips and more — are being added to the retailer’s flagship food and beverage store brand.
May 10
Walmart Canada beef products showcase sustainable certification
The retailer is adding an on-pack claim to millions of its own brand Your Fresh Market beef products that show the items have been sourced sustainably and certified by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
May 10
Bed Bath & Beyond rolls out Simply Essential
More than 1,200 products across the bed, bath and kitchen categories, Simply Essential is the third owned brand to launch this year and brings a value line to the retailer.
May 10
DS Smith invests $140M toward developing recyclable packaging built for e-commerce
The corrugated packager also will build a testing facility in the UK and make all of its packaging recyclable in the next few years.
May 07
Q&A: Imperfect Foods Grows Private Brands
Martha Hale, Imperfect Foods chief merchandising officer, discusses with Store Brands the company’s business model and how store brands will help it be a full-service grocer.
May 07
Coresight Research covers private brand growth
Analysts see store brands outpacing name brands due to pandemic growth, organic products and other trends.
May 07
Lassonde’s private label sales were up in Q1 but showed slight decline overall
A leader in private brand juices in the United States, the company overall posted a slight decline in sales for the first three months of 2021.
May 06
TreeHouse remains strong despite pandemic-driven sales dips in Q1
The private brand food and beverage leader saw a strong start to the year in its private brand business, despite net sales decreases.
May 06
Foxtrot hires former Whole Foods exclusive brand leader to run private brands
Mitch Madoff joins the upscale corner store retailer after 20 years with Whole Foods. The retailer also appointed Tae Strain of Momofuku to craft private brand offerings.
May 06
Survey shows U.S. consumers want food brands to stand for something, inspire them
Branding agency Meyocks surveyed more than 1,500 American shoppers and 7 in 10 think food brands should advocate for something.
May 05
Kerry maps out taste trends from around the globe
The ingredients company has released its Taste Trends report, identifying seven broad trends and shares unique products and flavor learnings within each trend.
May 05
TricorBraun introduces compostable flexible package
The packaging, an upgrade of an earlier version, can be used for specialty food and snack items, pet treats, nutraceuticals and other non-coffee products.
May 05
AAK reunites with Jeffrey Fine, naming him head of customer innovation
Fine established the customer innovation and research and development unit when he first worked with the company from 2004 to 2016.
May 04
Fleet Farm debuts mobile app, loyalty program
The regional chain’s app makes nine store brands and thousands of products shoppable over mobile, includes the use of curbside pickup, and ties users into a brand-new loyalty program.
May 03
Albertsons spruces up Soleil for the summer
Store brand sparkling water gets four new flavors, new packaging from global visual artists and its very own Spotify playlists.
May 03
Raley’s converts 2 stores into Raley’s O-N-E concept
The healthy store format only stocks private label and branded items that are free of ingredients listed on the retailer’s “banned ingredient list.”
May 03
Walmart grows pet category, debuts premium private label pet food
The retailer has rolled out Pure Balance Pro+ dog and cat food that is vet-formulated and joins a move to grow its overall pet assortment to meet the increasing rate of pet households.
May 03
Lowe’s launches exclusive paint lines to celebrate 100 years in business
The Centennial Color Palette is being featured with a special product curation from fashion icon Iris Apfel, who also turns 100 years old, in the first of the company's House of Curators features online.
May 03
Amcor strengthens executive leadership team
Rigid packaging company makes two appointments, one for North American operations, and taps Rodrigo Lecot to be VP, GM of Latin America.