Healthy Living, Specific Flavors Highlight PLMA 2023 Show Trends

With the 2023 PLMA Private Label Trade Show in the rearview mirror, show officials have identified five trends that were prominent across the annual event in Chicago.

Some of the notable trends had a commonality and were focused on consumers living a healthier lifestyle on the inside and out. Other growing trends were tied to flavor profiles that are increasingly gaining popularity with shoppers. 

The trends identified by PLMA included:

• Plant-Based Power - To elevate the plant-based dining experience, manufacturers are offering new options in ethnic meals as well as convenient handheld snacks: beefless Korean bulgogi, porkless carnitas, plant-based butter “chik’n” and alternative chicken fries, fish sticks, and mozzarella bites. 
• Spicy Snacks - The global shift to spicy food options has found its way into the snack aisle, which is heating up with new flavor combinations featuring jalapeno, chili, habanero and other spicy peppers: jalapeno cheddar trail mix; habanero pork rinds; spicy jalapeno sweet potato chips; habanero nacho sweet potato chips; and pineapple habanero honey roast sesame sticks. 
• Specialized Skincare - Responding to growing concerns about appearance among the aging population, suppliers have expanded product lines of skincare products marketed for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties, specialized formulas and ingredients: serums with wrinkle-improving functions; hydrating facial cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid; and glycolic acid cleansers. 
• Tropical Tastes - The popularity of plant-based diets coupled with increasing awareness about health benefits of coconut are driving growth of coconut-based baking food, snacks and beverages: coconut water, coconut chips, coconut sugar, coconut pet treats, coconut flour and ube-filled coconut rolls. 
• Green Parenting - Parents are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the baby products they buy. They are on the lookout for products made with biodegradable, compostable and reusable materials: bamboo diapers and baby wipes; and biodegradable wipes. 

Overall, PLMA officials said the show had a record 1,685 exhibitors across a broad range of categories such as food, beverages, health and beauty, baby care, household goods, kitchenware, general merchandise, wine and spirits, pet care, and refrigerated and frozen foods. The 2023 event was 20% larger than last year, resulting in an additional 435 exhibit booths. Non-food exhibitors alone have increased by 45%.   

“PLMA’s 2023 ‘The Store Brands Phenomenon’ Private Label Trade Show provided unparalleled access to a wide assortment of products across all categories,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “Within our non-food South Hall, a section was dedicated to Beauty & Cosmetics (including color, fragrances, skincare, and men’s grooming), as well as Kitchenware and Housewares.”