PLMA’s Salute to Excellence Winners to be Featured in Idea Showcase

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), New York, said 50 “outstanding products” from 32 retail companies took honors in its 2013 Salute to Excellence awards competition. The winning products, selected by a panel of judges after two days of evaluation and, where applicable, tasting, will be featured in the Idea Showcase at this year’s PLMA Private Label Trade Show, which will be held Nov. 17–19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Among the food products earning the highest overall scores are Costco’s Kirkland Signature Sweet Mesquite Seasoning, BJ’s Wholesale Club’s Earth’s Pride Black Forest Blend Trail Mix and Giant Eagle’s Market District Tuscan Style Kale Salad Mix, PLMA said. Products scoring the most points in home and health include Safeway’s Bright Green Cool Breeze with Bleach Alternative Laundry Detergent, Topco’s TopCare Premium Blood Glucose Monitor and BJ’s Wholesale Club’s Living Home 13-Piece Cookware Set.

The balloting revealed some broad trends among store brands, according to PLMA. One trend is the further mainstreaming of multiculturalism, while another is the continued broadening of Latino/Hispanic influences beyond ethnic or specialty items to conventional categories.

PLMA said this year’s nominations exceeded 500 new products, the most ever for a single year. To qualify the products must have been introduced by the retailer within one year of submission. The judges scored food and beverage products according to their appearance, taste/texture/aroma, packaging/presentation and value for the money, while they judged the home and health products according to the product concept, packaging/presentation and value for the money. Private Label ⇨ Store Brands’ publisher, Steven Lichtenstein, served as one of the judges for the competition.

To view all of the winning products, visit www.plmawinners.com.