Store Brands Rising Stars: Julia Bello at Whole Foods Market
The rising stars across private label are shining brighter, reflective of an industry in the midst of robust growth and needing younger talent to develop new methods of doing business at a time when growth opportunities are robust.
The Fifth Annual Store Brands Rising Stars honors this crop of new talent that is driving sales from the retail and supplier sides of the business. Private label product sales over the past year continued to grow and the efforts of retailers through the first half of 2024 show an ongoing appetite for products that are unique and also offer shoppers a strong value.
RELATED: Meet the Store Brands Rising Stars Class of 2024
This year’s list of Rising Stars provides insight into how a new crop of talented individuals under the age of 40 are pushing the industry forward and continuing to innovate.
Julia Bello
Whole Foods Market
Julia Bello has been a pivotal figure at Whole Foods Market in her private brands strategy and execution. Her work as a sourcing leader in the baking category led to numerous first-to-market innovations and elevated the overall category. Now, as a senior team leader, she continues to coach and develop her team, fostering a culture of excellence within the dairy category.
She attributes much of her career success to the leaders and mentors who have guided her journey. These individuals have not only challenged and inspired her but also believed in her potential.
“Never underestimate the power of a great leader and the impact they can have on your career,” she said. “I love to learn and this has helped to push me outside of my comfort zone to seize opportunities that allow for learning new skills and working on different parts of the business.”
She said the most enjoyable aspect of her job is working with her team, which serves as a source of inspiration and helps make each day fulfilling. “I’m honored to work with some of the smartest, most creative, and passionate people in the industry,” Bello added.
One of Julia's notable achievements includes leading the merchant strategy and business award for Whole Foods' first-ever grass-fed fluid milk and milk products private label program. This initiative set a new standard for private brands within the dairy sector and demonstrated her ability to gain alignment across the merchandising organization.
She partnered with the Quality Standards team to audit and validate claims on packaging and ensure adherence to animal welfare standards. These products are set to launch later in 2024, marking a significant milestone for Whole Foods and the private brands industry.
As for her Store Brands Rising Star honoree, Bello said, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among so many talented people in our industry and to represent all the incredible work our team is doing to support our mission to “nourish people and the planet.”
