Wakefern’s newest private brands win Vertex Awards

Products from some of Wakefern Food’s latest private brand lines, Paperbird and Bowl & Basket, have earned accolades from the 2020 Vertex Awards. The company said the brands, which it launched in 2019 and which Store Brands profiled in its December 2019 issue, won gold, silver, bronze and Best in Show awards in the annual competition devoted to the art of private brand package design. 

Bowl & Basket was named a silver winner in the New Brand category, in which Paperbird was a bronze winner. Bowl & Basket’s Specialty Kettle Chips gold and the Best in Show award. Paperbird Premium Bath Tissues were named a bronze winner in the health care category. The company recently expanded the availability of the two brands to its Price Rite Marketplace banner. 

“We are truly thrilled that these new brands have received prestigious Vertex Awards,” said Chris Skyers, vice president of own brands at Keasbey, N.J.-based Wakefern. “Over the last few years, our team has devoted themselves to creating a unique look and feel for both our Bowl & Basket and Paperbird brands. We’re honored that the Vertex judges have recognized the distinct design of each brand and we feel confident that we’ve delivered on our promise to create high-quality, accessible, and stylish products.” 

This year, the Vertex Awards will be presented at the expanded Velocity Global Virtual Conference, slated for Aug. 4-5. The event will feature presentations and interviews with this year’s winners from around the world. 

ShopRite noted that in the past, it has won industry awards for its products, including in 2017, when its Wholesome Pantry Organic line was awarded two Salute to Excellence Awards by the Private Label Manufacturers Association. Store Brands also named Wakefern’s Whole Pantry Organic brand Best New Organic Food Product or Line as part of its 2017 Editors’ Picks.