Walmart Top Honoree In Annual PLMA Salute To Excellence Competition
The largest retailer in the U.S. came out on top in the annual Private Label Manufacturers Association’s Salute To Excellence Awards, as Walmart garnered 18 awards, with its bettergoods line leading the way.
Nine awards went to the retailer’s bettergoods line of chef-inspired products: Ricotta and Lemon Ravioli; Cheesy Spinach Potatoes au Gratin; Salted Caramel Pistachio Ice Cream; Pineapple Upside Down Cake Greek Yogurt; Hibiscus Glaze with Grape Must; Spicy Pineapple Habanero BBQ Sauce; Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette Salad Dressing; Raspberry, Cardamom & Rose Fruit Spread; and Extra Creamy Oatmilk.
Additionally, Walmart’s Clear American, Equate, Great Value, Marketside, and Vibrant Life store brands were also honored.
More than 760 products from 52 North American retailers were submitted to PLMA for the 2024 version of its annual event that recognizes the best of the best across the world of private label. The full list is available on PLMA’s website.
Notably, The annual competition also highlighted several award-winning trends, including:
- Salted Caramel Bliss - Caramel provides a small indulgence that today’s consumers crave. Winning products include Basically Salted Caramel Cookie Bites from Gopuff; Favorite Day Salted Caramel Cold Foam, Target; and Know & Love Dairy-Free Caramel Sea Salt Gelato, Southeastern Grocers.
- Pickle Perfection - The tangy taste of pickles can be found far beyond the condiment aisle. Winners include Private Selection Dill Pickle Pretzels Twists, Kroger Co.; and Well Market Zesty Dill Pickle Flavor-Infused Sprouted Almonds, CVS Pharmacy.
- Citrus Craze - Lemon, lime, and other citrus fruits have created refreshing new flavor profiles. Winners include Amazon Kitchen Grilled Pork with Chipotle Lime Sauce, Amazon; and bettergoods Ricotta and Lemon Ravioli, Walmart.
- Green Clean - Household cleaning products made with biodegradable ingredients and/or without harsh chemicals are in demand. Winners include True Goodness Lavender & Pear All-Purpose Cleaner, Meijer; Rosey Garbage Disposal Cleaning Packs, Thrive Market.
- Rise and Shine! - New breakfast foods cater to shoppers who prioritize convenience, animal welfare, and savings. Winners include Giant Eagle Shake and Pour Pancake Mix; Whole Foods Market Pasture-Raised Non-GMO Large Brown Eggs; and Always Save Marshmallow Glitters cereal, Associated Wholesale Grocers.
PLMA’s annual Salute to Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding food and nonfood products introduced within the last year by supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, online retailers, wholesalers, and more. Submissions were sampled and evaluated by a panel of professional and consumer judges on several criteria, including taste, product concept, packaging, and value for money.
