Issuu

MARCH 2026

Global Retailers are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands

2026 Supplier Guide PLMA Amsterdam Interview Store Brands Sales Surge Worldwide Consumers Are Reinventing Physical Stores

www.globalretailmag.com

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Global Tissue

VIEWPOINT

Power Brands Private label has moved far beyond its origins as a low-cost alternative. Today, it stands as one of the most powerful strategic tools available to grocery retailers. In an environment defined by margin pressure, supply chain volatility, and increasingly value-conscious shoppers, private label offers retailers something rare: control. Control over pricing, differentiation, quality, and ultimately, customer loyalty. The opportunity is clear. Private label allows retailers to define their own value proposition in ways national brands simply cannot. When executed well, store brands become more than substitutes—they become destinations. We see this clearly with retailers that have invested in strong product development, distinctive packaging, and authentic sourcing stories. Consumers no longer view private label as a compromise; they see it as a smart choice. The shift in consumer perception is particularly important at a time when shoppers are increasingly focused on value without sacrificing quality. Premium private label ranges, organic lines, and globally inspired products allow retailers to capture demand across multiple price tiers while maintaining stronger margins than traditional branded assortments. In many markets, private label is now the fastest-growing segment of grocery retail. However, the rise of private label also introduces strategic risks. As retailers expand their own brands, they must balance innovation with trust. A single quality failure can damage not only a product line but the retailer’s reputation as a whole. Unlike national brands, private label carries the retailer’s name on every package. The stakes are higher. There is also the challenge of supplier partnerships. Private label growth requires deep collaboration with manufacturers who can deliver consistent quality, scale, and innovation. Retailers must ensure these relationships remain mutually beneficial. If suppliers feel squeezed solely on cost, the long-term sustainability of the program can suffer. The future of private label in grocery retail is incredibly promising. When guided by clear strategy, strong partnerships, and an uncompromising commitment to quality, private label becomes more than a margin driver. It becomes a brand in its own right— one that strengthens the retailer’s identity and deepens the connection with the customer. This issue is devoted to the suppliers that power our industry. Thank you. Phillip Russo Founder / Editor phillip@globalretailmag.com

www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-russo-b5a85a1

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Keynote Speaker

15-17 APRIL I BENTONVILLE

Scott Morris Walmart Inc.

Senior Vice President-Food, Consumables, and Manufacturing

For more information visit plma.com. Presented by the Private Label Manufacturers Association

CONTENTS GLOBAL RE TAIL BR A N D S I MA RCH 2026 I VO LU M E 14 I NU M B E R 1

52 24 46

DEPARTMENTS

NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS

COLUMNS

TRADE FAIRS

4 Viewpoint

18 U S Store Brands Continue Growth

60 Winning with Winn-Dixie

76 Marca By Bolognafiere & ADM 2026

63 Powering the Future of Clean

78 Cosmoprof/Cosmopack Worldwide Bologna

64 C onsumers Reinvent the Physical Store

80 Tuttofood 2026

12 Contributors 14 Events Calendar

20 P rivate Label Strengthens in Europe 22 P LMA International Council Interview 24 P LMA’s World of Private Label COVER FEATURES 46 2026 Supplier Profiles 52 T he Next Generation of Power Brands

66 O live Oil in 2026 68 F ive Design Strategies to Boost Private Label 70 Delay is Still a Decision 72 T he Vertex Awards Go LIVE 74 C hinese Private Label Poised for Growth

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

SERVICES 82 A dvertiser’s Index Next Issue Highlights

Find out more on PLMA.nl Presented by the Private Label Manufacturers Association International Council

MARCH 2026 I VOLUME 14 I NUMBER 1 OF 4

Phillip Russo

EDITOR / PUBLISHER phillip@globalretailmag.com

Jacco van Laar

BRAND AMBASSADOR jacco@globalretailmag.com

Melissa Subatch

CREATIVE DIRECTOR info@melissasubatchdesign.com

Andrew Quinn

DIGITAL DIRECTOR andrew.quinniii@gmail.com

Luisa Colombo

EUROPEAN DIRECTOR luisa@globalretailmag.com

Ana Maria Jimenez Aguilar

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ana@globalretailmag.com

Sabine Geissler

GREENTASTE.IT Italian Business Development s.geissler@greentaste.it CONTRIBUTORS

Perry Seelert

Emerge perry@emergefromthepack.com

Christopher Durham

Velocity Institure cdurham@retailbrandsinstitute.org

Maria Dubuc

Where Suppliers &

Retailers Meet

Marketing By Design mdubuc@mbdesign.com

Hans Kraak

Kraak Media kraakmedia@gmail.com

Giovanni Quaratesi

Certified Origins giovanni@certifiedorigins.com

Tom Prendergast

PLMA tprendergast@plma.com

Koen A. M. De Jong

Kent Media

Phillip Russo, Principal 225 1st Ave N. / Unit 3501 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel. +1 917 743 6711 All rights reserved under the Library of Congress. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing by the copyright owner. Opinions expressed by contributors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Global Retail Brands is published 4 times a year. Editorial Submissions phillip@globalretailmag.com

www.globalretailmag.com

Advertising Inquiries – EUROPE luisa@globalretailmag.com Advertising Inquiries – AFRICA, AMERICAS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, MIDDLE EAST phillip@globalretailmag.com • ana@globalretailmag.com Subscription Information phillip@globalretailmag.com

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

www.globalretailmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

LUISA COLOMBO

Luisa is an International Sales specialist with over 30 years of experience in the development organization and sales of products and services in an international environment. She has acquired extensive skills in promotion and advertising for the private label sector. Expert in the development of innovative sectors and products. For Global Retail Brands she shares the working group with Ms. Ana Maria Jimenez.

HANS KRAAK

Hans Kraak is educated in biology and journalism and wrote three books about nutrition and health. He worked for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. As editor in chief he publishes in the Dutch Magazine for Nutrition and Dietetics, as a food and wine writer he published in Meininger’s Wine Business International and reports for PLMA Live EU and PLMA USA.

JILL DEARING

Jill Dearing, founder & CEO of Dearing & Company, leverages her extensive experience in the grocery, food, and private brand industries to drive innovative solutions and strategic transformations. She can be reached via email at jdearing@dearingco.com or visit www.dearingco.com.

MARIA DUBUC

President of MBD, is a creative and workflow expert in the retail landscape, Maria’s 30-year career translates branding experiences into eye-catching design that is unique and distinct for each client. She has created new private brands and redesigned/repositioned existing brands with leading retailers, while also implementing workflow management systems specifically tailored to the clients’ needs. Current clients include The Home Depot, Smart & Final, PetSmart, 7-Eleven, PriceSmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Sprouts Farmers Market, WinCo Foods, Natural Grocers and more.

CHRISTOPHER DURHAM

President of the Velocity Institute. Prior to this he founded the groundbreaking site My Private Brand. He is the co-founder of The Vertex Awards. He began his retail career building brands at Food Lion and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Durham has worked with retailers around the world, including Albertsons, Family Dollar, Petco, Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, Metro Canada. Durham has published seven definitive books on private brands, including Fifty2: The My Private Brand Project and Vanguard: Vintage Originals.

REBECCA HAMILTON

Rebecca is the CEO of award-winning Fish Agency and sister agency Whitespace Brands Inc. With over 30 years of experience, she has established herself as one of North America’s leaders in the fields of strategic branding, retail design, and communications for clients in the retail sector. Under Rebecca’s oversight, the Fish Agency brings brands to life at retail and has consistently delivered high ROI-generating retail experiences for its clients. She mentors and leads highly experienced and integrated teams that provide store design, package design for CPG and private brands, digital/social initiatives, “phygital” experiences, and advertising services.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

KATIE LOCKE

If you’ve ever met Katie, you’ve seen or heard her excitement for building or rebuilding brands. Her passions also include just about every facet of food and eating experiences. For the past 13 years, Katie has worked in Sales & Marketing for Marketing by Design (MBD), a branding and packaging design agency specializing in high volume retailer programs.

GIOVANNI QUARATESI

Giovanni is Head of Corporate Global Affairs at Certified Origins, where he leads globalcommunication strategies, stakeholder relations, and public outreach. With a deep commitment to food culture, innovation, and sustainability, he is a vocal ambassador for transparency and authenticity in the global food system. Whether representing Certified Origins at international forums or collaborating with public and private sectors, Giovanni champions initiatives that connect people to real food and support healthier choices.

TAE SUNG PARK

Tae has over 25 years of experience in technology and retail industries across North America and Asia, with the last 8 years focused on driving market data-based innovation into laundry care and home care industry in North America as the representative of Whitecat in North America. He is passionate about technology-driven innovations that can have a positive and meaningful impact on the daily lives of consumers and their interaction with the world around them – “All the quiet smiles that surround us daily feels warmer than the Sun.”

PERRY SEELERT

A retail branding and marketing expert, with a passion for challenging conventional strategy and truths. Perry is the Strategic Partner and Co-founder of Emerge, a strategic marketing consultancy dedicated to helping Retailers, Manufacturers and Services grow exponentially and differentiate with purpose.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

MARCH 2026

M AY

COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNA Bologna, Italy 26 – 29 MARCH

VERTEX LIVE IN AMSTERDAM Amsterdam, Netherlands 18 MAY 2026 www.vertexawards.org

www.cosmoprof.com/en/

APRIL

PLMA’S WORLD OF PRIVATE LABEL Amsterdam, Netherlands 19 -20 MAY www.plmainternational.com

PLMA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Bentonville, AK 15 – 17 APRIL www.plma.com

JUNE MARCA POLAND 21 – 22 APRIL Poznań Congress Center, Poland

IDDBA Orlando, FL 7-9 JUNE

M AY

FOOD TAIPEI Taipei, Taiwan 24 -27 JUNE

marcapoland.com

VERTEX LIVE ON BROADWAY 7 MAY 2026 New York, NY www.vertexawards.org TUTTOFOOD MILANO 11 – 14 MAY Milano, Italy

www.tuttofood.it/en

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

www.iddba.org

foodtaipei.com

SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW New York, NY 28 - 30 JUNE www.specialtyfood.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

J U LY

NOVEMBER

COSMOPROF NORTH AMERICA Las Vegas, NV 13 - 15 JULY

COSMOPROF ASIA Hong Kong 10 – 13 NOVEMBER

www.cosmoprofnorthamerica.com

SEPTEMBER MARCA CHINA Guangzhou, China 8 - 9 SEPTEMBER

www.marcachinafair.com

www.cosmoprof-asia.com

PLMA CHICAGO Rosemont, IL 15 – 17 NOVEMBER www.plma.com

DECEMBER COSMOPROF INDIA Mumbai, India 10 - 12 DECEMBER

OCTOBER

www.cosmoprofindia.com

SIAL Paris, France 17 – 21 OCTOBER www.sialparis.com

PLMA SUMMIT Copenhagen, Denmark 28 – 29 OCTOBER

www.plmainternational.com

JANUARY 2027 MARCABYBOLOGNAFIERE Bologna, Italy 13 – 14 JANUARY www.marcabybolognafiere.com

FUTURE PRIVATE LABEL EXPO Kielce, Poland 28 – 29 OCTOBER www.targikielce.pl/en/future-private-labels

WINTER FANCY FAIRE San Francisco, CA JANUARY 17-19, 2027 www.specialtyfood.com

www.globalretailmag.com

N O TA B L E

Store Brand Unit Sales in U.S. Continue to Trend Up in 2026 Store brand unit sales in the U.S., on the heels of a strong finish in Q4 of 2025, carried that momentum into the new year with a solid 2.3% gain for the period ending January 25, according to PLMA’s research partner, Circana. Store brand dollar sales for the month were also positive, up by 2.3%. True to its form of the past several years, store brands in 2025 continued to serve as a bright beacon in the overall U.S. retailing landscape -- satisfying consumer needs with high quality, value-driven product solutions; achieving, and in many cases exceeding, retailer goals for enhanced marketplace differentiation and performance; and, along the way, establishing new records for annual revenue as well as dollar and unit sales and shares.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

According to PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Report, “A Bright Beacon In U.S. Retail Landscape,” store brand dollar sales in the year increased nearly three times the rate of national brands as the products surged ahead by 3.3% compared to a gain of only 1.2% for their national brand counterparts. Looking at unit sales, the head-to-head difference was comparable. Store brands advanced by 0.6% while national brands declined by -0.6%.

million to 68.7 billion, also setting a new record. National brands lost 1.43 billion units. Retailers are launching lines to defend and expand their private label reach, according to Circana. Key new initiatives include Kroger’s Smart Way and Mercado, Walmart’s bettergoods, Target’s Deal Worthy and Figmint, Amazon’s Saver and CVS’ Well Market.

“Retailers are doubling down on private labels as a strategic asset In all outlets, total store brand for differentiation, brand building revenue for 2025 surpassed a and creating emotional bonds with quarter trillion dollars for the shoppers. Through innovation, second year in a row, coming in at $282.8 billion, an increase of slightly pricing and promotion excellence more than $9 billion over 2024 and at their grassroots,” says Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s Global EVP & establishing an all-time high in Chief Advisor, Consumer Goods & annual volume. Store brand unit Foodservice Insights. volume was up by 434.3

"Private brands’ growth reflects a fundamental shift in consumer priorities. Retailer-owned brands are increasingly competing —and winning—on value, quality, efficacy, and sustainability,"

"From the perspective of sales and shares, 2025 was U.S. store brands' most successful year ever," declared PLMA's President, Peggy Davies. "It was a year of achievement across the board, including the growing recognition of the strategic importance of store brands by the trade and consumer media, the investor and consultant community and, most importantly, by the C-suite at America's retailers. Not coincidentally, it was a banner year for PLMA, as well, highlighted by the bestattended Chicago Trade Show ever and the well-received inauguration of Store Brands Month.” Some experts predict the gap between the market share penetration of private label grocery products in the U.S. vs Europe will narrow. They may be on to something. Over the past two years, when measured alongside Europe's top 17 private label markets, American store brands ranked 6th in dollar share increase, +0.8 points, and 9th in unit share gain, +0.9 points. “Private brands’ growth reflects a fundamental shift in consumer priorities. Retailer-owned brands are increasingly competing —and winning—on value, quality, efficacy, and sustainability,” continued Davies.

In fact, according to Alvarez & Marsal Global, “store brands' boom is financially driven by highearning, over $100,000 households, 82% of whom are increasing their private label purchases, outpacing lower-income groups…private label growth is a permanent market shift, not merely a temporary response to inflation." "Consumer trust and trial show continued acceptance and willingness to explore new private brand products, even in traditionally brand-dominated spaces. All generations are more open to trying new private label products, though younger consumers are most adventurous," claimed Circana in its 2025 report, From Growth to Transformation: The U.S. CPG Private Label Story. “Private labels of the future will see broad investment not just from major retailers, but also from regional and mid-sized players. Economic uncertainty will continue to elevate private brands. Quality and innovation will continue to be the focus, while emerging trends in sustainability and localization gain emphasis.”

Once consumers switch to private label, brands face an uphill battle to win them back. By offering highquality products at lower price points, chains reset what shoppers expect for the money. Private labels are sticky, and the longer consumers stay switched, the harder it becomes for brands to reclaim lost ground. “The ‘value luxury’ trend is the strategic pivot by grocers to elevate store brand quality and design, making them aspirational purchases preferred by high-income consumers seeking efficacy and value. They’re also setting aggressive goals, such as Albertsons aiming for 30% private label share. Aldi’s decision to unify branding under its name emphasizes confidence in its private label quality to carry the store’s reputation. These moves confirm a long-term industry shift where private label is a central pillar of operations,” said research firm Insight Trends World. PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Report is available online at plma.com. Retailers and PLMA members enjoy 24-7 access to real time store brand and national brand sales data through PLMA’s partnership with Circana’s Unify+. www.plma.com

www.globalretailmag.com

N O TA B L E

NielsenIQ’s research shows that Europe’s private label is now worth more than €387 billion and has really become a powerhouse in retail”

Private Label Share Consolidates its Strong Position in Europe Private label share across 17 countries in Europe is growing, according to the data of NielsenIQ. The share grew to 38.8% based on MAT W52 2025 (+0.33% pnt versus MAT W52 2024). NielsenIQ surveyed 17 markets for PLMA’s Private Label Market Report and noticed an increase for retail brands in 12. European markets remain some of the biggest Private Label markets globally. Twelve markets now report private label shares above 30%, while eight markets exceed 40%. The country with the highest share across the 17 countries tracked is Switzerland, with 52.3% making it is the only country with a value share above 50%, representing more than €14 billion. Country-Level Performance The strongest growth in private label share was recorded in: • Spain: +1.1% • Austria: +0.9% • Portugal: +0.7% • The Netherlands: +0.5% Europe’s largest markets, Germany, United Kingdom and France, have a collective Private Label share of 40.4%, this share grew +0.3% vs last year. The highest share growth for the largest markets is visible in Confectionery & Snacks (+0.6%) and Perishable Food (+0.4%).

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Spain and Portugal gained Private Label share by +1.0%. The highest share growth is visible in Confectionary & Snacks which grew +1.8% and in non-food the categories Home Care and Health & Beauty grew resp. 1.7% and 0.7%. A decline in share was seen in Pet Food (-1.1%).

The Scandinavian countries increased in private label share (+0.1%). The highest growing categories are Health & Beauty (+0.4%) and Confectionery & Snacks (+0.3%). However, decline was seen in 7/11 categories with Pet Food (-1.3%) taking the lead.

In Belgium and The Netherlands, the collective private label share increased by +0.2%. The highestgrowing category was Health Care, up +1.0%, driven mainly by the weight and muscle gain segment, reflecting consumers’ growing interest in sports nutrition. Categories that continue to decline are Pet Food (-2.1%), Home Care (-1.1%) and Frozen Food (-0.4%).

According to NielsenIQ’s data, Confectionery & Snacks, Perishable Food, and Ambient Food are the top 3 growth categories of Private Label value share with an average of 48.3% representing, in total 258 billion Euros across the 17 European countries tracked. Overall, private label sales grew by 15.3 billion.

In Eastern Europe, the private label share is growing (+0.4%), the highest growth in private label share is visible in Ambient Food (+1.4%), Perishable Food (+0.8 %), and Frozen Food (+0.7%).

“NielsenIQ’s research shows that Europe’s private label is now worth more than €387 billion and has really become a powerhouse in retail,” commented Peggy Davies, President of PLMA. www.plma.com

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PLMA’s International Council Shares Insight Into The World of Private Label For over four decades, PLMA has supported the global private label industry through insight, collaboration, and trusted connections. The heart of this mission is PLMA’s International World of Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam, where manufacturers and retailers come together to exchange ideas, share innovation, and strengthen relationships. Ahead of the 2026 edition, we speak with Peggy Davies, President of PLMA and Jan van Lier, Managing Director Trade Shows of PLMA International Council, about what makes the Amsterdam show special.

Understanding PLMA and the Amsterdam Trade Show For those new to PLMA, what exactly does the association do? Peggy: For those new to PLMA, we support the private label industry in multiple ways. Beyond our 40+ years of experience and our two flagship events in Chicago and Amsterdam, we help companies stay ahead of market trends, connect with global partners, and discover new business opportunities. Our goal is to strengthen the private label community and drive growth by bringing the industry together on a global scale.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

PEGGY DAVIES

JAN VAN LIER

Jan: Over these years we have also witnessed the evolution in the industry first-hand, the journey from being seen as cheap alternatives to branded products to becoming a brand in its own right, recognised by consumers and becoming the first choice in their baskets. Peggy: Exactly. On top, we are actively in contact with the stakeholders in the industry to stay connected and constantly aware of the relevant needs of the industry.

The Amsterdam trade show is your flagship event. What makes it special? Jan: What truly sets Amsterdam apart is our deep understanding of private label, not just as products on shelves, but as brands that shape people’s daily lives. The show brings this to life, giving the industry an engaging platform to fully immerse themselves in the world of private label innovation Peggy: Attendees step into a space built on trust and expertise, where business relationships are formed and sustained, ideas are exchanged, information is shared, and innovation is showcased, driving the industry forward. The energy and buzz of doing business there are nearly tangible, making it an inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Trends and Innovation at PLMA Amsterdam 2026 What product trends will visitors see at PLMA Amsterdam 2026? Peggy: Building on that, transparency really matters now. Consumers want to understand what they are buying, and that’s driving product development in more conscientious ways.

Why is the mix of returning and new exhibitors so important? Jan: Returning exhibitors provide proven experienced continuity and demonstrate long-term commitment to the industry. They bring established partnerships and reliability that buyers value and trust.

Peggy: Equally important are the new exhibitors, who can bring fresh perspectives and new business opportunities. Together, more than 3200 returning and new exhibitors create the most dynamic and energetic environment possible, at the private label gathering of the year in Amsterdam.

What can visitors experience beyond the exhibition floor? Jan: On Monday 18 May, we offer a comprehensive programme of seminars and workshops covering market trends, consumer behaviour, and industry best practices. Then, as a fixed element and one of the popular attractions, PLMA’s Idea Supermarket that highlights innovation, new product developments, and trends. While the New Product Expo showcases the latest innovations in product development from our exhibitors to meet retailers need, our Retail Trends section give a global perspective on the products and consumer needs found on shelves around the world. Peggy: We also highlight the very best in private label through our Salute to Excellence Awards, where outstanding achievements in retailers’ private label products are honoured and celebrated. I urge you to visit the area for the total view and state of the industry in product development.

Sustainability and Consumer Perception How does sustainability come into play at the trade show, and how are private label products adapting to climate challenges? Peggy: Sustainability has evolved from an optional consideration to a required business necessity. Throughout the show, you’ll see products developed with responsible sourcing, improved production methods, and transparent supply chains.

Looking ahead, how do you see the future of private label?

Jan: Fair trade principles are also playing an important role, influencing all stages of product development, from sourcing and ingredients to packaging. Peggy: The innovations are impressive. Private label demonstrates real agility in responding to these global challenges. Has consumer perception of private label changed, e.g. quality versus price? Jan: Research, including research we have recently conducted, shows that private label is no longer seen merely as a budget alternative to brands. Today, it offers equal, or even better, quality at a more attractive price. While value has always been important to private label, repeat purchases only happen when the quality meets consumers’ expectations. Peggy: Exactly. Today’s consumers understand that competitive pricing doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about offering intelligent value and enabling consumers to make smart choices.

The Future of Private Label and Collaboration Why is collaboration so critical for the future? Jan: The challenges facing our industry such as climate change, evolving consumer expectations and supply chain complexity, require collective action. No single organisation can address them effectively in isolation.

Peggy: I see the future of private label as very bright. It has become increasingly important not just as a competitive offering, but as a reflection of values and identity. When retailers develop their own brands, they are communicating their positioning and building consumer trust. Jan: I agree completely. Private label plays a central role in brand identity for both retailers and consumers. And PLMA operates at the core of this ecosystem, supporting manufacturers, retailers, and partners as they navigate industry changes. Peggy: While maintaining their commitment to quality, trust, and responsibility, these fundamentals remain constant even as everything else evolves.

Why Amsterdam as the location for this event? Jan: Amsterdam is the perfect setting for PLMA. It’s a city built on trade and innovation, with a long history of bringing people together from around the world, very well connected by all means of transport. Plus, it’s a wonderful city to visit. After the trade show, you might enjoy a walk along the canals, visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, or explore the Jordaan neighbourhood. Peggy: Join us in Amsterdam and see the private label sector at work. It is always inspiring to witness the energy and collaboration as the community comes together.

Peggy: That’s why strong partnerships and open dialogue across the value chain are essential. PLMA provides the platform where this can happen. Jan: Indeed, where manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners can collaborate, share expertise, and drive significant progress together.

www.plmainternational.com

N O TA B L E

PLMA’s Executive Education Program Inspiration and Insight for the Next Generation of Private Label Leaders. On 4 and 5 March, PLMA hosted its Executive Education Program online, offering executives from around the world the opportunity to participate in one of the industry’s most prestigious private-label education programs. More than 100 executives returned to the classroom to deepen their understanding of the sector and, at the same time, assess whether their strategies and practices were on the right track.

The program began with a 30-minute lecture exploring global retail trends impacting private-label sales. Ray Gaul from Retail Cities examined how the ‘middle’ of retail is changing and being torn apart as traditional onestop store by over-trade in specialized stores formats. His message: “Get your house in order, put consumers first, connect innovation to what sets you apart, and simplify as you go”.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Jens Sievert from Daymon highlighted how product packaging has evolved from a purely functional necessity into a powerful driver of brand value and growth. His session focused on unlocking the full potential of packaging by setting the right ambition, trusting expert knowledge, and creating the conditions needed for great work. He showed that good packaging matters as the first consumer touchpoint and that strong design delivers measurable ROI.

Marijn Overvest, Founder of Procurement Tactics, led a session on the evolving procurement landscape, highlighting trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. He insisted that strong supplierretailer relationships and smart, strategic procurement are key to long-term retail success.

IGD covered sustainability in retail, putting the five key trends into practice by highlighting the roles of technology and collaboration, as well as impactful initiatives. Rachel Sibson, Senior Insight Analyst, gave practical examples for every stage of the sustainability journey. “Start smart, act early, and build momentum, then scale impact by embedding sustainability into every part of your business,” Rachel lectured.

Retail expert Edgar Elzerman explored the private label wave and how to navigate it, questioning whether the perfect wave for private label is yet to come or if we are already riding it, and whether more waves will follow. He examined how to move beyond the current high level of success and whether we might be limiting ourselves with a self-imposed glass ceiling. A clear strategy and strong market positioning are key to success, and understanding the importance of rightsizing private label programs made this an engaging discussion.

N O TA B L E

Supply Chain Impacted by Mid-East Conflict Excerpts from a Sue Doerfler column for Institute for Supply Chain Management…The attack on Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces on Saturday and subsequent retaliatory actions have added to continuing disruptions and uncertainty felt by supply chains all over the world — further impacting lead times, supply availability, shipping routes and likely company revenues.

A duo presentation by the founders of Food by Design highlighted that innovation in private label, both food and non-food, thrives on agile design thinking that balances divergent and convergent approaches. They focused on the trend of “Naturalness in food, body, and household care” and how AI tools can accelerate and enrich the process. Marielle Bordewijk and Marleen Zaalberg stated: “to turn insights and creativity into real consumerready solutions, design thinking is key.”

“Crises in areas such as transportation, energy, supplier sources, security, and supply and demand are growing exponentially,” says Jim Fleming, CPSM, CPSD, Manager, Product Development and Innovation at Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®). During a disruption, according to research from advisory services firm Gartner, nearly two-thirds of companies expect to lose revenue, as supply chains experience a 40-percent surge in costto-serve post-disruption on average.

The program concluded on a high note with a deeper understanding of what truly matters to shoppers, how evolving consumer habits create opportunities, and how category management and manufacturer actions can guide choices and drive private label success. In an interview-style session, Arjan Both, a retail titan, shared real-world lessons on private label strategy and growth from his leadership experience in the US (VP at Walmart) and Europe (o.a. Ahold) www.plmainternational.com

To weather the situation, risk management continues to be mission-critical for supply management organizations, Fleming says. Greater visibility into end-to-end supply chains, sourcing closer to home, and scenario and resilience planning are crucial.

Oil and Natural Gas Of immediate concern for many is what the attack means on energy and fuel costs. Iran has effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz — the only way in and out of the Persian Gulf — which will impact oil, natural gas and gasoline prices. U.S. crude oil prices have jumped more than 7 percent while the international oil benchmark (Brent) has gone up 9 percent. “This will drive prices up more than they already have been,” says Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. www.ismworld.org

www.globalretailmag.com

N O TA B L E

PLMA 2026: Gearing Up for the Global Private Label Powerhouse in Amsterdam Idea Supermarket Moves to the RAI Auditorium New Home, New Look PLMA’s powerhouse of private label is set to open its doors in Amsterdam as the world’s leading private label event. On 19–20 May 2026, over 3,200 new and returning exhibitors from across the globe will come together to showcase innovation and product excellence, drawing retailers, manufacturers, packaging specialists and consultants from around the world. Attendees will witness firsthand how PLMA members collaborate to deliver quality, launch new products, forge strong partnerships, and bring private label to life on the shelf. The spotlight for 2026 is the Idea Supermarket, PLMA’s Innovation, New Product Development & Trends area, in a dedicated new space at the RAI Auditorium. Redesigned with a modern look, improved visitor flow, and multiple access points, it makes discovering new opportunities faster, easier, and more inspiring for buyers. The Idea Supermarket reflects the current state of the industry in innovation and new product development worldwide.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Keynote speaker EROSKI, one of Spain’s largest retailers, kicks off the seminar programme on Monday, 18 May by sharing insights on private label, the role of innovation in their stores, consumer engagement, strategic partnerships, and their sustainable journey. Earlier in the day, practical workshops on packaging and retailer-manufacturer relationships will complement the sessions, setting the tone for two days of business, learning, and collaboration. “PLMA is where the industry comes together,” said Peggy Davies, President of PLMA. “With growing demand and an impressive lineup of innovative, forward-thinking exhibitors, it promises another exceptional showcase of private label excellence with its international reach and industry expertise, PLMA 2026 continues to set the stage for private label innovation in Europe and beyond.

www.plmainternational.com

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‘Store Brands Month’ Gained Momentum in Year Two Industry Participation, Digital Engagement Increased The second annual Store Brands Month consumer campaign delivered measurable impact in January 2026, reinforcing the growing consumer awareness and strategic importance of private label and the industry’s ability to unite around a shared platform. The month-long initiative brought together retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers and social media influencers to promote the quality, value, and innovation of store brands through a coordinated, multichannel strategy spanning digital, in-store, and social engagement. The nationwide campaign expanded in both participation and reach. Compared to the inaugural celebration in 2025, manufacturer and supplier involvement more than doubled along with growing retailer and wholesaler partnerships. Retailers across formats supported the initiative through promotions, content, and consumer outreach.

A Hallmark of the Campaign Was its Expanded Digital Footprint. PLMA, as the overarching trade association for the industry, launched a revised website, introduced an Instagram presence, and amplified messaging through webcasts, and PR outreach to trade and national consumer media. The integrated approach reinforced awareness among consumers while strengthening business partnerships.

Social media proved especially powerful in reaching consumers. The Store Brands Month Instagram campaign generated hundreds of thousands of views during January, with 98% driven by influencer collaborations. The new Instagram account -@storebrandsmonth -- also experienced rapid audience growth, with influencer partnerships central to the campaign’s success. Top creators, such as @philsmypharmacist, @onesweetmama, and @ thesisterstyledlife, delivered strong engagement and visibility as individual, authentic content pieces generated tens of thousands of views and helped translate the store brand message into every day, relatable consumer moments.

PLMA’s retail engagement also reached new levels. Strategic outreach from PLMA included updated online toolkits, expanded one on one retailer communication, and Chicago Trade Show promotions and giveaways. PLMA also initiated Instagram collaborations and, in turn, strengthening industry co-marketing relationships. From giveaways and loyalty promotions to industry led social content on LinkedIn and Instagram’s influencer storytelling, the campaign showcased store brands across categories and relatable everyday situations, reinforcing their role in today’s value-driven retail environment.

"As store brands continue to gain share and shopper loyalty, the second annual Store Brands Month campaign underscored the effectiveness of The influencer initiative demonstrated coordinated industry alignment," said Peggy Davies, PLMA President. "With clear value to retail partners. In record participation, strong digital one example, a major DIY chain engagement and expanded retailer requested permission to incorporate involvement, the initiative is slowly an influencer’s Brands Month video becoming a cornerstone of the private reel about organizing into its own marketing materials, clearly indicating label calendar - designed to inspire discovery, drive trial, and strengthen how the campaign is resonating beyond the private label industry and consumer confidence in store brands nationwide." into broader retail storytelling.

www.globalretailmag.com

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International Participation Grows at PLMA’s Chicago Show Building on the momentum of the record-breaking 2025 show, the Private Label Manufacturers Association has officially announced the dates for its 2026 Store Brands Marketplace Private Label Trade Show. Set to take place 15–17 November at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, the awardwinning event features tens of thousands of food and nonfood products and suppliers all under one roof as the only show of its kind in North America.

“We are currently processing renewing international exhibitors and working closely with government agencies representing new countries,” says Enriketa Beluli, PLMA’s Senior Manager, Global Pavilions. “Based on what we’re seeing, I’d say the Show is on track to set another record. Several pavilions are requesting additional space, and many new country pavilions are seeking to exhibit. It will definitely sell out sooner than expected. The PLMA Chicago Trade Show will continue to expand.”

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The numbers back up Beluli’s optimism. Since 2023, exhibit space has grown significantly, and international companies now comprise nearly half of the total show floor. There are clearly selling opportunities for global suppliers as recent PLMA data reveals that the U.S. ranks sixth in private label dollar share growth over the past two years among the world’s leading private label markets, including 17 European nations. The 2026 Marketplace will welcome back long-standing pavilions from Italy, Turkey, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Denmark, Poland, Georgia, Morocco, Serbia, Netherlands and Australia, which is also seeking to expand its presence in the Home & Health category. South American interest also remains strong as manufacturers look to capitalize on the U.S. consumer’s appetite for authentic, global offerings. Highlighting the Show’s continuity, PLMA is pleased to welcome back several key partners from last year, including Mexico, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Furthermore, the 2026 edition will feature newly confirmed countries such as Argentina and Dubai. Beyond the international presence, the Show mirrors U.S. consumer behavior. Today’s shoppers are increasingly turning to store brands not just for value, but for high-quality, “better-for-you” food and non-food innovations.

Visitors in Chicago will also see emphasis on categories that are trending among shoppers: · S elf-Care & Wellness: From “science-backed” skincare to holistic vitamins. · F unctional Food: Protein-fortified snacks and gut-health beverages. · P et Care: Premium, human-grade nutrition, wellness products and seasonal accessories for four-legged family members. · W ine & Spirits: Sophisticated private-label blends and non-alcoholic options from around the world. As the industry prepares for November, the 2026 Store Brands Marketplace is the place where global innovation meets demand for retailers looking for the next “hero” product or a manufacturer ready to enter the huge U.S. market, explained Beluli. www.plma.com

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Coccola Creating the Functional Sweetener Category As global retailers redefine their wellness and better-for-you assortments, one category remains structurally unchanged: sweeteners. Despite growing consumer rejection of refined sugar and skepticism toward artificial substitutes, most retail shelves still offer the same alternatives — sugar, stevia, sucralose, monk fruit. Different ingredients. Same logic: replace sweetness, reduce calories. Coccola introduces a new logic.

Made from coconut milk and coconut water, Coccola provides a smooth, balanced sweetness with naturally occurring electrolytes and low glycemic impact. No refined sugars. No artificial ingredients. Clean label by nature. Unlike high-intensity sweeteners used in micro-dosages, Coccola behaves as a true ingredient. It enhances taste, texture and mouthfeel — particularly in coffee and plant-based beverages — while contributing functional value. Consumer validation supports the positioning. Neuroscience-based testing demonstrated that Coccola increases perceived pleasantness in coffee compared to both unsweetened samples and leading artificial sweeteners. Traditional panel testing confirmed enhanced creaminess and balanced sweetness, with strong “just right” ratings across generations, including Gen Z — a key driver of modern beverage culture.

Emmanuela Alesiani, Futurist & Innovation Manager and Cristina Monti, Sales Director

Developed in Italy by Suitefood, Coccola is positioned as the first functional sweetener — a natural coconut-based powder that sweetens while delivering intrinsic nutritional value.

For retailers, the opportunity is not substitution but category expansion. • Coccola does not compete directly with sugar. • It does not replicate high-intensity sweeteners.

Its premium yet accessible positioning allows integration across modern grocery, specialty retail, pharmacy and hospitality channels. Available in single-serve sachets, doypacks and bulk formats, Coccola also offers potential development for private label and clean-label product innovation. As consumers move beyond calorie-counting toward ingredient quality and functional everyday rituals, sweetness itself is being re-evaluated. Coccola responds to this shift by transforming a commodity category into a value-added proposition. Not a sugar substitute. A new retail segment. Sweeten Your Life, Boost Your Body. For more information: email: Cristina Monti, Sales Director cristina.monti@coccola.life

www.coccola.life

• It opens incremental shelf space in the growing intersection between indulgence and functionality.

www.globalretailmag.com

N O TA B L E Private Label Excellence, From Source to Shelf Certified Origins is a global private label and co-packing partner, delivering extra virgin olive oil, nut-based products, tomato sauce, and pantry products, supporting leading retailers and brands with end-to-end supply chain expertise, from sourcing to bottling and packaging. Founded in 2006 by Mediterranean cooperatives, and still cooperatively owned today, the company combines origin expertise with industrial capabilities across Europe and the United States to deliver quality, transparency, and operational reliability at scale across Europe and the United States.

Building Bridges Between the US and Europe Certified Origins owns production facilities in both Europe and the United States, reflecting a business model designed to stay close to both sourcing regions and end markets. In California (Fresno), the company runs a facility dedicated to tree nuts and nut butter products, covering processing, roasting, blending, and packaging. The site supports a range of formats and specifications to anticipate and respond to retail and foodservice partners’ needs.

The Virginia (Newport News) North Extra Virgin Olive Oil: American hub oversees olive oil From Mediterranean bottling operations, quality control, and distribution, backed by an on-site Origins to US Bottling laboratory that complies with U.S. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) remains and international standards. the foundation of Certified Origins’ identity. The company is owned by Nuts & Nut Butters: cooperatives from Spain and Italy, US-Based Innovation two countries with long and deeply rooted olive oil traditions and sources and Flexibility directly from farmers across the whole Nuts and nut butters are a core part Mediterranean, combining deep origin of Certified Origins’ private-label knowledge with industrial execution. portfolio, from single varieties and snacking mixes to tree-nut butters, For the North American market, complementing our broader offering EVOO can be bottled locally at the and supporting our ongoing commit- Newport News facility, where flavor ment to delivering food that is both profile, quality control, and packaging enjoyable and nutritious. are managed to match and surpass The range includes almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamias, and more, with customizable processing and mix formats. Highcapacity processing lines enhance the private-label offerings by allowing the production and development of nut butters from single varieties or custom blends tailored to specific texture and flavor profiles.

the highest retail standards. The result is an EVOO offering that links cooperative farming at origin with market-ready execution, without compromising either.

Tomato & Pantry Products: Scalable Solutions Beyond oils and nuts, Certified Origins develops tomato sauces and select pantry products as part of its broader private label offering. These categories benefit from the same integrated approach that defines the company’s core businesses: carefully selected sourcing, strong supplier relationships, quality certifications, and logistics expertise spanning Europe and North America. www.certifiedorigins.com

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PIGMENTURA by CHT Wins the German Sustainability Award in the Products Category

In December 2025, the German Sustainability Award was presented in Düsseldorf. The award has been presented since 2008 for exemplary sustainability achievements in business, local government, and research. This year, the expert jury in the Products category honored products that particularly contribute to sustainable transformation in one of the five transformation fields (climate, resources, nature, society, value chain). The focus was on solutions that have additionally a positive impact on the economy and society and set new standards for sustainable products. CHT Group’s sustainable dyeing process PIGMENTURA was honored in the Products category. Our COO Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli accepted the sustainability award from Gregor Steinbrenner, the ceremony’s host in the Products category.

The jury particularly praised the efficiency gains and savings potential, which not only benefit individual companies but can also have a largescale impact along international supply chains. Such advances are highly relevant for the textile and fashion industry. The jury awarded an innovation that impressively demonstrates how the further development of proven processes can lead to substantial progress in resource conservation and environmental protection in textile production.

With PIGMENTURA, the CHT Group has developed a dyeing process that significantly improves resource efficiency in the textile value chain. The paddry process is much more efficient than conventional dyeing. Simultaneously, energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, salt requirements, the use of rinse water and wastewater treatment are significantly reduced. This leads to savings in clean drinking water and highly contributes to transforming one of the most resource-intensive industries.

PIGMENTURA shows how completely new processes can be developed by rethinking existing methods: The starting point was traditional pigment dyeing where the pigments must be “bound” to the textile using special components. PIGMENTURA simplified the process by adsorbing pigments on the surface."

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Eric Siekmann, Global Director Sales Business Division Textile Solutions says: "Developing chemical products and processes that make textile manufacturing more sustainable is very important to us. Our development departments have always cooperated with our application technology and our customers to make energy- and water-intensive dyeing processes more sustainable.

CSO Dr. Annegret Vester confirms this: "It was great to see how much savings potential could be achieved with PIGMENTURA. Classic reactive textile dyeing is associated with very high energy and water consumption. During the development phase, numerous obstacles had to be overcome, as each step had to be developed to process maturity. The diversity of textiles has led to significant changes in dyeing behavior. With PIGMENTURA they are now standardized.” COO Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli is enthusiastic: “PIGMENTURA by CHT is already being used in the fashion industry worldwide making rivers cleaner, as lower water consumption also means less wastewater. We are on the way to active environmental protection in the global textile industry.” Learn More: PIGMENTURA by CHT | The new standard of pigment dyeing or visit us at Exintex, Puebla, Mexico (March 10-13, 2026) booths 2404/2405 Performance Days Spring, Munich (March 18-19, 2026). booth E01 www.cht.com

The DNP seal recognizes this achievement: it stands for credible solutions that provide guidance – for customers, partners, and markets that want to make sustainable decisions. The DNP seal is more than a symbol. It is part of a process: supported by Germany's largest sustainability jury, integrated into a broad community that learns from each other and takes responsibility. The seal is Germany's most prestigious recognition of exemplary environmental and social performance. Those who bear the seal show that action is being taken. Now.

THE NEW STANDARD OF PIGMENT DYEING Traditional dyeing processes consume significant amounts of water and energy – resources we can no longer take for granted. PIGMENTURA by CHT offers a modern pigment-based dyeing process designed to minimize environmental impact. PIGMENTURA by CHT reduces resource consumption while delivering superior results:  No water required for soaping or rinsing  Outstanding color fastness for lasting quality  Soft, comfortable feel with every touch  Minimal machine soiling and low cleaning effort  Seamless integration into existing processes Choose PIGMENTURA by CHT and make a difference – one fabric at a time.

Together for a sustainable future

www.cht.com

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La Doria Strengthens Global Position in Private Label Headquartered in Angri, in the province of Salerno (Italy), La Doria represents Italian excellence in the food canning sector. Specializing in the production of tomato derivatives, ready-made sauces, canned pulses, juices, and fruit-based beverages, the company stands out as Europe’s leading producer of canned pulses, peeled tomatoes, and tomato pulp for the retail sector. Additionally, La Doria is one of Italy’s top producers of fruit juices and the leading European producer of private-label ready-made sauces. Recently, thanks to a significant acquisition, the Group has expanded its portfolio to include pasta, offering an even more complete range of products. La Doria is a trusted supplier to major retail and discount chains worldwide. Its commitment to private label production is evident, with over 93% of the Group’s revenue derived from

this segment. Its goal is to offer high-quality products at competitive prices, positioning itself as a strong alternative to commercial brands. With extensive expertise and a continuous focus on research and development, La Doria is synonymous with reliability and innovation in the food sector. With twelve production plants located across Italy, La Doria has successfully combined Italian production tradition with a strong international presence. Exports account for over 80% of revenue, with a solid foothold in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the rest of Europe, Australia, and Japan. This global success is based on careful raw material selection and cutting-edge production processes that ensure high-quality standards. La Doria is not only a successful company but also a responsible enterprise operating according to well-defined ethical principles. Environmental sustainability,

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legality, transparency, and respect for human rights are fundamental values that guide every aspect of production and distribution. The Group is firmly committed to responsible energy resource management, waste recycling, and reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Furthermore, La Doria promotes fair working conditions throughout the supply chain, working closely with producers’ organizations to ensure respect for workers’ rights. Since its founding, La Doria has maintained a strong connection with its local community, supporting educational initiatives for young people, urban regeneration projects, and social inclusion programs. The company contributes to the growth of the local economy by sourcing from a network of suppliers primarily located in Southern Italy, further strengthening the national production fabric. Thanks to its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation, La Doria continues to be a benchmark in the international food industry. With a constantly evolving product range and a strategy focused on responsible growth, the Group confirms itself as an excellent partner for large-scale distribution, bringing the best of Italian food tradition to millions of consumers worldwide. www.gruppoladoria.it/en/

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A Delicious New Addition to the Chiaverini Range Le Bontà Keeps Impressing with Innovations! Le Bontà continues to impress with groundbreaking innovations! Chiaverini Firenze is set to revolutionize its portfolio with an exciting new launch: jams in aluminum tubes. Just two years after the international debut of its iconic jam range, and after latest new Hazelnut Spread, the historic Florentine brand does not stop its innovation strategy.

Introducing a game-changing innovation: practical, sustainable, and innovative The first jam in an aluminum tube! Unique in the market, this practical and easy-to-use format ensures maximum freshness and convenience. Sustainable and fully recyclable, it reflects our commitment to the environment. With this iconic new design, we’re redefining the way we enjoy jam, making it even more versatile and modern—perfect for every moment of the day!

Not Just A Breakfast Spread, A Gourmet Lover’s Indulgence Experience pure hazelnut bliss Chiaverini’s latest Hazelnut Cream is a true indulgence, crafted with 30% real hazelnuts and a time-honored recipe. Made with only the finest ingredients, it’s free from artificial flavors, colorings, preservatives, and palm oil. Its silky texture and rich, nutty flavor make it a must-have for any food lover’s pantry.

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A Legacy of Dedication Chiaverini Jams have been defining Florentine culture since 1928. Originating from the passion of the Chiaverini Brothers, their commitment to quality echoes in every jar, making Chiaverini a staple in Florentine homes. The secret to Chiaverini’s success lies in simplicity: just fruit, sugar, and passion. Each jar is a testament to the art of slow cooking, melding flavors into perfection. Chiaverini's jams are history, Florence's essence in every jar. Each represents dedication, heritage, and resilience. Chiaverini isn't just a taste of Florence; it's a taste of history, a flavor transcending time.

An Unmistakable Symbol The packaging of the Chiaverini “Pail” is not just a container; it represents an evolution from rustic wood to sleek aluminum. The new line, featuring distinct colors for each flavor, caters to collectors while upholding the brand’s essence and tradition.

Chiaverini Jams is part of LeBontà Group, a Tuscan based company that brings together high-quality brands with a strong connotation of genuine and natural products. www.chiaverinifirenze.it/en www.lebonta.it/en

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A Key Player in the Consumer Goods and Away-From-Home Markets Lucart, a major European manufacturer of thin MG paper for flexible packaging, is a key player in the consumer goods and away-from-home markets as a producer and transformer of tissue and airlaid paper. Its attention to people, sustainable processes, and approach to innovation means they offer cutting-edge products that meet market challenges and customers’ needs. Fiberpack® is their flagship project in this field: it combines advanced technology and environmentally friendly processes, demonstrating that circular economy principles are fully applicable to the tissue sector. In 2010 Lucart created this project, called “EcoNatural”, starting from the idea of using all the elements of beverage cartons according to circular economy principles. This type of packaging is widely used in the food industry to protect and preserve food and for its high natural cellulose fibre content that makes it more ecological compared to other packaging materials of fossil origin. Due to its mixed composition of cellulose fibres (74%), aluminium (4%) and polyethylene (22%), this material is often not recovered at end-of-life or is recovered only partially. The production process relies on an innovative technology that separates the cellulose fibers found in beverage cartons from polyethylene and aluminum by physical-mechanical action. With this technology, they avoid substances that may be harmful to people or the environment. They produce tissue products with the fibers obtained through this process and recover the aluminum and polyethylene, converting them into a homogeneous material called Al.Pe.®, which other industries use to produce various items.

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In the first stage of the project, Lucart hit the objective of creating two new raw materials to separate recovery processes by changing and streamlining the traditional recovery process of paper for recycling in the paper mill: Fiberpack® and Al.Pe.®. The second phase of development of the EcoNatural Project saw the combination of the two new, previously obtained raw materials in one single product that offers value to our customers with Fiberpack® paper + Al.Pe.® dispenser. The third stage consisted in the establishment of Newpal S.p.A., the joint venture with CPR System, dedicated to the moulding of high-quality recycled pallets. In the Borgo a Mozzano plant, a new plant has been installed that is able to obtain a plastic granule from the homogeneous material composed of polyethylene and aluminium obtained from the recycling process of beverage cartons. The granule, called GranPlast, becomes the raw material for Newpal S.p.A., which moulds recycled plastic pallets with a plant specially designed to use non-virgin plastics. The project will close the recycling loop of Tetra Pak® beverage cartons, creating major benefits for the environment and new business opportunities. Pallets made by Newpal are used by CPR System, a leader in Italy in the production, handling and recycling of collapsible plastic packaging and pallets. CPR System recovers and reuses pallets which, at the end of their life and after multiple uses, are not disposed of in landfills but are reintroduced into the industrial process. This collaboration between Lucart and CPR System brings new benefits for the environment and new business opportunities: • It makes full use of production waste and creates shared value; • It produces a reusable product in the circuit managed by CPR System, which at the end of its life is actually recycled to made new pallets; • It offers the market a quality recycled plastic pallet at a highly competitive price.

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Another important news concerns the new range of product called Infinity, launched in 2023. Infinity is the plant pot line born from the collaboration between Lucart and Pasquini & Bini and with the contribution of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-Environmental Sciences of the University of Pisa. The pots is made from GranPlast material, the polyethylene and aluminium separated in the beverage cartons process at the Borgo a Mozzano plant. In addition to finding further applications in various fields, it was found that the characteristics of the material help plant growth because it regulates root temperature and promotes phytostimulation. The absence of carbon black simplifies disposal at the end of cultivation. Lucart is also the only brand in its target market to offer Airlaid products with exceptional absorbency and strength performance. The Airlaid technology uses long, highly resistant cellulose fibers that never come into

contact with water during the production process (dry paper) to remain super absorbent. Fibers treated with this process naturally form a “dam” structure, offering outstanding results: can absorb up to 7 times its weight and, thanks to its exceptional resistance, can be reused up to 20 times, compared to 1 or 2 for competitive products. Lucart is a company made up of people who choose to use innovative and sustainable processes in development, transformation, and manufacturing of paper products, collaborating responsibly for the future of their business and the planet. Lucart has always been at the forefront of the study of innovative packaging able to reduce the environmental i mpact of its products. After launching the world’s first line of toilet paper with materbi corn starch packaging in 1997, the company created a series of products with entirely plastic-free packaging in 2019. www.lucartgroup.com

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New Sweet Pockets and Funicolì Extends Valsa’s Range of Consumer-Focused Products Valsa Group, as a leading manufacturer of frozen, chilled, and ambient pizza, pinsa, focaccia, and snacks, identifies its primary goal as promoting the true Italian food lifestyle worldwide. The headquarters are located in Valsamoggia, at the very heart of Italy. This is where the Group’s history began. But their roots extend from North to South through 7 plants, following a purely Italian entrepreneurial path. Their daily commitment is simple: CULTURE . EXCELLENCE . INNOVATION. Always focused on consumers’ needs and emerging trends, Valsa Group is introducing a few new items to its range. They are proud to launch the

new sweet pockets range: all roads lead to sweet. Creaminess at its finest, indulgence at its best – the pockets are full of real gold, be it Pistachio, Hazelnut Cream, Lactose-Free Dark Chocolate, or the ever-classic Lemon Custard and Ricotta. Bite into the sweetest bites for an unforgettable flavorful experience. Ever dream of a window facing the Gulf of Sorrento with a gentle Mediterranean breeze, carrying the unmistakable scent of heavenly baked pizza? Say no more: introducing the new “Funicolì”, authentic, premium Neapolitan style pizza that would make any Nonna proud. Enjoy them in several tasty alternatives, all enriched by a soft silk pack. Feeling creative? Available also as a base: the starting point for a magical Neapolitan experience. An explosion of flavors with the high, outstanding quality you can find within Valsa Group only.

The Group’s strategic strength lies in combining traditional manufacturing processes with a greater focus on consumer convenience while maintaining the highest quality standards: in today’s market, convenience supported by premium quality is essential to create value within the supply chain. Valsa Group is a reliable and wellknown business partner in 50 countries around the world; this has been made possible by choices and investments in sustainability, production capacity, organizational integration and innovation in convenience, with a special commitment to process transparency, waste reduction and the use of green energy. Through the brands Valpizza, La Pizza+1, Forno Ludovico, Megic Pizza, Ghiottelli, Il Borgo, Tuscanya Bakery and Funicolì, Valsa Group is the unique large-scale and highly qualified partner able to supply a wide range of items in each category, from frozen to deli.

info@valsagroup.it

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N O TA B L E Innovating Cleanliness: Whitecat’s 76-Year Journey Safeguarding Healthy Families Chapter 1: A cat was born in 1948

In 1948, in Yongtai Village, Shanghai country, China, an entrepreneur started a small, private, manufacturing company with a goal to provide laundry soap to local residents in post-war China. This was the start of what would be later known as “Shanghai Bái Māo” by locals, or Shanghai Whitecat, he embarked on a journey of necessity, groundbreaking innovation, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the healthy lives of families. Motivated by necessity after the end of World War II, Shanghai Whitecat worked diligently to provide much needed laundry cleaning products that surpassed traditional soap, made from soap bean and “Yizi” (made from pig pancreas and plant ash), for more effective cleanliness and well-being to local families.

Chapter 2: Pioneering Innovation since 1959

In 1959, Shanghai Whitecat achieved its first of many milestones by introducing the first domestically produced package of synthetic laundry detergent powder “Gong nong” in mainland China. Since then, Whitecat has achieved many milestones. • 2024: Shanghai Hutchison Whitecat Co., Ltd., was awarded “Strategic Partner of 2024-Walmart China” • 2018: Shanghai Hutchison Whitecat Co., Ltd., was awarded “China’s Top 100 Daily Chemicals” • 2018: Whitecat Lemon Black Tea Dishwashing liquid won the “2017 China Biggest Award of Quality Consumer – Quality Gold Award”

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• 2004: Whitecat liquid detergent was chosen as “China Famous Brand” • 1995: Whitecat Laundry Powder was awarded the “Golden Bridge Award” for National Best selling Domestic Product for 4 consecutive years. • 1987: Whitecat brand and our Jaimei brand Laundry Powder awarded the “Shanghai Famous Brand” certificate • 1981: 1st domestically developed and produced pack of Super Concentrated Laundry Powder • 1963: 1st autonomous washing powder paper bag packaging machine

Chapter 3: Longevity Through Innovation As Shanghai Whitecat celebrates its longevity, our narrative transcends labels and brands. It’s a story of enduring innovation, necessity, and lives touched. Whitecat is humbled by the trust of millions of families who rely on us daily to safeguard their healthy lives. Trust built over many decades of hard-work and investment in research and development. • More than 100 national patents • Millions of dollars spent every year in R&D • Over 50 research and development personnel (> 50% with Master’s or doctoral degrees) Our technology center is the only national standard laboratory in the light chemicals industry.

Investments in latest scientific equipment such as gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier infrared spectrometer and other advanced international standard analysis and testing instruments ensure we keep our commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective Home Care and Personal Care products to safeguard the healthy lives of families into a better tomorrow.

Chapter 4: Sustainability for a Better Tomorrow

Whitecat’s dynamic culture of innovation, born out of necessity in 1948, is now shifting to Sustainability, safeguarding healthy families better for all, including our planet. We are very excited to launch our sustainable, nature inspired, line of products for our private label naturebased, sustainable Home Care and Personal Care products that your customers will simply Love! •C oncentrated cleaning pods/ sheets/tablets • Lactic acid-based cleaning products • Soda-based cleaning products And more innovative products to come. Join us in this exhilarating journey towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow with Whitecat!

www.whitecatusa.com

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Laundry Detersent Sheet

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VOG’s Organic Apples in the Spotlight at Biofach 2026: Exceptional Quality,Year-Round Availability And Innovative Products VOG – Home of Apples was at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading organic food trade fair, in Nuremberg on 10-13 February 2026 to confirm the highly positive trend of the organic apple season and underline its frontline position in the European organic market. “The organic sector continues to record constant growth and display positive signs for the future,” explains Klaus Hölzl, VOG Sales Manager. “We are very pleased with the current season: as well as the quality of the products, which is very high, we have also further improved their storage life and increased our production potential, also optimising the packaging department, for example by introducing pre-packaged products to the network. Thanks also to our wide and structured range of varieties, we have established ourselves as a dependable partner for the management of the organic apple category right throughout the year, meeting the demands of consumers and retailers with reliability and flexibility.”

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In fact, VOG has one of the widest and most numerous organic ranges in Europe thanks to the dedication of the 300 family businesses of the Consortium that have chosen and devoted their energies to this form of farming. A diversity that begins at the different altitudes at which the apple farmers grow their produce and which is reflected in the multifaceted range and distinctive sensory richness at the base of the various products that VOG delivers across Europe at all times, guaranteeing year-round availability.

VOG’s diverse and rich array of varieties also explains how it is able to segment its organic range in a way that keeps the consumer at the centre. In fact, the Consortium’s organic range is developed along two main and complementary lines: on one hand traditional apples, which guarantee stability and recognisability on the shelf; on the other, the club apples, which enrich the range with distinctive brands and innovations that support the development of the organic segment.

“The results we are seeing today are the product of a long-term growth process in which volumes have continuously increased year on year,” explains Hannes Tauber, VOG Marketing Manager. “The organic market has changed and with it also the expectations of consumers who, in addition to flavour, now increasingly want products that are capable of expressing values, identities and lifestyles. BIOFACH was an opportunity to show how VOG is in step with this evolution thanks to its structured and comprehensive product range: from traditional apples to classic brands through to innovative varieties aimed primarily at younger age groups, the consumption. Our approach enables us to offer the right apple for every preference and moment.”

“Organic remains a strategic segment for VOG,” concludes Hölzl. “Our organic range enables us to offer a comprehensive product portfolio and to cater for the most diverse of consumer needs. Thanks to the continuous improvements we have made in storage life, packaging and production capacity, combined with our wide range available all year round, VOG continues to consolidate its reputation as the go-to partner for solutions that meet the changing demands of the market”. www.vog.it/en/home.html

HALL 3.2 B38

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

CERTIFIED ORIGINS Private Label Excellence, From Source to Shelf Certified Origins is a global private label and co-packing partner specializing in extra virgin olive oil, nut-based products, tomato sauce, and pantry products, supporting leading retailers and brands with end-to-end supply chain expertise, from sourcing to bottling and packaging. Certified Origins was founded in 2006 from the collaboration of two Tuscan olive-growing cooperatives and an international sales organization, with one goal: to build a vertical model that connects farmers directly to global retail at scale, while safeguarding authenticity, quality, and transparency. Three Spanish cooperatives later joined the partnership, adding volume and deep expertise in organic farming and geographical indications, aligned with the same commitment to quality and transparency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Giovanni Quaratesi, Head of Corporate Global Affairs giovanni@certifiedorigins.com

Today, the company remains cooperatively owned and operates as a fully integrated industrial partner, combining Mediterranean farming and sourcing expertise with packing and processing capabilities across Europe and the United States.

CHT GROUP The CHT Group is a globally active foundation-owned specialty chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Tübingen, Germany. We offer sustainable chemical solutions for numerous industries and have an international presence with around 2,500 employees and 26 production sites. In the financial year 2024, the CHT Group generated a group turnover of 614 million Euro. Our portfolio includes Textile Solutions (dyes and auxiliaries for the entire textile value chain), Industrial Solutions (specialty silicones, paper and pulp technologies, washing solutions, care ingredients), and Functional Chemicals (chemical additives for paints, coatings, construction, adhesives, leather, chemical producers, agrochemicals, mining, and release agents). The CHT Group is certified according to international standards and is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. In 2028, the group will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

www.certifiedorigins.com

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

www.cht.com

Developed in Italy by Suitefood, Coccola is positioned as the first functional sweetener — a natural coconut-based powder that sweetens while delivering intrinsic nutritional value. Made from coconut milk and coconut water, Coccola provides a smooth, balanced sweetness with naturally occurring electrolytes and low glycemic impact. No refined sugars. No artificial ingredients. Clean label by nature. Unlike high-intensity sweeteners used in micro-dosages, Coccola behaves as a true ingredient. It enhances taste, texture and mouthfeel — particularly in coffee and plantbased beverages — while contributing functional value. Consumer validation supports the positioning. Neuroscience-based testing demonstrated that Coccola increases perceived pleasantness in coffee compared to both unsweetened samples and leading artificial sweeteners. Traditional panel testing confirmed enhanced creaminess and balanced sweetness, with strong “just right” ratings across generations, including Gen Z — a key driver of modern beverage culture.

www.coccola.life

GLOBAL TISSUE GROUP Global Tissue Group manufactures premium bath tissue, napkins, paper towels, and facial tissue tailored to your business needs and your customers’ expectations.

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

COCCOLA

They are your turnkey, one-stop shop for quality household paper products. With innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, they’ve become a trusted partner for top retailers nationwide. A complete line of paper products for every customer need Global Tissue Group offers a versatile selection of household paper products for every price point and use case, designed to meet the demands of all customers and market segments. From value-tier to ultra-premium, they provide quality, consistency and customization you can trust. Private Brand solutions are tailored to align with your business’s unique goals. Whether you’re a blue-chip national retailer or a regional chain, Global Tissue Group will work closely with your team to create high-quality, customized products that reflect your brand’s identity.

www.globaltissuegroup.com

With options across economy, value, premium tiers, and multiple configurations, Global Tissue Group ensures your customers get exactly what they need.

www.globalretailmag.com

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

LA DORIA GROUP Headquartered in Angri (Salerno, Italy), La Doria is a prominent Italian company in the vegetable canning industry, specializing in tomato derivatives, ready-made sauces, canned pulses, juices, and fruit-based beverages. Today, La Doria stands as Europe's leading producer of canned pulses, peeled tomatoes, and tomato pulp in the retail sector, as well as one of Italy's top producers of fruit juices and beverages. Additionally, it holds the position of Europe's leading private-label ready-made sauce producer. Following a recent acquisition, La Doria has expanded its product portfolio to include pasta, further enhancing its comprehensive range of offerings. As a trusted supplier to major retail and discount chains worldwide, the company is primarily focused on private-label production, manufacturing products for leading retailers. Remarkably, over 93% of the Group’s revenue is derived from this segment. This strategic specialization reflects La Doria’s strong commitment to excelling in large-scale retail and organized distribution, delivering high-quality products at highly competitive prices as an alternative to the brand.

www.gruppoladoria.it/en/

LE BONTA Le Bontà was founded in 1994 in Prato, in the Tuscan hinterland, with the aim of creating sauces, meat sauces and patès that express the best Tuscan gastronomic tradition. In more than 20 years of activity, the Le Bontà trademark has created a production system able to respond to the needs of private labels, by offering recognized product quality, the reliability of careful and meticulous management, and flexibility that facilitates the purchasing brand. The GDOs select numerous recipes each day to put on the tables of Italian and European consumers. And, each day, as a provider of private labels, we ensure high-level consulting with the aim of shelf success and success on the table. Chiaverini Jams join the family of products from brands Nuova Terra: a broad selection of natural and organic cereals, seeds and soups; I Toscanacci: a line of high-quality sauces without preservatives; Bonvé: a line of vegan and organic sauces and Accademia Toscana: a range of sophisticated and very high-quality sauces for the Italian and foreign markets.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

www.lebonta.it www.chiaverinifirenze.it/en

Lucart, a major European manufacturer of thin MG paper for flexible packaging, is a key player in the consumer goods and away-from-home markets as a producer and transformer of tissue and airlaid paper. Its focus on people, sustainable processes, and innovation means it offers cutting-edge products that meet market challenges and customers’ needs. Fiberpack® is their flagship project in this field, combining advanced technology with environmentally friendly processes. This demonstrates that circular economy principles are fully applicable to the tissue sector. Lucart is also the only brand in its target market that offers Airlaid products with exceptional absorbency and strength performance. The Airlaid technology utilizes long, highly resistant cellulose fibers that never come in contact with water during the production process (dry paper), ensuring they remain super absorbent. Fibers treated with this process naturally form a “dam” structure, providing outstanding results: they can absorb up to 7 times their weight and, thanks to their exceptional resistance, can be reused up to 20 times, compared to 1 or 2 times for competitive products.

www.lucartgroup.com/en

MBD (MARKETING BY DESIGN) A full-service strategy, creative and packaging artwork design agency built to meet the challenges and opportunities facing Private Label and National Brands today. Since 1990, MBD has been on a mission to produce stand out, award-winning packaging to our multichannel customers. We are a global agency that builds brand and differentiates our clients from the competition, which in return increases their ROI.

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

LUCART

Our strategy begins by defining a clear brand voice with strong storytelling. What makes MBD different and unique is our tri-focus approach: 1. CREATE: Originality is the driving principle of our work. We bring brands to life through story-telling and visual flair. Creativity should be nurtured, encouraged to grow, and never compromised. From start-ups to international billion-dollar brands, our work helps to sell thousands of products and services globally. 2. MANAGE: Our detail driven design team take the voice and vision of the brand and adapt using our best-in-class approach to developing the packaging artwork. Unique and ownable graphics are key to portraying the quality across an entire range. While our workflow solutions tie it all together with centralization and automation.

mbdesign.com

3. ROLLOUT: MBD create more than 12,000 pieces of artwork every year with teams large enough to execute programs with thousands of SKUs, but nimble enough be brand guardians with a single voice. We also pride ourselves with color managed artwork that is compliant and consistently on brand.

www.globalretailmag.com

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

SENECA FOODS Seneca Foods ensures US farm fresh goodness through our 26 facilities located in prime American growing regions. A leading global provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, Seneca’s flexible packaging solutions meet evolving consumer needs: from traditional cans and frozen foods, to convenient pouches and plastic cups. Organic options also available. At Seneca, we believe that everyone deserves year-round access to great-tasting food that’s also great for you. That’s why we’re bringing families and organizations all over the world real food that’s nutritious, affordable, and delicious.

www.senecafoods.com

By remaining committed to those we serve, we’re going to continue growing as the leader in the fruit and vegetable industry. At Seneca, we’re still doing things the way we always have- the right way. Think globally, grow locally. We’re proud to say, “We feed the world.”

VALSA GROUP Valsa Group as leading manufacturer of chilled, frozen and ambient pizzas, focaccias, pinsas and snacks, identifies its primary goal in promoting the true Italian food lifestyle all over the world. The headquarters is located in Valsamoggia, in the very heart of Italy. This is where the history of the Group began, nevertheless our roots go from North to South, through our 10 plants: in a purely Italian entrepreneurial path. Our daily commitment could be easily summed up: CULTURE . EXCELLENCE . INNOVATION. Valsa Group is the unique large-scale and highly qualified partner able to supply a wide range of items in each category, from frozen to deli.

info@valsagroup.it

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

VOG – Home of apples is an association of 11 fruit growers’ cooperatives in South Tyrol - Südtirol and over 4,000 family farms. Since 1945, the Consortium has coordinated the production, storage and marketing of apples, ensuring year-round availability. The range includes products from integrated and organic farming and features internationally recognised brands and varieties such as Marlene®, Pink Lady®, envy™, Kanzi®, Giga® and Cosmic Crisp®, developed within an integrated supply chain focused on the market and consumer behaviour.

info@vog.it

WHITECAT

SUPPLIERS PROFILES

VOG – HOME OF APPLES

Shanghai Hutchison White Cat Co. Ltd. (abbreviated as "Shanghai White Cat" or “Whitecat”) is a foreign joint venture established by a wholly-owned subsidiary of CK Hutchison, a Global Fortune 500 company, with an annual revenue of US$ 500M. Whitecat’s dynamic culture of innovation, born out of necessity in 1948, is now shifting to Sustainability, safeguarding healthy families better for all, including our planet. White Cat has over 23 factories across China's mainland, own brand products and private label services available in China, Japan, Korea, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Americas and Europe. Our motto is “If you can think it, we can make it!”

www.whitecatusa.com

www.globalretailmag.com

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Global Retailers are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands Private label grocery brands have undergone a radical transformation. Once synonymous with bargain pricing and minimal marketing, retailer-owned brands now stand at the center of innovation, customer loyalty, and margin expansion. Across continents, retailers are repositioning private labels as premium offerings, sustainability leaders, and drivers of differentiation in a crowded market. The shift is not theoretical. Global private-label food sales reached record levels in recent years, driven by inflationary pressure, shifting consumer values, and rising trust in retailers. In the United States alone, private-label food sales hit $282.8 billion, underscoring the scale of opportunity. (Axios) At the same time, consumer perceptions have evolved: 68 % of shoppers now view private label as a credible alternative to national brands, and 69 % perceive strong value, according to NielsenIQ. (NIQ) Yet growth is entering a new phase. Retailers face intensifying competition, slower category expansion in mature markets, and higher expectations from digitally savvy consumers. The question is no longer whether private label matters—but how retailers can excel in the next era of global grocery retail.

www.globalretailmag.com

COVER STORY

How Global Retailers Are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands

From Alternative to Power Brand

Momentum with Maturity Private-label brands now dominate many global grocery chains. Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Lidl have built business models centered on owned brands, achieving exceptional penetration and customer loyalty. In Aldi stores, more than three-quarters of sales come from private-label products, with roughly 90 % of SKUs owned by the retailer. Meanwhile, flagship private brands such as Costco’s Kirkland Signature, Walmart’s Great Value, and Tesco Finest generate tens of billions in annual revenue and are embedded in consumers’ shopping habits.

Top Drivers of Private-Label Growth Globally Include:

In a period defined by inflation fatigue, geopolitical disruption, and shifting consumer expectations, private label has emerged as one of the most reliable engines of performance in global grocery. Yet success is no longer guaranteed. Penetration is high, competition is intensifying, and consumers increasingly expect private brands to deliver not just value, but purpose, quality, and innovation. Europe has long served as the proving ground for private label. In markets such as the UK, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, private label penetration routinely exceeds 40 percent of grocery sales, compared with roughly 20–25 percent in North America. Discounters, cooperatives, and multinational grocers alike have demonstrated that retailer brands can outperform national brands on trust, quality perception, and loyalty. What has changed is the role private label now plays inside the enterprise.

• Rising consumer trust in retailers.

Rather than being positioned primarily as a lower priced substitute, private label is increasingly treated as:

• E conomic pressure encouraging trial of lower-cost alternatives. (Italianfood.net)

• A brand portfolio, with tiered value, core, and premium propositions

• R etailer control over margins and supply chains.

• A testing ground for innovation and speed to market

• S ustainability and ethical sourcing priorities.

• A sustainability platform, where retailers can directly influence sourcing and packaging

• Premiumization and health-driven innovation.

• A strategic buffer against supplier concentration and margin volatility

(gsnnews.com) (gsnnews.com)

However, growth rates are moderating in some regions. Europe’s private-label expansion slowed from nearly 12 % in 2023 to under 4 % in 2024, signaling market maturity and the need for strategic reinvention.

Private label is no longer a tactical margin lever. For the world’s leading grocery retailers, it has become a strategic platform for growth, differentiation, and long term resilience. Across Europe and beyond, retailers are operating as fully fledged brand owners—controlling product development, sustainability standards, pricing architecture, and customer relationships at scale.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

This shift is evident in both discounter led models and full assortment supermarkets. Some retailer examples are:

Lidl

Premium Within a Discounter Model Lidl’s private label success challenges the assumption that discounters must compete solely on price. While the retailer maintains a sharply limited assortment, it has invested heavily in premium seasonal ranges such as Deluxe and Preferred Selection, supported by packaging, storytelling, and culinary credentials. These ranges are deliberately designed to create moments of discovery and excitement— particularly around holidays—while reinforcing Lidl’s core promise of quality at accessible prices.

Tesco

Architecting a Tiered Brand Portfolio Tesco remains one of the clearest examples of private label as brand architecture rather than category fill. Its multi tier system—ranging from entry level value to the premium Tesco Finest line—allows the retailer to serve diverse income groups while maintaining consistency in quality and messaging.

Lidl has also used private label to advance sustainability goals, including responsible sourcing commitments and simplified ingredient lists, further closing the perception gap with traditional supermarkets.

STRATEGIC INSIGHT: Even in price driven formats, premium private label can elevate brand equity without undermining value positioning.

The Tesco Finest range, first launched in the 1990s, has been continually refreshed with restaurant inspired meals, global flavors, and seasonal innovation. During recent inflationary cycles, Tesco leaned heavily into this structure, encouraging customers to trade within the Tesco ecosystem rather than exit to competitors.

STRATEGIC INSIGHT: Tiered private label strategies protect share during economic stress while preserving margin through premium mix.

www.globalretailmag.com

COVER STORY

How Global Retailers Are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands

Global scale does not require global sameness. Private label allows Carrefour to localise at speed without fragmenting the brand.”

Costco’s Kirkland Signature A Brand Built on Trust

Kirkland Signature exemplifies the private-label evolution from generic to premium. Introduced in 1995, the brand now generates tens of billions annually and accounts for a significant share of Costco’s revenue. (Food & Wine)

Key success factors: • Rigorous quality standards that rival or exceed national brands. (Food & Wine) • Limited but curated assortments that reinforce value perception. (Food & Wine) • Strong supplier partnerships—often with leading manufacturers. (gsnnews.com)

Carrefour

Local Relevance at Global Scale Carrefour operates one of the world’s largest private label portfolios across multiple banners and geographies. A key differentiator has been its emphasis on local sourcing and regional relevance under private label lines such as Carrefour Quality Line and organic ranges. By embedding local suppliers into its private label strategy, Carrefour strengthens consumer trust while reducing supply chain risk. The approach also supports regulatory and cultural expectations in European markets, where transparency and origin matter deeply.

Why It Matters? • L ocal sourcing improves resilience and regulatory alignment • Regional relevance increases shopper trust • S cale economics remain intact through central governance

STRATEGIC INSIGHT: Global scale and local authenticity are not mutually exclusive—private label can deliver both when governance and sourcing models are aligned.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

• Loyalty-driven business model supported by membership economics.

RETAILER TAKEAWAY: Trust is the ultimate currency. Consumers buy Kirkland products because they are Kirkland—not despite the label.

In mature private label markets, growth no longer comes from adding SKUs—it comes from adding meaning.”

Opportunities Defining the Next Phase 1

Speed and Innovation

Premiumization Without Alienation

Consumers increasingly expect private label to deliver restaurant quality, health forward, and indulgent products. The challenge is to expand premium ranges without eroding the retailer’s value credentials. Successful retailers clearly separate tiers through design, pricing logic, and shelf placement—making trade up intuitive rather than confusing.

EXECUTIVE SIGNAL Premium private label protects margin, but only when it is clearly differentiated from value tiers.

Sustainability as a Brand Asset

Private label gives retailers direct control over: • Ingredient standards • Packaging formats • Carbon reduction initiatives In Europe, where regulatory and consumer scrutiny is high, private label has become the primary vehicle for delivering ESG commitments at scale.

Retailers are increasingly outperforming national brands in speed to market. Shorter decision chains and direct supplier relationships allow private labels to respond rapidly to trends such as plant based foods, protein forward diets, and global flavors.

Data Led Assortment Optimization

Advanced European grocers are using loyalty data and AI driven analytics to refine private label assortments by region, store format, and shopper mission—reducing duplication and improving productivity per SKU.

IN PRACTICE

Retailers increasingly use private label to pilot recyclable packaging and simplified ingredient lists before rolling them into national-brand negotiations.

www.globalretailmag.com

COVER STORY

How Global Retailers Are Building the Next Generation of Power Brands

Private label success increases complexity faster than it increases capability.”

Challenges That Require Attention Brand Fatigue in Mature Markets High penetration raises the risk of sameness. Without continued reinvestment in design, storytelling, and innovation, private labels can lose emotional resonance.

Supplier Relationships and Regulatory Pressure As private label grows, retailers must balance margin capture with healthy supplier ecosystems— particularly in Europe, where competition authorities are active.

Operational Complexity Managing global sourcing, quality control, and compliance across hundreds of private label SKUs demands industrial level capabilities.

RISK WATCH

Retailers expanding private label too aggressively without governance frameworks risk quality dilution and reputational damage.

A Strategic Playbook for Global Retailers 1

Think Like a Brand Owner

Design Matters

Build Tiered Clarity

Lead on Sustainability

Innovate with Discipline

Invest in long term brand equity, not just short term margin.

Packaging and visual identity are critical trust signals.

Make value, core, and premium roles unmistakable.

Use private label to demonstrate— not declare—progress.

Fewer, better launches outperform crowded assortments.

Conclusion:

Private Label as the Retailer’s Signature The most successful global grocers no longer ask whether private label should grow. They ask how it should lead. Private label has matured into a strategic signature—one that reflects the retailer’s values, standards, and ambition. As global grocery enters a period of slower growth and higher complexity, private label stands out as one of the few levers retailers fully control.

The next generation of grocery brands will be owned by retailers, not manufacturers.” 58

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Those who treat it accordingly will define the next generation of global grocery brands.

Supermercati & Specializzati

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bio bank digital reports your vision on organic Browse them online at issuu.com/biobank

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18a

COLUMN

WINNING WITH WINN-DIXIE At MBD, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Their successes feel personal, because we see ourselves as true partners in their journey. That shared sense of teamwork—and mutual respect—is especially evident in our relationship with "The Winn-Dixie Company" Just a few years ago, The Winn-Dixie Company engaged MBD to serve as the lead design agency and packaging partner for its private brand program. Fast forward to 2026, and the journey has become one of the most rewarding experiences of our careers. Has there been change along the way? Absolutely. But as strategists, problem solvers, and decision makers, we’ve always embraced every opportunity with the same mindset: bring it on. In January of this year, the parent company of Winn-Dixie began its next chapter as The Winn-Dixie Company, reaffirming a legacy more than a century in the making. Let’s take a look at the history of the Winn-Dixie brand.

With more than 100 years in business, the grocer’s history includes several name and brand evolutions. From Table Supply to Winn & Lovett to the name we all know and love, Winn-Dixie. Since the Winn-Dixie name debuted 70 years ago, its brand has continued to evolve—shaped by its customers, its communities and the incredible people behind the name.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

The Big Announcement Press Release Jan. 21, 2026 Southeastern Grocers officially became The Winn-Dixie Company in January, boldly presenting its rebrand and uniting under the name generations of families know and trust. It’s a bold next step for a century-old brand, focused on strengthening neighborhoods, delivering standout value and service and showing up for the communities that have long called Winn-Dixie their hometown grocer. As part of this transformation, the company is also introducing a refreshed Winn-Dixie brand, designed to feel more modern, confident and connected to the way families shop today.

MARIA DUBUC PRESIDENT MBD

Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company, said, “This is a defining moment—more than a name change, it proudly declares who we are and where we’re headed. Winn-Dixie has been part of feeding families and enriching communities for generations. Becoming The Winn-Dixie Company brings a deeply rooted company name behind our shared purpose of empowering people to feed and enrich their communities. We’re investing with intention—opening new stores, refreshing existing ones and elevating the products our customers know and love—while maintaining our commitment to value and quality.” youtube.com/watch?si=1lfIZKsHGl4b9hmc&v=qRINYPKMbXo&feature=youtu.be

Developing the Brand, Together As "The Winn-Dixie Company" new landscape continues to take shape, our partnership with the private brand team grows stronger. Working side by side, we are shaping a cohesive brand strategy that spans the entire private brand portfolio—ensuring every touchpoint reflects clarity, consistency and purpose. Together, we’re not just building brands; we’re creating meaningful connections that support "The Winn-Dixie Company" vision for the future.

Launched as a “better for you” brand roughly a year before our involvement, Know & Love has continued to gain traction—becoming a familiar and trusted presence in "Winn-Dixie" stores. Through a close partnership, MBD and WinnDixie worked together to evolve the Know & Love brand—strengthening brand consistency and elevating its visual expression through custom product photography across 330+ SKUs to date. Brooke Rice, Vice President of Own Brands for The Winn-Dixie Company, said, “Know & Love represents the evolution of our Own Brand portfolio—vibrant, modern and rooted in transparency. By combining thoughtful design, neuroscience-backed packaging cues and a clear value proposition, we are proving that clean-label products can be both accessible and exciting while delivering stronger sales velocity and higher customer satisfaction. We are proud to see Know & Love resonate with shoppers while earning industry recognition for its innovation, and we are excited about the continued growth ahead as The Winn-Dixie Company moves forward with confidence and commitment in our second century.”

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About The Winn-Dixie Company

Fisherman’s Wharf MBD completed a new brand strategy for the redesigned Fisherman’s Wharf portfolio, setting the stage for continued growth and a more cohesive, future-focused brand experience. Account Manager Amy Saad noted, “Building on the original designs, MBD expanded and optimized the packaging across a full range of SKUs—refining callouts, usability cues, and photography to enhance shopability and reinforce freshness, quality, and regional relevance.”

The Winn-Dixie Company, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a trusted neighborhood grocer with deep roots across Florida and southern Georgia. Building on more than a century of legacy, the company is shaping the future of neighborhood grocery through continued store investments, innovative formats and a seamless omnichannel experience that delivers exceptional value both in stores and online. Guided by its purpose to feed and enrich the communities it serves, The WinnDixie Company is known for exceptional service and locally authentic stores. The grocer is committed to offering fresh, highquality products and meaningful value through its nationally recognized Winn-Dixie Rewards program. For more information and updates, visit WinnDixie.com and follow @WinnDixie on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Winn-Dixie Founded in 1925, Winn-Dixie is a trusted neighborhood grocer serving communities across Florida and southern Georgia. A subsidiary of The Winn-Dixie Company, Winn-Dixie operates locally authentic neighborhood grocery and liquor stores, complemented by convenient online grocery delivery. To learn more, visit WinnDixie.com.

The future is bright— and there’s plenty in store. As "The Winn-Dixie Company's" private brand portfolio continues to evolve, new ideas, fresh designs, and meaningful brand moments are on the horizon. Don’t miss upcoming issues of Global Retail Brands for a first look at what’s ahead for this standout retail program.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Maria Dubuc, President of MBD, leads an expert packaging and design agency known for bringing brands to life on shelf through bold creativity and data driven strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in retail and private brands, Maria translates brand vision into compelling, scalable design. MBD partners with top retailers to develop new brands, evolve existing portfolios, and create clarity across complex private brand programs—supporting portfolios ranging from 1,000 to more than 10,000 SKUs annually.

TAE SUNG PARK DIRECTOR WHITECAT NORTH AMERICA

COLUMN

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSUMERS IS ALREADY HERE. Is Retail Ready?

Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha now make up 58% of the U.S. population and hold more than 50% of the earnings share. This has a significant and growing impact on the products they buy — both in-store and online.

So why are grocers and retailers still stocking 80–90% of their laundry care and home care shelf space with products born in the ’40s and ’80s? • Tide® powder was launched in 1946

These next-generation consumers aren't interested in their parents’ products. They are digital natives, raised in an environment of rapid innovation, surrounded by powerful, compact devices and integrated solutions. They seek more natural, sleek, concentrated, powerful, ethical, and sustainable products — think Amazon “Light and Compact.”

Why are traditional retailers’ stores and websites predominantly filled with liquid and powder products? Are promotion budgets, marketing expenses, listing fees, and stocking fees more important than share of wallet and basket size? It comes as no surprise that Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha are turning to alternative channels — Amazon, TikTok, Instagram — to make different purchasing decisions.

• Where are the innovative products?

Labor / Earnings Share (who produces GDP)

Only working-age generations contribute meaningfully here. Gen Alpha and most of Gen Z are too young, and Boomers are largely retired.

Share of Workforce / Earnings by Generation (2025) Millennials (ages 29–44)

35%

Gen X (ages 45–60)

33%

Gen Z (ages 13–28) working portion

16%

Baby Boomers (ages 61–79) still working 14% Gen Alpha/Silent Generation:

US Population Breakdown by Generation (2025) Based on US Census Bureau data: YEARS

• Can we do better for our customers and our environment?

• Who are the companies investing in “old, boring” laundry care and home care categories?

• Tide® Liquid was launched in 1984

This ethos influences their daily consumer decisions, from protein bars and fragrances to foods and home care products. The ingredients and chemicals they put into their bodies and environment matter greatly to them.

As a retail leader, these are the questions we need to be asking:

AGES (2025) POPULATION SHARE

Gen Alpha

2013–present 0–12

51M

15%

Gen Z

1997–2012

13–28

71M

21%

Millennials

1981–1996

29–44

74M

22%

Gen X

1965–1980

45–60

65M

19%

Baby Boomers

1946–1964

61–79

64M

19%

Silent Generation 1928–1945

80–97

16M

Total US population: 341 million

Consumer Spending (70% of US GDP) Consumer spending is the single biggest GDP driver. GENERATION

CONSUMER SPENDING SHARE

Gen X

28%

Millennials

27%

Baby Boomers

22%

Gen Z

13%

Silent Gen / Alpha

10%

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COLUMN

IT'S NOT THE STRONGEST WHO SURVIVE, BUT THOSE WHO ADAPT BEST The Store Is Not Dead, The Consumer Has Reinvented It Today’s consumer buys where it’s convenient, picks up where it’s fast, and visits stores where it adds value. That is not a rejection of the physical store, but a redefinition of its role. Those who understand this see that brick-and-mortar stores are not disappearing; they are evolving. Walk down any shopping street and you can feel the tension of our time. Vacant units next to bustling stores. Retailers struggling for relevance alongside brands that are clearly thriving. Often this story is told from the retailer’s point of view: costs, margins, staff shortages, online competition. But what about the perspective of the consumer? That consumer is not anti-store. On the contrary. They have simply become radically pragmatic. The modern consumer wants convenience without friction. They research online, compare prices on their phone, expect real-time stock information and then choose the channel that suits them best at that moment. Sometimes that’s home delivery. Sometimes it’s in-store pickup. And sometimes it’s a physical visit; not to grab something quickly off a shelf, but to touch, experience, get inspired, or simply because it feels good to be somewhere.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

For the consumer, the distinction between online and offline has long since disappeared. There is only one thing left: the product. And that brand must be relevant at every moment.

From Store to Logistics Hub Seen from this consumer behavior, it makes perfect sense that physical stores are increasingly functioning as logistics hubs. Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS), same-day pickup and ship-fromstore fit seamlessly with the desire for speed and control. Picking up an order feels more reliable than waiting for a delivery and offers flexibility: ordered today, in hand today. For retailers, this means the store is no longer the endpoint, but a node in a wider network. The backroom turns into a micro-fulfilment centre. Inventory management

becomes real-time. Store associates take on logistical tasks alongside their commercial roles. For those who haven’t yet, this requires investment and organizational change, but it delivers clear benefits: lower last-mile costs, faster fulfilment, and additional customer touchpoints. The store becomes relevant again, not despite e-commerce, but because of it.

Experience as a Reason For Being But logistics alone are not enough. When a consumer does decide to walk into a store, they expect more than a transaction. They expect meaning. And that is where the physical store regains its distinctive power: in experience. In human interaction. In sensory engagement. In service that cannot be automated.

HANS KRAAK PRINCIPAL KRAAK MEDIA

Choosing a Direction is No Longer Optional

Successful brick-and-mortar stores are evolving into brand destinations, and why not in private label destinations. They tell stories, inspire, host events, demonstrations or personalised services. The purchase itself may well happen online later, but the emotional connection is created in the store. If so, not every square metre has to be optimised for immediate sales. Sometimes an experience, a conversation or a memory is more valuable than instant conversion. The store becomes a marketing channel, a community space and a physical extension of the brand.

The Store Floor as a Media Channel Another development is now accelerating, still relatively young, but gaining momentum fast: retail media. What has long been standard online is moving into physical space. Digital screens, dynamic content and data-driven

targeting are turning the shop floor into a media platform. For producers and suppliers, the physical store is a highly relevant advertising channel: right in front of the shelf, at the moment of decision. For retailers, this opens up new revenue streams beyond product margins. The store becomes not just a place where products are sold, but where private label brands can be communicated. It adds complexity to the retailer’s role, but also power: it is no longer just managing square metres, but attention.

Taken together, one conclusion is hard to ignore: the physical store has a future, but not by default. That future requires choices. It means letting go of the idea that stores exist primarily to sell products, and embracing a broader role instead, as logistics hubs, experience spaces and media platforms at the same time. Retailers who continue to try to optimize the old model, more space, more stock, more transactions, are fighting the current. Retailers who start from the consumer and take their behaviour seriously are building stores that truly fit the world we live in today. So the shopping street is not dead. It is in transition. And as always, it’s not the strongest who survive, but those who adapt best.

Hans Kraak Hans Kraak is educated in biology and journalism and has written four books on nutrition and health. He worked for the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. As editor in chief he publishes in the Dutch Magazine for Nutrition and Dietetics, as a food and wine writer he published in Meininger’s Wine Business International and reports for PLMA Live EU and PLMA USA.

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OLIVE OIL IN 2026: Global Trade Enters a New Cycle, Customer Demand will set the Rules If the last two years taught the olive oil global industry to expect disruption, 2026 is shaping up to be something different: a year of recalibration. Not a return to “normal,” but a reset in global dynamics, rewarding retailers who treat olive oil not as a commodity line item, but as a strategic, originled portfolio. What’s changed most is not supply or price, but the customer. In 2026, demand, especially among Gen Z, will increasingly define what “quality” means on the shelf. This generation rejects vague storytelling and implied claims. They want to know where a product comes from. As a result, retailers and brands that clearly communicate a product's origin will gain a competitive advantage over those with opaque supply chains or labels that are unclear and misleading. At the same time, while consumer expectations shift, the supply chain becomes more complex. Early 2026 negotiations are opening in a different market: supply is no longer uniformly tight, prices are correcting, and competition among different producing countries is intensifying . This is the year to refine buying strategies around segmentation, resiliency, and verifiable provenance. Shoppers will reward what can be proven, not just what can be priced. Prices are easing, but not evenly. A two-speed sourcing strategy is therefore required. Spain and Italy are leading the correction in Europe, with prices down by up to 20% in some regions compared to the highs of the past two years.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

However, the correction is inconsistent across all categories. Authentic, certified oils such as PDO (DOP), PGI (IGP), and higherquality products have been more resilient, reinforcing a simple commercial truth: when markets reset, strong identities hold value. Italy remains a cornerstone of the sector, serving as both a global industry hub (hosting leading international brands and export platforms) and a premium origin for high-quality oils. Even with the 2025/2026 crop recovering to nearly 300,000 metric tons, the market continues to absorb more than it exports, leaving Italy structurally a net importer. On the shelf, “Italy” signals not only agricultural origin but also a reputation for quality, underpinned by a powerful industrial ecosystem: milling, storage, bottling, branding, trading, and export networks. That creates a commercial opportunity and an equally important duty: when consumers ask “Where is it from?”, the answer must be precise, and labels should communicate a clear, credible story.

Mediterranean competition is intensifying: beyond Spain, the world’s leading producer, other origins are gaining momentum, with new and expanding players investing in capacity, reputation, and global shelf presence. Late-2025 indicators point to a broadly stable but uneven production outlook. Spain is projected at around 1.37 million metric tons, potentially lower than expected due to an unusually intense and persistent rainy period late in the harvest. Tunisia is estimated at 450,000– 500,000 metric tons, while Turkey has emerged as a surprise, at roughly 505,000 metric tons and potentially greater export availability, though this will depend on evolving export rules. For retailers and brands, this scenario could open new opportunities to broaden portfolios and introduce customers to additional origins alongside established market favorites.

GIOVANNI QUARATESI HEAD OF CORPORATE GLOBAL AFFAIRS

CERTIFIED ORIGINS

As competition and trade friction increase, value protection will not come from louder claims, but from measurable verification. Italy has long treated traceability as a cornerstone, and other major origins, such as Spain, are moving toward tighter controls.

But diversification only wins if the shelf stays legible: the “why” behind each SKU - profile, usage, quality standard, and verifiable provenance, must be communicated with discipline, especially as younger shoppers scrutinize claims more actively. Diversification is only effective if the product display remains clear. The core details for each SKU, its profile, intended usage, quality standard, and verifiable provenance—must be clearly and consistently communicated, particularly as younger consumers increasingly demand scrutiny of product claims. In 2026, trade policy is officially a major sourcing variable and business risk. The US remains a critical destination for olive oil, but the year begins under tariff pressure and tense trade negotiations, affecting businesses and end customers alike. The US imposed a 15% import tax on goods from key EU origins and from Turkey, and up to 25% on imports from Tunisia. This kind of friction can slow category growth, complicate price ladders, and encourage short-term “race to the bottom” behavior, unless retailers counter with

clearer segmentation and stronger storytelling. At the same time, these dynamics are pushing producers and governments to accelerate diversification, exploring new outlets through trade negotiations and market development beyond the US. And yet: the US remains a longterm opportunity. Consumption has risen steadily, and the country is now one of the world’s largest olive oil markets. Many consumers still lack confidence in navigating quality and categories, and only a minority describe themselves as “very knowledgeable,” creating an opportunity for education-led growth. At the same time, US citizens are experiencing a renewed focus on healthier eating amid concerns about diet-related diseases and the effects of ultra-processed foods, reinforced by public health reports showing that a majority of calories come from ultra-processed sources. This is precisely the environment where olive oil’s value proposition can broaden, as long as it’s communicated clearly, accurately, and transparently.

In the U.S., that same push is accelerating: a bipartisan “Olive Oil Standards Act” has been introduced to establish the first federal standard of identity for olive oil, and trade bodies are also stepping up. NAOOA has launched an expanded retail testing initiative to help self-police authenticity and quality on-shelf. For global retailers, the advantage is clear: brands that can document origin, stand behind their labeling, and translate provenance into language that shoppers easily understand will outperform mass producers with supply chains that are harder to explain. In 2026, the winners will not be those who merely source cheaper oil. They will be those who source smarter, innovate, and align price strategy with segmentation and growth with trust. In a Gen Z-driven era of transparency, origin is not a romantic detail. It is the rulebook. Giovanni Quaratesi is Head of Corporate Global Affairs at Certified Origins, where he leads global communication strategies, stakeholder relations, and public outreach. With a deep commitment to food culture, innovation, and sustainability, he is a vocal ambassador for transparency and authenticity in the global food system. Whether representing Certified Origins at international forums or collaborating with public and private sectors, Giovanni champions initiatives that connect people to real food and support healthier choices.

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Quality Requires a Story

5 DESIGN STRATEGIES TO BOOST PRIVATE BRAND SALES

The economic fallout of recent years has reshaped consumer priorities, placing affordability and convenience above traditional brand loyalty. The pandemic accelerated shifts in shopping behavior, from supply chain disruptions to the rise of online retail. Years later, the retail sector continues to adapt, navigating inflation rates that remain at historic highs.

If You’re a Discount Brand, Breathe Discount

Amid these challenges, private brands are thriving. In 2025, private label sales in the U.S. surged to $250 billion, capturing over 23% of the consumer goods market. This growth, fueled by a pragmatic, value-seeking post-pandemic consumer, underscores a pivotal moment for private brands. Shoppers now trust private labels for their quality and value, with 81% choosing them for affordability and 63% for their perceived quality.

Think about how customers perceive value. Clean lines, straightforward typography, and a no-frills presentation can signal to shoppers that they are getting a good deal without sacrificing quality.

These favorable conditions present an unparalleled opportunity for private brands to enhance profitability and foster unique customer loyalty. By focusing on five key strategies—expressing affordability, showcasing quality, differentiating effectively, leveraging cohesive design systems, and amplifying visibility- private brands can seize this moment to drive growth and secure their place in the evolving market.

When you want to position a product as premium, you need to tell a compelling story. Shoppers are willing to pay more when they understand what makes a product special. Your packaging and marketing are the perfect canvases to demonstrate this value.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

For discount-oriented brands, the message of affordability must be clear and consistent across your entire product line. Your packaging is the first point of contact with the customer, and it needs to communicate value instantly. A bold, simple design approach often signals affordability effectively.

The key is to look the part. Your design shouldn’t compete with premium brands; it should proudly own its discount positioning.

Key Innovations for 2026: Sustainability Meets Affordability: Today’s value-conscious shoppers also care about sustainability. Highlight eco-friendly packaging or sustainable sourcing to appeal to this dual priority. ocalized Messaging: L Tailor your design and messaging to regional preferences, emphasizing local value and relevance.

There are several angles to build your quality narrative: •P rovenance: Highlight the origin story to connect customers to the product’s roots. • Ingredients: Showcase unique or high-quality components that set you apart. • Uniqueness: Whether it’s a special process or a unique flavor combination, put it front and center. By demonstrating quality through storytelling, you build an emotional connection and justify a higher price point.

Key Innovations for 2026: I nteractive Packaging: Incorporate AR (Augmented Reality) experiences that allow customers to explore the product’s story visually, such as virtual tours of ingredient origins or production processes. Sustainability as a Quality Marker: Highlight sustainable practices, such as ethical sourcing or carbon-neutral production, as part of your quality narrative.

REBECCA HAMILTON CEO FISH AGENCY

Differentiate or Die In a crowded marketplace, blending in is not an option. To succeed, your brand must have a distinct identity that customers can recognize and relate to. Being different isn’t just about having a unique logo; it’s about aligning your brand with a specific lifestyle, value, or trend. Consider a brand like Trader Joe’s, which has successfully positioned itself at the forefront of food fashion. They don’t just sell groceries; they sell an experience of culinary discovery and adventure. Your brand needs to find its own unique space in the market. Ask yourself: What do we stand for? Who are we for? Answering these questions is the first step toward creating a brand that customers choose over the competition.

Key Innovations for 2026: Cultural Relevance: Tap into cultural trends and movements, such as wellness, inclusivity, or plant-based living, to position your brand as a leader in these spaces. ommunity Building: C Foster a sense of belonging by creating communities around your brand, whether through social media groups, loyalty programs, or exclusive events. ollaborations: C Partner with influencers, artists, or other brands to create limited-edition products that generate buzz and exclusivity.

Design as a System A strong brand is cohesive. Designing as a system means creating a unified look and feel that extends across all your products, categories, and marketing channels. This doesn’t mean every package looks identical, but there should be a clear, recognizable design language that ties everything together. A design system includes consistent use of logos, color palettes, typography, and imagery. This creates a strong brand block on the shelf, making your products easy for shoppers to find. It also builds brand equity and trust over time. When customers can instantly recognize your products, they are more likely to try new items under your brand umbrella.

Key Innovations for 2026: Omnichannel Consistency: Ensure your design system translates seamlessly across in-store,e-commerce, and social media platforms. I-Driven Testing: A Use AI to test and optimize design elements for maximum impact across different channels and demographics.

Be Visible. Way More Visible. The consumer journey is not linear and can include social, web, e-commerce, mobile apps, printed flyer and printed signage to support the product on shelf. By expanding your brand’s presence, you create multiple touchpoints that reinforce your message and drive purchasing decisions.

Key Innovations for 2026: Connected Packaging 2.0: Leverage advanced technologies like NFC (Near Field Communication) tags to provide richer, more interactive experiences than traditional QR codes. Social Commerce: Invest in shoppable content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and emerging social media channels to drive impulse purchases. Retail Media Networks: Partner with major retailers’ media networks to amplify your brand’s presence on their digital platforms.

Conclusion The retail landscape is constantly changing, but these five strategies provide a solid foundation for growth. Whether you are a discount brand or a premium offering, a focused approach to branding, storytelling, and visibility can make all the difference. By telling a story, differentiating your brand, designing as a system, and boosting your visibility, you can effectively fuel sales and build a loyal customer base.

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DELAY IS STILL A DECISION Uncertainty is not new to retail or to suppliers. Retail has always been ambiguous. Markets shift. Shoppers change faster than plans. What is different now is how many supplier organizations are responding. Across the industry, decisions are being delayed. Investment is waiting on the next signal. Teams are holding for clarity that never quite arrives. What is framed as caution often becomes drift.

Delay has quietly become an operating posture. Inside organizations, the impact is real. Workforces shrink. Creativity narrows. Innovation slows. Energy fades. Leaders may call this discipline, but teams experience it as disengagement. Product pipelines thin. Processes turn defensive. Conversations focus more on explaining conditions than committing to action.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

To boards or investors, this restraint can look prudent. To retailers and wholesalers, it is often alarming. Retailers feel it immediately. Less selling energy. Fewer ideas brought forward with confidence. Weaker partnerships at the exact moment complexity is increasing. Shoppers feel it as well. Assortments flatten. Innovation loses momentum. Choice, flavor, and excitement diminish. The experience becomes transactional. When the upside disappears, it is noticeable. Retail has not stopped moving. Shelf space is still being earned and lost. Private brand strategies are still evolving. Shoppers are still deciding who matters every time they shop.

JILL DEARING FOUNDER & CEO DEARING & COMPANY

The questions leaders should be asking are simple. Are we clearer about our priorities than we were six months ago? Are we actively selling? Are we more visible to our retail partners? Are we making deliberate choices, even imperfect ones? If the honest answer is that you are waiting, holding, or delaying, that is not neutrality. It is a decision.

Uncertainty is real. So is certainty. The certainty that leadership is still required.

Delay does not pause those decisions. It simply removes suppliers from them.

But every experienced leader knows this. Clarity has never arrived in retail. Waiting for it has never been rewarded.

This is not a misunderstanding of the market. It is a disconnect from it.

Retailers are not looking for certainty. They are looking for partners who remain visible, dependable, and commercially engaged when conditions are unsettled. They value leaders who continue to sell, continue to decide, and continue to move.

There are fewer direct conversations with retailers. Less willingness to engage uncomfortable questions. Avoidance of the most basic ones. What are you doing now? What has changed? What is next? Suppliers are shoppers too. They see the same lack of energy when they shop for their own families. Yet many organizations retreat rather than respond. Capital pressure is real. Performance matters.

Private brands are not a place to hide. That belief belongs to a past version of the business. Private brand today is where growth is occurring, where innovation is taking root, and where new manufacturing partners are being discovered. Suppliers who treat it defensively are being left behind.

The certainty that selling still matters. The certainty that momentum does not come from waiting. Retail will continue to change. That has always been true. The question is whether you will continue to lead or continue to delay. Jill Dearing Jill Dearing is the founder of Dearing & Company, a senior advisory firm helping CEOs, boards, and investors unlock growth when decisions, structure, and momentum matter most. With more than 30 years of leadership across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and private brands, she brings C-suite-level judgment to complex growth and scale challenges.

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BROADWAY IS CALLING PRIVATE BRAND’S BIGGEST NAMES Private Brand is Entering a New Phase Retailers are under pressure to differentiate in ways that go beyond price. Margin pressure, supply chain complexity and increased consumer expectations are forcing retailers to take greater control of their brand identity. In this environment, Private Brand has moved from a supporting role to a strategic priority. In 2026, that shift will be reflected physically when the industry takes its place on two global stages. On May 7, Private Brand leaders will gather on Broadway at DRAMMA Times Square in New York City. On May 18, the conversation continues in Amsterdam at the historic TOBACCO Theater. Together, these events bring the global Private Brand community to the center of the creative and commercial conversation.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

A Signal of Industry Change The decision to bring Vertex Live to Broadway reflects the changing role of Private Brand inside modern retail. Taking Private Brand to Broadway is not about spectacle. It reflects its growing influence as both a commercial and creative force. Christopher Durham, Co-Founder of the Vertex Awards and President of the Velocity Institute, sees the move as a reflection of a broader industry shift. “Retailers are no longer just managing Private Brand. They are leading innovation through it. Bringing the industry to Broadway reflects that shift. Private Brand is now a primary growth engine, not a supporting strategy.” As retailers look for greater ownership over their customer relationships and brand voice, Private Brand sits at the center of that transformation.

Retailers are no longer just managing Private Brand. They are leading innovation through it. Bringing the industry to Broadway reflects that shift. Private Brand is now a primary growth engine, not a supporting strategy.”

From Margin Tool to Brand Platform Private Brand is no longer defined by cost savings alone. It now represents identity, innovation and customer connection. The retailers who are succeeding are those treating their brands as strategic assets rather than assortment fillers. Vertex Live is built around that shift.

CHRISTOPHER DURHAM PRESIDENT THE VELOCITY INSTITUTE

meaningful interaction among retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, agencies and solution partners.

The Next Chapter of Private Brand A Legacy of Global Leadership Over the past 13 years, the Vertex Awards have honored more than 100 of the world’s leading retailers for excellence in Private Brand package design and branding. Recognized retailers include Walmart, Tesco, Carrefour, Waitrose, Woolworths, Publix, CVS Health, Walgreens, Sainsbury’s, Jumbo, Albert Heijn, Ahold Delhaize, El Corte Inglés and others. Vertex Live builds on that legacy by bringing the leaders behind these award winning brands together to share the thinking, strategy and innovation driving their success. Phillip Russo, Co-Founder of the Vertex Awards and Publisher of Global Retail Brands magazine, believes the industry has reached an inflection point. “Private Brand is no longer simply about value. It is about brand building, design, innovation and leadership. Bringing the industry to Broadway is a signal of how far it has come and where it is going next.”

Access to Leadership Vertex Live is not built around passive attendance.

The evening brings together the executives responsible for building, scaling and leading some of the most influential retailer owned brands in the world. Rather than existing as a standalone ceremony, the program focuses on the ideas behind the work. Short leadership talks and open conversations allow award winning retailers to share the strategy, thinking and innovation behind their brands. The emphasis is not only on what was created, but how it was built. For organizations looking to grow their Private Brand business and connect directly with the decision makers shaping the future of retailer owned brands, this is where those conversations happen.

A Global Conversation The Amsterdam event extends the dialogue into Europe’s creative center. Held at the TOBACCO Theater, Vertex Live Amsterdam brings together leaders from across the region and beyond. A Michelin starred multi course dinner by Chef Dennis Huwaë will be served throughout the evening. Both events are structured to foster

As Retailer owned Brands continue to evolve into fully realized brand platforms, the industry is increasingly shaped by leadership, creativity and innovation. The leaders who define the next era of Private Brand will be in the room. If you want exclusive access to the executives and visionaries shaping the future of Private Brand, Vertex Live is your only opportunity this year to be in the room where strategies are revealed, partnerships are formed, and actionable insights are shared. Attendees will leave with forwardthinking ideas, valuable new contacts, and a competitive edge for the year ahead. Vertex Live 2026 is where the next phase of Private Brand will take shape. Secure your ticket now at www.vertexawards.org, space is limited, and these events will sell out. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most influential Private Brand events of the year.

VERTEX AWARDS

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CHINESE PRIVATE LABEL SECTOR REMAINS POISED FOR GROWTH The Chinese private-label sector is steadily developing as demand for domestic brands in the local market grows. The recent trade tensions between the US and China and the overall decline of the US imports to China, have led to a switch of many of Chinese customers to domestic goods, including private labels. For many local customers, buying imported products is no longer a priority, a significant portion of them have started to give a preference to affordable domestic products of good quality, in place of branded Western products. According to The China Brand Building Promotion Association, sales of private label brands in China in 2025 exceeded 380 billion yuan, a yearon-year increase of 17%. Their share is currently estimated at 9.2% of the overall retail scale in the country. Most of local analysts expect the industry will continue its growth in 2026, while its dynamics is expected to be even better those in previous years.

In fact, the development of private label brands in China began during the 1990s. In 1995, French Carrefour entered China, opening its first hypermarket in Beijing; in 1996. Also the US Walmart expanded into the Chinese market by opening its first Walmart Supercenter in Shenzhen. In addition to global majors, in recent years a number of strong domestic players have been established. Among them are mainly Yonghui and Hongqi Chain, both of which have achieved a private label brand penetration rate of over 40%. The companies plan a further expansion of their own range in years to come, as the demand for their products among the local customers remains strong. In regard of further expansion, recently Yonghui Superstores (which is a major Chinese supermarket chain known for fresh food and expanding into new retail formats) announced its plans to develop 500 private-label products within five years. As the company announced during the New Product Launch Conference last October, for 2025 it planned to launch 60 private label products. Furthermore, Yonghui CEO Wang Shoucheng also proposed a goal of achieving 100

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

"billion-yuan-level single products" within three years. According to him, future adjustments will focus on "people" and "products," moving from high-quality horizontal adjustments to refined and indepth upgrades». The potential expansion is expected to be considered by other major players, including Hema and Aldi, which have already increased the proportion of their private-label sales to over 30%. As a rule, leading local players use their own development strategies to increase their presence. For example, Yonghui has reduced intermediary costs by directly connecting with factories, reducing prices of best-selling categories such as milk and paper towels to 70%-80% of the market average. Hema, on the other hand, relies on digital systems to analyze consumer data and has developed blockbuster products such as lime juice and Swiss rolls, with annual sales of single categories exceeding 1 billion yuan. These strategies contribute to the overall growth of demand for private labels in China. Data of the China’s Brand Building Promotion Association - the

EUGENE GERDEN FREELANCE JOURNALIST

Chinese public association, which specializes on brands’ promotion and development - shows that in 2025, the sales growth of private label brands in China reached 12.9%, while manufacturer brands grew only 0.1% during the same period. Leading local players constantly monitor the latest trends in the consumer market, which contributes to the rise of their competitiveness. Nielsen IQ research shows that “56% of Chinese consumers' core demand for private label brands is "cost-effectiveness," and the average price of private label brands in modern channels nationwide is 16% lower than that of manufacturer brands. This situation is beginning to force retailers to break through the traditional "rent-collecting" profit model.

The research also shows that 77% of Chinese consumers usually choose familiar brands when shopping. That means their generally high brand loyalty and the level of trust in local retailers. In order to avoid trust deficit and to attract additional customers many of leading local retail companies take additional measures to achieve these goals. For example, Pang Donglai, a leading Chinese retail corporation is closely monitoring the entire production process, providing information about it to domestic customers. According to the company, for its private label baked goods, from flour selection to baking process parameters, standards are jointly set by the company and suppliers, and a quality inspection team is constantly presented at the factory to monitor progress, ultimately achieving a single-item repurchase rate of over 60%. Analysts believe the lack of innovations currently remains one of the major problems of the Chinese private label sector, which prevents its more active growth. Statistics show that from 2022 to 2025, the average number of private-label products developed

per retailer increased from 83 to 142 per year. However, most of these changes only involved adjusting flavors or specifications, lacking differentiated innovation. Despite this, analysts predict bright prospects for the Chinese private label sector in years to come. According to the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, privatelabel retail sales in China are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 15% over the next five years. Since the present the share of private-label retail sales in China is significantly lower those in Europe and the United States, the upside growth potential is substantial as evidenced by the continuing effort of global retailers to develop this market.

Eugnen Gerden is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of international topics, from commerce to chemistry and from wine to aviation. He has contributed to many publications, including Decanter, International Aviation News, Chemistry World and The Journal of Commerce. For Decanter, he has covered several stories on wine markets and production in Russia, Georgia and Bulgaria. gerden.eug@gmail.com

For example, Yonghui reduces intermediate costs by directly connecting with factories, compressing the prices of highfrequency categories such as milk and paper towels to 70%-80% of the market average price; Hema relies on digital systems to analyze consumer data and develop blockbuster products such as lime juice and Swiss rolls, with annual sales of single categories exceeding 1 billion yuan.”

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T R A D E FA I R S

MARCA BY BOLOGNAFIERE & ADM 2026 Record Number of Visitors for the 22nd Edition of the Trade Fair Celebrating the Complete Private Label Ecosystem Sold-out exhibition space and +9% visitors for the BolognaFiere & ADM event, confirming the strategic role of Private Label: over 30% market share, tangible support for the purchasing power of Italian households, and added value generated equal to 10% of Italian GDP. The 22nd edition of MARCA by BolognaFiere closed with record-breaking figures: 25,070 professional visitors over the two days of the event, up 9% compared to 2025. A result that marks an all-time high for the trade fair and confirms the central role of the platform within the Italian and European FMCG landscape.

The BolognaFiere halls were sold out (+19% exhibition space), with 1,540 Private Label partner exhibiting companies (+18%), 110 international exhibitors (+25%), 28 DMO retail brands (+4) present with their own stands, more than 5,000 highly qualified buyers, and over 300 strategic buyers from 30 foreign countries.

A unique format in the interna-

tional trade fair panorama: MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM is the only event where retailers and manufacturers exhibit within a collaborative framework, covering the entire Private Label value chain. MARCA Food and MARCA Non-Food for core categories; MARCA Fresh, which in the 2026 edition doubled its exhibition space

to 2,500 square metres with over 80 companies, confirming Italian excellence in fresh products; MARCA Tech, focusing on the upstream supply chain with packaging, logistics and retail services.

A high-profile conference

program featuring institutional sessions and roundtables dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and market scenarios, with leading players in the sector. The opening conference, “Building Trust: the Role of Modern Distribution and Private Label,” featuring the presentation of the 2026 Position Paper prepared by TEHA for ADM – Italian Association of Modern Distribution, certified the role of Private Label as a € 31.5 billion economic pillar, capable of combining the trust of 9 out of 10 Italians with value creation, employment, and innovation throughout the Made in Italy supply chain. The “22nd Marca Report in collaboration with Circana” confirmed that Private Label had surpassed the 30% market share threshold, highlighting how Private Label has become a strategic asset, no longer driven solely by savings but by consolidated leadership across more than 160 categories and innovation focused on the premium and wellness segments.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

together with over 300 products shortlisted for the MARCA Awards. Prestigious recognitions that rewarded excellence in two categories: Best Innovation Product, dedicated to the most advanced solutions in 5 categories representing the main growth drivers of Private Label, and Best Copacker Profile, recognizing the industrial reliability of manufacturing partners across 9 product categories.

The Non-Food Observatory, curated for MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM and by GS1 Italy, completed the picture with an analysis of 13 non-food categories, portraying a sector in which Private Label is redefining standards and anticipating consumer trends. Noteworthy was the participation of CONAI - Italian Packaging Consortium, which, through the conference “Companies and DMO: new challenges and responsibilities towards the PPWR,” placed the new European Packaging Regulation at the center of the debate and offered operators practical tools to address regulatory compliance challenges.

Innovation, finally, found its highest expression in the new MARCA Trend concept, the observatory that hosted the innovation showcases of the 28 retail brands,

The growing international outlook of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM was confirmed by the International Buyers Program, carried out in collaboration with ICE Agency: the day of January 13, dedicated exclusively to business matching, facilitated highly effective meetings between international buyers and exhibitors ahead of the official opening. The figures confirm the program’s success: +7% VIP international buyers, +7% exhibitors active on the B2B matching platform, +13% meetings organized. “The 22nd edition of MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM closes with results beyond expectations and an increasingly clear direction,” comments Rossano Bozzi, Director of the BolognaFiere Business Unit. “We have Confirmed MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM as a system platform for Private Label: an ecosystem where industry and distribution engage in dialogue,

innovate, and generate value throughout the entire supply chain. The quality of meetings, international participation and the dynamism of exhibitors testify to the centrality of Private Label, which today represents one of the strategic engines both in the agrifood sector and in Italian non-food, capable of combining competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and attention to the consumer. This success is the result of a mature and collaborative community, and of the partnership with ADM, which strengthens the positioning of the event as a leading reference point in Europe.”

“Over 25,000 operators from the

agri-food production, processing industry, and distribution took part in MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM 2026, confirming the relevance achieved by Private Label products in our “The economy,” underlines Mauro Luse, President of ADM. “I thank the exhibitors and the BolognaFiere organization, who built this success together with ADM. I also thank the representatives of the Government and Institutions who attended MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM, demonstrating their support for a sector that is growing, including in international markets. I am confident that the momentum of Private Label products and the companies in their supply chains will continue in 2026, and I invite everyone to join us next January to meet again.”

marcabybolognafiere.com

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T R A D E FA I R S

COSMOPROF WORLDWIDE BOLOGNA The Global Hub of the Beauty Industry 15 – 17 MARCH 2026 BOLOGNA, ITALY Founded in Bologna over fifty years ago and now widely recognized as the global hub of the beauty industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna prepares to host its 57th edition, taking place from March 26 to 29, 2026, reaffirming its role as a strategic platform where the entire international cosmetics supply chain comes together. With more than 250,000 expected visitors and over 3,000 exhibitors from 64 countries representing more than 10,000 brands, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2026 is completely sold out. The share of new exhibitors — accounting for 37% of the total — confirms the exhibition’s strong ability to attract new players and investments. The event’s international profile remains robust and well balanced: 56% of exhibitors come from European countries, 20% from Italy, and 44% from non-European markets, reinforcing Cosmoprof’s role as a truly global business platform. 32 country pavilions will be featured, organized in collaboration with government institutions, local chambers of commerce, and international partners.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

Internationalization as a Strategic Foundation For Cosmoprof, internationalization is the result of a structured and continuous process built on long-standing partnerships, market insight, and strategic planning. With the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, the event will once again host highly qualified delegations from North America, the Middle East and Gulf region, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, strengthening global dialogue between supply and demand.

Cosmetica Italia – the personal

care association, a longstanding partner of the event, also supports the business activities of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2026. “Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna continues to represent a privileged meeting point for the entire industry and a key showcase for Italian cosmetics, recognized for their outstanding quality, authentic style, and strong creative identity,” said Benedetto Lavino, President of Cosmetica Italia. “The sector, together with its supply chain, generates more than €41 billion in value and identifies internationalization, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable production as the main drivers of growth for 2026.”

Business Services And A Visitor-Centric Experience Exhibition performance is also reflected in strong attendance indicators and growing international interest. The Cosmoprof website has recorded a significant increase in new leads, with notable growth from North America (+28%), Europe (+11%), the Middle East (+23%), Asia (+53%), and Africa (+12%). Online ticketing, active since November, shows a highly positive trend, with registered visitors already representing more than 150 countries. The matchmaking system involving buyers from 94 countries remains one of the event’s key business drivers, supported by advanced digital solutions such as Cosmoprof My Match— an exclusive platform enabling industry professionals to schedule business meetings directly at the exhibition — and by a dedicated onsite team. Buyer Lounges located in Halls 14 and 36 provide strategic hospitality services, offering reserved spaces designed for premium, prestige, and mass market channels.

Cosmopack, a cornerstone of the

international supply chain, will host more than 600 companies from 37 countries. The exhibition will occupy Hall 19, featuring a strengthened machinery sector — with over 90 companies — and new players active in robotics, digital services, and logistics, alongside supply chain companies from the national pavilions of Korea, India, and Poland. Hall 20 will host the Fragrances & Ingredients Zone, a strategic hub dedicated to ingredients and fragrances for the cosmetics industry, fostering dialogue between research, formulation, contract manufacturers, and brand vision.

www.cosmoprof.com/en/

THE SOLUTIONS BEHIND EVERY BEAUTY PRODUCT

LA FIERA LEADER MONDIALE DEDICATA ALLA FILIERA PRODUTTIVA DELLA COSMETICA IN TUTTE LE SUE COMPONENTI: INGREDIENTS & RAW MATERIALS, PRIVATE LABEL & CONTRACT MANUFACTURING, MACHINERY, PACKAGING. Un evento di

In collaborazione con

BOLOGNA QUARTIERE FIERISTICO 26 – 28 MARZO 2026

Con il supporto di

COSMOPROF.COM Organizzato da BolognaFiere Cosmoprof S.p.a. info@cosmoprof.it

A new world for beauty Bologna, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Mumbai, Bangkok, Miami

T R A D E FA I R S

TUTTOFOOD 2026 INTRODUCES GLOBAL MARKET Against this backdrop, TUTTOFOOD TALKS 2026 is introducing a new initiative A Targeted Networking Format Connecting Food Professionals with New Growth Markets 11-14 MAY 2026 MILANO, ITALY Following a record-breaking 2025 edition, TUTTOFOOD Milano 2026 (May 11–14) is further strengthening its positioning as a global food sourcing platform, connecting Europe and international markets within a structured business environment. The scale of the show reflects this ambition: more than 5,000 exhibiting companies are expected, 30% of them from over 100 countries, alongside 100,000 professional visitors and more than 3,000 top buyers worldwide. A significant share of exhibitors already operate as co-packers and Private Label manufacturers in their domestic markets, many at an established industrial level.

Market Intelligence at Center Stage In a retail landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment, as well as accelerating Private Label penetration, sourcing decisions are increasingly strategic. Retailers are redefining assortment architectures, while manufacturers are looking for stable cross-border partnerships to optimize capacity and margins. Access to reliable international market intelligence has therefore become essential.

GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

designed to foster structured international dialogue: Global Market Talks. The format dedicates one full day of the show (the second day, Tuesday, May 12) to focused, high-level sessions addressing key international markets and strategic retail channels. Each talk will consist of a 20-minute expert presentation followed by 30 minutes of curated networking, allowing direct interaction between senior buyers, international exhibitors and industry analysts. Attendance will be limited to approximately 40–50 participants per session to ensure a business-oriented environment and meaningful exchange.

The Panelists Global Market Talks will bring together representatives from leading international trade media and research platforms to provide data-driven insights into production trends, consumer dynamics and category development across major geographies. Among the international trade media invited are LSA (France), Alimarket (Spain), GDOnews (Italy) and Global Retail Brands (US), while others will be announced soon.

Focus on Private Label Beyond country-specific market analysis, the program will feature a dedicated session on the global evolution of Private Label. The discussion will explore how retailers are repositioning store brands across premium, value and emerging categories, while reviewing supplier collaboration models, sourcing strategies and selected case studies. In a context of margin pressure and pricing volatility, the focus will be on practical levers to strengthen competitiveness.

Each session will open with a concise macro overview prepared in collaboration with Cibus Link, covering import-export flows and key retail indicators before moving into operational insights and category-level analysis. “Retailers and manufacturers are no longer competing solely within national boundaries,” says Alice Andrei, Marketing Manager at TUTTOFOOD. “It’s no coincidence that buyers coming to TUTTOFOOD often identify potential co-packing partners among our thousands of exhibitors. With Global Market Talks, we want to move beyond traditional event formats and offer a truly relevant opportunity to combine targeted networking with precise, tailored content on international markets.” Global Market Talks is part of the broader “TUTTOFOOD Goes Global” strategy, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as one of Europe’s most comprehensive platforms for international food sourcing and Private Label development.

www.tuttofood.it/en

ADVERTISING INDEX I NEXT ISSUE

Certified Origins – 31 CHT Group – 33 Cosmoprof/Cosmopack Worldwide Bologna – 79 Cosmoprof Las Vegas - 45 Global Tissue Group - 2 & 3, Back Cover La Doria S.p.A - 35 LeBonta srl – 6 & 7 Lucart S.p.A – 21 & 37 Marca by Bolognafiere – 16 & 17 MBD (Marketing by Design) – 13 PLMA’S World of Private Label– 9

EUROPE Ms. Luisa Colombo Global Retail Brands Via F.Baracca nr.4/9 40033 Casalecchio di Reno Bologna, ITALY luisa@globalretailmag.com Ms. Ana Maria Jimenez Aguilar Business Development ana@globalretailmag.com Ms. Sabine Geissler Italy / Germany Greentaste.it s.geissler@greentaste.it Mr. Jacco van Laar Brand Ambassador jacco@globalretailmag.com

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AMERICAS, ASIA, AUSTRALIA, AFRICA Mr. Phillip Russo Global Retail Brands magazine 240 Central Park South, Suite 9G New York, NY 10019 USA Tel. +1 917 743 6711 phillip@globalretailmag.com

Whitecat Co. Ltd - 43

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Seneca Foods – 11 Tuttofood Milano – 81 Valsa Group – 41

Next Issues... MAY 2026 PLMA Amsterdam AD CLOSE: 7 April OCTOBER 2026 SIAL Issue AD CLOSE: 1 September

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GLOBAL RETAIL BRANDS / MARCH 2026

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