Carrefour Announces 100% Recyclable, Reusable Or Compostable Packaging Goal May 31, 2018: 12:00 AM EST French supermarket chain Carrefour is aiming for own-brand packaging that is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, and to stop using non-recyclable packaging for organic fruit and vegetables by the end of this year, as well as ending the sale of plastic straws. By 2022, it intends to use 50% recycled plastics in bottles for its juice, soda and water products. The announcement coincides with a European Commission announcement to ban single-use plastics like straws and drink stirrers in the European Union. Plans also cover plastic cutlery and cotton buds, and by 2025 EU states will be expected to collect 90% of single-use plastic beverage bottles.[Image Credit: © annca] "Carrefour own-brand products to have fully recyclable packaging", FoodBev , May 31, 2018, © FoodBev Media Ltd.

Domains Private Label Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe France

Target Launches Good Chemistry Brand Of Fragrances January 18, 2018: 12:00 AM EST Target said it plans to launch Good Chemistry, the retailer's first exclusive fragrance brand. According to the company, the brand includes four collections it says are inspired by different personalities: Confident and Charming, Good and Grounded, Vibrant and Playful, and Cool and Collected. Featuring paraben-free scents, the vegan fragrances are made with essential oils and will be available at all Target branches from January 21, 2018. "Say Hello to Good Chemistry, Target’s First Exclusive Fragrance Brand", Target, January 18, 2018, © Target Brands, Inc.

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Lidl Launches Line Of Skincare Products In UK January 18, 2018: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl has launched the Cien Cellular Beauty line of skincare products in the UK. With an affordable price of ₤15, the products contain ingredients similar to those used in the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream, which cost almost ₤500. With every product costing ₤3.49, the range includes a day cream, night cream, and serum. Anna Johnstone, "Lidl are launching a £3.49 cellular beauty cream – and it costs £490 less than La Prairie’s version", The Sun, January 18, 2018, © News Group Newspapers Limited

Domains Private Label Brands Marketing & Advertising Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Wal-Mart Aims For High-End Market With Jet.com September 28, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is repositioning its Jet ecommerce unit toward the high-end market, as part of the retailer's efforts to compete with online rival Amazon. Acquired by Wal-Mart for $3.3 billion in 2016, Jet plans to sell apparel from online retailers bought by the retail giant in the previous year. Also, Jet plans to introduce a new line of private-label food and grocery items. Sarah Nassauer, "Wal-Mart Tries to Take Jet.com Upscale", The Wall Street Journal, September 28, 2017, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains Private Label Marketing & Advertising Retailers Strategy Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Discount Retailers Aldi And Lidl Have US Retailers Against The Ropes September 27, 2017: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailers Lidl and Aldi are expected to grow faster than their local competitors in the US market. By offering limited variety of products at very low prices, Lidl and Aldi are winning a price war and expanding their shares of the retail market. Operating in the US since the 1970s, Aldi has 1,700 stores across the country, while Lidl began its expansion in the East Coast in June, and opened its 30th store in September 2017. Also, by offering private-brand products, the German retailers can offer discounts ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent, compared with their rivals. Alina Selyukh, "Discount Grocers Aldi And Lidl Give U.S. Stores A Run For Their Money", National Public Radio, September 27, 2017, © npr

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Israeli Supermarket Chain To Compete With Coca-Cola August 28, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Israeli supermarket chain Super-Sol has begun selling a house-brand cola in bottles whose labeling mimics Coca-Cola’s white-lettering-on-red-background. The beverage, available in regular and low-calorie versions, is bottled in Turkey by a Japanese company (DyDo). Super-Sol is not afraid of competing on price with national brands in the country, but tackling Coca-Cola is a different ballgame. Coca-Cola bottler Central Bottling Company controls 90 percent of the $450 million cola beverage market in Israel. Super-Sol’s online price for its cola is 4.30 shekels ($1.20) for a 1.5-liter bottle, about the same as Pepsi and RC. The same size Coke is 6.20 shekels. Adi Dovrat-Meseritz, "Will This Israeli Grocery Chain Break Coca-Cola's Stronghold on the Israeli Soda Market?", Haaretz, August 28, 2017, © Haaretz Daily Newspaper Ltd.

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Growth Of In-House Brands Squeezes Big Food July 19, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Supermarket private label brands in the U.S. historically have not been as important as in European countries. Private label accounted for 17 percent of U.S. sales last year, less than half their share in the U.K. and Germany. But supermarket shoppers are increasingly switching to generic brands, and big food companies are beginning to feel the pinch. Retailers like Walmart are already seeing a rise in sales of their own brands. As retailers allot greater shelf space for their own items, traditional manufacturer brands will see sales volumes decline. And retailers in a fierce competitive environment can point to the growth of their in-house brands to coerce suppliers to cut prices. [Image Credit: © Walmart ] Stephen Wilmot, "Big Food’s Next Big Problem: Supermarket Brands", The Wall Street Journal, July 19, 2017, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains Private Label Market News Products & Pricing Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom Germany

Procter & Gamble Sues Ranir For Alleged Patent Infringement March 20, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble Co. filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Ranir has infringed on its patented tooth-whitening strips technology. According to P&G, Ranir manufactures its own version of the company's tooth-whitening products and sell them through Walmart, Kroger, and maybe other retailers. P&G's lawsuit focuses on Ranir products packaged for sale under many store brands, such as Kroger's private label and the Equate private-label brand in Walmart stores. Barrett J. Brunsman , "P&G sues competitor for ‘flagrant act of piracy’", Cincinnati Business Courier, March 20, 2017, © American City Business Journals

Domains Private Label Brands Policy & Regulation Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Beauty Brands Find Risk and Reward In Selling At Sephora January 8, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Sephora now has more than 2,300 stores worldwide and some beauty brands are increasingly finding the store challenging to deal with. The store, which is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, seems to favor LVMH brands, and also has a growing line of private label products that can give it an advantage. An assessment by The Wall Street Journal found that in the makeup area of a Sephora store, LVMH’s beauty brands can occupy nearly half of the shelf space, even though they have only 15 beauty brands compared with over 200 the retailer typically carries. Beauty brands are responding by trying to secure alternate outlets. Estée Lauder has promoted its own website as well as its MAC Cosmetics stores, while L’Oréal has opened stores for its Urban Decay brand. Some brands are also selling in lower market stores such as Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc., a risky practice that can remove allure from a brand.  Brands selling at Sephora are also vulnerable to its own label Sephora Collection line. Sephpora can use its sales data to spot fast rising niches and then develop price competitive alternatives.  [Image credit © Caia Image] Khadeeja Safdar and Sharon Terlep, "As Sephora Adds Products, Rivalry Heats Up at Its Stores", Wall Street Journal, January 08, 2017, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains Private Label Brands Products & Pricing Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Lidl Plans To Test Market New Private-Label Baby Brand In UK August 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl plans to start testing marketing its private-label baby care brand Lidl'uns in the UK. According to the company, the test will cover four of the country's regions and, if successful, the brand would be launched nationwide. Based on Lidl's trademark application, the company plans to expand its baby care brand to include baby food, toiletries, and non-food items. Priya Chandarana, "Lidl UK to test new private label baby brand", Retail Analysis, August 01, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

Domains Private Label Marketing & Advertising Products & Pricing Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Tesco Extends Sustainability Support To Cocoa Certified By Rainforest Alliance July 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST All cocoa used by Tesco in its in-house chocolate products in the U.K., as well as all cocoa used in other Tesco foods, will be certified by 2018 by the Rainforest Alliance as responsibly and sustainably sourced, the company announced. Certification by the Alliance supports cocoa-growing communities, helps increase farmer income, safeguards soils and conserves wildlife. Other Tesco food products that will contain only certified cocoa include biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals. Tesco cooperates with several sustainability programs: the Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Cocoa Horizons and Fairtrade. "Tesco to Source Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Cocoa For All of Its Own Label Chocolate in the UK", News release, Tesco, July 15, 2016, © Tescoplc.com

Domains Private Label Market News Production & Supply Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Walmart Promises That All Suppliers Of U.S.-Made Goods Will Get A Shot On Its Website June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart execs recently met with 800 suppliers to hear pitches on potential Walmart.com products that are made exclusively in the U.S. The company said a third of the companies at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit were minority- or women-owned. A Walmart merchandising executive promised that all of the products – except those that can’t be shipped because they contain hazardous materials – would be automatically approved for sale on Walmart.com. The Summit is part of the company’s initiative, launched in 2013, to spend $250 billion on American-made goods for its stores, Sam’s Club, and website. Marty Cook, "At Latest Summit, Walmart Seeks More American-Made Goods", Arkansas Business, June 28, 2016, © Arkansas Business Limited Partnership

Domains Private Label Retailers Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Lidl Launches Cien Line Of Cosmetics And Haircare Products In Ireland June 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl launched its Cien line of skincare and haircare products. With products priced between €1.99 and €3.99 each, the skincare line includes a BB cream available in two shades, Cien Eyeshadow, and Volume Mascara. Featuring keratin, the haircare products are designed to relieve dry and damaged hair for as little as €1.69 per product. Starting on June 30, 2016, the Cien products will be permanently available in all Lidl stores. Ailbhe Jordan, "Lidl's new makeup and haircare range is INCREDIBLY cheap - and there's more good news", Dublin Live, June 27, 2016, © MGN Limited

Domains Private Label Market News Products & Pricing Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Ireland

Walmart Hopes Its New Date Labeling Scheme Will Help Reduce Wasted Food June 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is changing the date labeling scheme on its food products to avoid consumer confusion over safe-to-eat dates. That confusion has led Americans to toss $29 billion worth of edible food into the trash every year. Walmart’s fix is to require suppliers of its own label Great Value products to use the same standardized date – “best if used by” – for non-perishable foods. The change began last year, and the company says 70 percent of its private label suppliers have already complied. The rest have until next month to comply. The Food Marketing Institute says most date labels aren’t meant to indicate safety, only when manufacturers believe products will go beyond peak quality. Twilight Greenaway, "Can Walmart's food labels make a dent in America's $29bn food waste problem?", The Guardian, June 26, 2016, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

Domains Private Label Brands Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Private Label's Share Of FMCG Market In Western Economies Falls June 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In 2015, private-label products’ share of the FMCG market in Europe in terms of value dropped by 0.6 points to 38.3 percent, compared with the previous year, according to IRI Worldwide. Data from the report “Private Label in Western Economies” revealed private-label unit market share also dropped by 0.5 points to 47.4 percent during the period. These numbers prove that the segment’s downward trend, which started in 2014, has continued, as well as focus on the challenges faced by private-label retailers and manufacturers across Europe. Among the eight countries covered by the study, France showed the highest decrease in private label’s market share, although it has a high share at 34.1 percent compared with Italy’s 17.2 percent value share and Australia’s 13.9 percent value share. Private label’s promotion market share in the US was 37.7 percent, the highest among the countries covered by the report. "Private Label in Western Economies", IRI, June 22, 2016, © IRI Worldwide

Domains Private Label Market News Trends Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA Asia-Pacific United States of America Europe Australia United Kingdom Germany Italy Netherlands Spain

Amazon Plans To Sell More Private-Label Products May 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon.com Inc. plans to sell more private-label brands, including those of perishable foods, such as nuts, spices, tea, and coffee. After working for several years to develop private-label lines, the online retailer will start selling them as early as end of May or start of June 2016. Sales of store brands in the US reached $118.4 billion in 2015, up by about $2.2 billion from the previous year, data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association revealed. Greg Bensinger, "Amazon to Expand Private-Label Offerings—From Food to Diapers", The Wall Street Journal, May 15, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains Private Label Marketing & Advertising Retailers Strategy Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Private-Label Brands Gain Momentum And Here To Stay, Report Shows April 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 32.2 percent of consumers said they are currently buying more private-label brands, according to the latest edition of “The Checkout” report by Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research. Among shoppers who buy private label, only 6.6 percent said they plan to return to name brands. Results of the study showed 74 percent of shoppers who bought a private-label product said it was better priced than name-brand products. Data also revealed that African-Americans expressed a stronger preference for name brands, being more likely to buy more name brands in the future, and avoid purchasing private label. According to the researchers, the report presents significant implications for brands and retailers: private label is here to stay; private-label brands are no longer just the “cheap” option, they now come with good-enough or comparable quality; African-Americans, as a target market, are a potential area for growth; “trust can be seen as a reflection of shared values with the brand and social currency;” and values are not rational. "The Checkout Identifies New Normal Of Private Label", The Integer Group® and M/A/R/C® Research , April 25, 2016, © The Integer Group

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Products & Pricing Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Private Labels Are Growing Part Of CPG Market, Study Reveals March 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 32.2 percent of shoppers said they are currently buying more private-label brands, with only 6.6 percent of them saying they plan to return to name brands, according to a 2016 edition of “The Checkout” study. Results of the survey revealed 11.9 percent of respondents said they are buying fewer store brands, while 17.4 percent are buying more private labels and will keep on buying them. Also, 8.2 percent of respondents said they are buying more store labels and plan to buy even more. Data also revealed a decline in consumer perception of name brands as offering more new products, varieties, and innovations, from 56 percent of respondents in 2010 to 45 percent in 2015. Among African-American consumers, more are likely to prefer name brands, with respondents saying they are more likely to perceive name brands as of higher quality than their private-label counterparts. Results of the study offers some insights for marketers and retailers, including the fact that private labels are here to stay, consumers see private labels as inexpensive options with good-enough or comparable quality, and that African-American shoppers offer a potential area for growth. "New Checkout Study: Private Label", Shopper Culture, March 28, 2016, © The Integer Group®

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Products & Pricing Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Target Announces Exclusive Bath And Body Care Brands Created In Collaboration With Project Underground March 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target partnered with beauty brand creator Project Underground to develop its in-house bath and body care brands Mayfair Soap Foundry, Marlowe, and You Are Amazing. Combined with Target’s acquisition of Sonia Kashuk and the introduction of Defy & Inspire line of nail polish products, the move highlights the mass retailer’s growing focus on its beauty business. Target’s partnership with Project Underground began in 2015, with the latter mandated to create high-quality products for the retailer, with emphasis on design and affordability. Rachel Brown , "Target Taps Beauty Incubator to Develop Three Exclusive Lines", Women’s Wear Daily, March 15, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

Domains Private Label Market News Production & Supply Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Aldi Products Take Top Honors In Australian Shopper Vote February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Australian consumers chose Aldi brands as their favorites in the 2016 Product of the Year Awards, a distinction that often leads to double-digit sales increases. The company took top honors in 12 of 46 award categories, including small goods, snacks to go, pest control and household cleaning. The director of the awards program said it’s certainly about saving money, but “the quality has to be there to make an impact and result in repeat purchases.” A recent survey of Australian shoppers found that 35 percent would buy a new product if it won the Product of the Year award. Tate Papworth , "Aldi dominates Product of the Year Awards", Marketing, February 24, 2016, © Niche Media

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Grocery Stores Have Profitable Opportunities In Bakery, Deli, Dairy Aisles December 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Private label food makers have big sales opportunities in the dairy, deli and bakery departments of grocery stores, according to a study. National brands do not dominate in those aisles, according to a survey sponsored by a house brand manufacturers group. Eleven percent of consumers in the study prefer specific brands when bakery shopping. Just  22 percent prefer national brands in the dairy and 26 percent in the deli. As to brand quality, 71 percent of deli shoppers say store brands are “better/equal” to national brands; 86 percent of deli shoppers say “better/equal;” in the bakery, 80 percent say “better/equal.” Convenience and speed are of primary importance in meal preparation, said Brian Sharoff of the Private Label Manufacturers Association, “and this is creating highly profitable opportunities for retailers to respond with their own brands.” Linda Winick, "Private Label Can Challenge Brands in Grocery Perimeter: Study", CPG Matters, December 01, 2015, © CPG Matters

Domains Private Label Market News Marketing & Advertising Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

United States Private Label Market The Biggest In The World, Euromonitor Says November 27, 2015: 12:00 AM EST In 2014, the United States was the largest market for private-label products, according to Euromonitor. Data from the market research firm revealed private label accounted for 67 percent, or $9.7 billion, of the $14.5 billion total sales. With private label accounting for only 16 percent of the bread market’s $22.8 billion total sales, the market offers more opportunity for growth. Agne Reklaite, "Top 50 Largest Private Label Markets", Euromonitor International, November 27, 2015, © Euromonitor

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Kroger Launches HemisFares Collection Of Quality Food Products From Worldwide Sources October 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer The Kroger Co. introduced HemisFares, a corporate brand of imported food products from the world’s most food-rich regions. Found exclusively at the company’s stores, the collection includes 27 authentic Italian products, with more products from other countries to be added soon, Kroger said. Developed by Kroger in partnership with the best food connoisseurs, the collection comes with unique product packaging designed to highlight the food and the story behind it. "Kroger Introduces HemisFares", Kroger, October 01, 2015, © SNL Financial LC/ The Kroger Company

Domains Private Label Market News Retailers Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Lidl Private Label Products Rated No. 1 In Quality August 27, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A German digital consumer magazine has ranked discount grocery chain Lidl’s private label products the “best quality.” The ranking was based on 60 assessments by Vergleich.com and Stiftung Warentest. Lidl’s score of 2.49 – lower scores are better – beat second place Aldi Nord and third place Rewe. Nielsen data show that the market share of private label grocery items in Germany has risen six percent since 2009 to 34 percent of the total. "Lidl's Private Label Rated 'Best In Germany'", European Supermarket Magazine, August 27, 2015, © European Supermarket Magazine

Domains Private Label Market News Other Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

FMCG Product Awards Suggest Big Trends For 2015 February 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Brand Genetics identified nine FMCG trends for 2015 from the recent consumer product innovation awards. The awards were based on voting by 10,000 consumers in the U.K., but Brand Genetics says the trends are global. Among the key trends defining FMCG products are: convenience (“the mega-trend of 2015”); “on-the-go”; products offering health benefits; indulgence that is also “good for you”; the continued rise of private label brands; products “made for me”; a premium experience even from mass market brands; the increasing popularity of fruit as a sugar replacement; and tech-enhanced products. Andrew Christophers, "FMCG / CPG Consumer Trends 2015 - Product Innovations of the Year", Brand Genetics, February 04, 2015, © Brand Genetics

Domains Private Label Consumers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Top Consumer Goods Brands Fight Bruising Wars With Private Labels In Europe January 26, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Major consumer goods brands are finding it hard to turn back expanding sales of supermarkets' own-label products in Europe. Advancing private labels are grabbing market share from household goods brands, such as Nestle and Unilever, as well as causing erosions in prices and margins. According to market research firm IRI, however, sales of own-label products are slowing down, as leading supermarkets cut prices on top brands as part of their efforts to battle discount retailers, such as Aldi and Lidl from Germany. In 2014, own-label products lost 0.1 percentage point of market share, a first since 2007, data from IRI showed. Emma Thomasson and Martinne Geller, "Big brands face struggle to contain own label advance in Europe", Reuters, January 26, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Marketing & Advertising Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom Germany

Consumers Still Turn To Private Label Products For Value, Affordability January 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A new report from researcher IRI shows that private label products have proven to be the answer for consumers looking to stretch their shopping dollars while finding value. Brand selections continue to be based on affordability: one-third of U.S. shoppers look for and choose private label products to save money. U.S. consumers spent $120 billion on private label products in 2014, an increase of 2.1 percent over 2013. But IRI says consumers are looking for value, not just low prices, so it’s important for retailers to stock national and private label brands offering value and affordability. National brand innovation has been strong in beauty products, while private label is strong in the mass/super channel. "Private Label & National Brands: Dialing in on Core Shoppers", Report, IRI, January 20, 2015, © IRI

Domains Private Label Brands Market News Marketing & Advertising Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Affluent Or Not, Shoppers Look For National Brand Savings Before Choosing Store Brands July 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Research from a retail marketing agency finds that higher income shoppers tend to be more doubtful about the value of private label consumer goods. But these more affluent consumers – like their lower income counterparts – regularly compare national brand prices, look for sales and use coupons before turning to store brands. According to The Integer Group, all shoppers carefully consider their savings options before making a final decision about quality over price. As to specifics, lower-income shoppers lean toward private label cereals, cleaning and laundry products, while more affluent shoppers prefer national brand snacks, beverages, and ice cream. "The Checkout: Private Label Edition", Shopper Culture – Integer, July 24, 2014, © The Integer Group

Domains Private Label Consumers Products & Pricing Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Shoppers In U.K. Are Comfortable Buying Store Brand Foods June 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A survey of a thousand British food shoppers finds that a majority (55 percent) believe the best of the “own label” (i.e., store or house) brands are as good as national brands, and 63 percent regard “regular” own-label brands the same quality as major brands. The bottom line is that shoppers have grown very comfortable buying store brands in most – but not all – categories. Sixty-one percent of shoppers regard “value” own-label brands as worse than manufacturer brands. Only 27 percent see them as the same. A spokesman for the research company that conducted the survey says the results certainly show the impact of the recession on food shopping. But they also show a longer-term trend: retailers are more sophisticated in developing and marketing their store brands. Jonathan Bacon, "Retailer brands are holding their own", Marketing Week, June 18, 2014, © Centaur Communications Ltd (a member of the Centaur Media plc group)

Domains Private Label Market News Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

More US Consumers Buying Private Label Grocery Products, Study Shows June 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 98 percent of shoppers buy private label food or cleaning products, compared with 96 percent in 2013, according to data from market research firm Market Force Information. Results of the grocery study revealed only a small percentage of consumers are not aware of private label brands and the same number say they never purchase them. Also, 78 percent of respondents said their primary grocery retailer offers private label dairy products, with 60 percent of customers saying they buy private label dairy products most of the time or always. According to Market Force, 26 percent of shoppers buy private label cleaning products most of the time or always, an increase from 23 percent in 2013. "Private Label Groceries Growing in Popularity, According to Market Force Study 95% of shoppers buy private label dairy products at least some of the time ", Market Force , June 12, 2014, © Market Force Information, Inc

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Almost All Millennials Aware Of Store Brand Products, Survey Says January 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Almost all Millennials, consumers born between 1980 and 2000, are aware of store brands, with 96 percent saying they know of store brand products, according to an online survey conducted by Surveylab for the PLMA. Results of the “My Generation and Grocery Shopping” online survey revealed 36 percent of the respondents buy store brand products frequently and 53 percent buy them occasionally. Of the 1,500 Millennials who took part in the survey, more than three-quarters said they are the primary grocery shopper in their household, with the rest saying they share the shopping task with another adult member of the household. Millennial consumers are always looking for value when they shop for groceries. Only 44 percent of respondents said they are employed full time, 21 percent said they have a part-time job, and 11 percent are looking for a job. Carol Angrisani, "Store Brands 2014: Managing Millennials", Supermarket News , January 27, 2014, © Penton

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Slowing Economy Fails To Ignite Private Label Sales In U.S. December 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Despite the economic slowdown and harder times for U.S. consumers, not all private label products are seeing gains in sales, according to speakers at the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s 2013 Private Label Trade Show. Overall, private label’s reputation among consumers has improved, according to Todd Hale of AC Nielsen, citing a study that consumers preferred Kirkland’s Ultra Clean detergent over national brands, such as Tide Pods. Sales of private label women’s fragrances declined 21 percent in 2012, while laundry detergents fell 9 percent; however, deodorants increased 18 percent and cosmetics rose 14 percent. Retail specialist Harold Lloyd offered PLMA attendees some tips on how to promote their private label products to customers including securing company and store executives’ support for private label products and displaying own-brand products in prominent in-store locations. Tom Branna, "The Private Label Conundrum", Happi.com, December 02, 2013, © Rodman Media

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Increasing Number Of Shoppers Think Private-Label Products Just As Good As Name Brands, Study Shows September 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In the US, 83 percent of consumers said they are buying the same amount or more of private-label products in 2013 as they did in the previous year, according to a shopper behavior study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research. Data from The Checkout study revealed 54 percent of shoppers said quality is their number 1 priority when shopping for everyday products; however, less than a third of respondents said they think name brands are of higher quality or more reliable than their private-label counterparts. Interestingly, 56 percent of respondents said they think brand products have more attractive packaging than those of private-label products. Also, 29 percent of respondents said they strongly believe that national brands have better quality, lower than the 36 percent who said so in 2012 and 43 percent in 2010. Lisa McTigue Pierce, "Name brands vs private label: It comes down to packaging", Packaging Digest, September 19, 2013, © UBM Canon/The Integer Group

Domains Private Label Consumers Market News Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Private-Label Household And Personal Care Maker McBride Reports Lower Revenue For FY 2013 September 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Private-label household and personal care manufacturer McBride PLC reported revenue fell 5 percent at constant rate for its fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. Product launch program in the second half of the year, however, was successfully implemented, the company said. This enabled the company to grow private label revenue by 2 percent in the second half, reversing the 2 percent decline in the first half. Adjusted operating profit declined 19 percent, while net cash generated from operations was £39.3 million. "McBride Preliminary Results (Press Release)", McBride, September 03, 2013, © McBride Plc

Domains Private Label Other Strategy Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

India's Private Label Market Forecast To Reach $500 Million Value By 2015, Nielsen Says August 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The private-label segment of the fast-moving consumer goods market in India is forecast to grow fivefold to reach $500 million in value by 2015, according to market research firm Nielsen. This trend makes India’s private-label sector stand out from its counterparts in other emerging markets. Food products account for 76 percent of total private-label sales in India, with packaged grocery contributing 53 percent of total sales. Household cleaners account for 48 percent of sales in the non-food category, with personal care, fabric care, and the general category also contributing significantly to non-food sales. Rising levels of disposable income and the expansion of the country’s modern retail trade are helping drive growth in the private-label segment. "What Makes Private Labels Click in India?", Nielsen, August 21, 2013, © The Nielsen Company

Domains Private Label Market News Trends Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific India

Private-Label Food Brands Grab Bigger Share Of Modern Retail Sales In India August 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Private labels owned by India's largest retailers, such as Future Group and Reliance Retail, account for more than three-fourths of food products sold via the country's modern retail sector, according to market research firm Nielsen. Based on Nielsen's analysis, retailers' own-label products have gained market shares in categories with little difference in quality between private labels and manufacturer brands as perceived by shoppers. Nielsen forecasts consumer spending on private labels to reach $500 million, or about Rs 3,000 crore, by 2015. Sagar Malviya, "Changing trends in modern retail: Now, private labels like Reliance Retail eat into foods biz of big brands like HUL", The Economic Times, August 14, 2013, © Times Internet Limited

Domains Private Label Market News Retailers Trends Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific India

UK Supermarkets Tricking 20 Percent Of Shoppers Into Buying Own-Label Products, Survey Shows April 12, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Supermarkets in the United Kingdom are misleading too many shoppers into buying private-label products by copying the packaging of leading brands, according to Which?, a consumer protection group. Results of a survey by Which? revealed 20 percent of respondents said they had accidentally bought a supermarket version of a favorite brand at least once. Survey results, however, also showed 18 percent of respondents willingly purchased an own-brand product because it looked like the branded equivalent. Also, 60 percent said they bought the store's own-brand version because it was cheaper. Tara Evans, "Supermarkets accused of tricking shoppers into buying own-brand products by copying household names - but would you buy an alternative if it was cheaper?", This is Money, April 12, 2013, © Associated Newspapers Limited

Domains Private Label Brands Consumers Marketing & Advertising Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Sports Nutrition Emerges As Major Growth Category In Retail Food March 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Sports nutrition has emerged from the shadows of bodybuilding, steroids, banned substances, etc., into mainstream retail, according to researcher Euromonitor. The impact of this transformation on the category has been significant – growth is expected to approach 40 percent by 2017. Producers are developing products that appeal to non-traditional users with worry-free formulations, third-party certifications of safety and purity, convenient formats, emphasis on general fitness, and greater accessibility in supermarkets and other retail channels. Retailers have embraced sports nutrition by creating their own brands. Key example: Walgreen, whose larger stores now feature separate sports nutrition sections in the supplement aisles, offering for example two separate lines of protein powders, one of which is a store brand. Chris Schmidt, "Retailers Look to Capitalize on Protein Supplements and Sports Nutrition", Euromonitor International, March 08, 2013, © Euromonitor International

Domains Private Label Consumers Marketing & Advertising Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom

U.S. Retailers Plan To Upgrade Quality Of Private-Label Toilet Paper February 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Leading retailers in the United States, including Kroger Co., Supervalu Inc., and Wal-Mart Stores, are planning to upgrade the quality of their store-brand toilet paper using a process that used to be almost exclusively used by Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, and other major manufacturers. Such a move is expected to help private labels grab a bigger share of the $8.8 billion toilet paper market in the United States. Since 2007, sales of private labels have increased three times faster than the overall toilet paper market to $1.5 billion in 2012, according to Euromonitor Inc. This helped store-branded toilet paper to grow its share of the market from 13.1 percent to 17.6 percent. PAUL ZIOBRO, "Toilet-Paper Wars: Store Brands to Compete With Charmin, Cottonelle", Wall Street Journal, February 26, 2013, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

Domains Private Label Brands Marketing & Advertising Retailers Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

McBride Reports Improved Profits Despite Lower Revenue In December 2012 Half February 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST McBride PLC reported revenue dropped 11 percent for the six months ending December 31, 2012. Adjusted operating profit for the first half was £11.6 million, driven by the company’s cost-reduction efforts in the current and previous years. Adjusted operating profit margin rose to 3.1 percent and return on capital employed increased to 12.2 percent. McBride also reported generating £20.3 million in cash from operations. External revenue in the United Kingdom decreased 6 percent to £150.0 million, due to the exit of low-margin contracts. "McBride Interim Statement 2013", McBride, February 07, 2013, © McBride

Domains Private Label Market News Other Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Brands Drive UK Personal Care Market Growth December 15, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Manufacturer brands outperformed private-label brands in the UK personal care products market in 2012. Sales of branded shampoos grew 5.7 percent, while own labels rose 5.3 percent. Although the top 5 shampoo brands remained the same, Elvive grabbed the second place from Procter & Gamble’s Pantene brand. Unilever’s Radox brand retained the top spot in the shower products segment. Brands posted stable growth in the toothbrush segment, while own labels struggled. Colgate remained the leading brand in the toothpaste category. Razors posted moderate growth, driven by new product launches from brands, including Gillette Fusion and Wilkinson Sword Hydro. Lisa Riley, "Body rocks: personal care sales sparkle", The Grocer, December 15, 2012, © William Reed Business Media Inc.

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Tesco Asks Facebook Fans For Help In Choosing New Ice Cream Flavor November 7, 2012: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Tesco used Facebook to crowdsource the development of the latest flavor of its Tesco Finest line of ice cream, according to company CEO Philip Clarke who spoke at the FT Innovate 2012 conference. Using the input of its Facebook fans, Tesco chose amaretto, cherry, and almond as the new ice cream flavor. Clarke also talked about how his company has been working to improve customers' online shopping experience. Matthew Chapman, "Tesco chief salutes Facebook's crowdsourcing role", Marketing Magazine, November 07, 2012, © Haymarket

Domains Private Label Marketing & Advertising Other Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Walgreens Launches Ology Brand Of Non-Toxic Personal Care And Home Products November 5, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Drugstore chain Walgreens launched its Ology brand of baby and personal care products and household cleaners the company claims are free from harmful chemicals. Some Ology products are available at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores and online. The Ology brand also includes light bulbs and paper products that are 100 percent made from renewable resources and do not include any tree parts. "Walgreens Introduces the “Ology™” Brand of Healthy Home Products", BUSINESS WIRE, November 05, 2012, © Business Wire

Domains Private Label Brands Marketing & Advertising Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Private Labels Competing With Manufacturer Brands For Bigger Share Of UK's Retail Market, Report Says October 17, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Retailers' private-label products account for a third of the retail market in the United Kingdom, according to market research firm SymphonyIRI Group. Data shows private labels' share of the market value rose 0.2 percentage points to 29.5 percent in the 12-month period ending July 7, 2012, while share of the market in terms of unit rose 0.3 percentage points to 33.9 percent during the same period. Private labels have gone beyond competing with manufacturer brands in terms of price to creating their own brands. Jonathan Bacon, "Customers crave more than the right price", Marketing Week, October 17, 2012, © Centaur Media plc

Domains Private Label Brands Market News Other Products & Pricing Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Wary Of Discounting's Impact On Brand Equity, Coca-Cola, Unilever Stop Using Price Promotions To Drive Sales September 11, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Consumer goods companies Coca-Cola and Unilever stopped using price promotions to drive sales in retail stores. Increased competition for shelf-space and huge discounts offered by retailers' private-label products, manufacturers of branded goods have resorted to discounting to attract consumers looking for ways to cut their grocery expenses. Some brand marketers, however, fear that discounting damages their brand equity. John Reynolds and Nicola Clark, "Brands ditch price promotions as defence against own-label lines", Marketing Magazine, September 11, 2012, © Haymarket

Domains Private Label Marketing & Advertising Products & Pricing Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

SEC Exempts Retailers From African Minerals Rule August 22, 2012: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission voted 3-2 to approve a rule that would exempt retailers from a policy that requires U.S.-listed companies to disclose whether their products contain minerals perceived as causing violence in central Africa. Retailers, including Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. lobbied against the earlier version of the rule that would have covered retailers selling products under their own brand names but were usually manufactured by third-party contractors. The rule is expected to cost companies $3–4 billion upfront and more than $200 million each year, according to the SEC. Jessica Holzer, "Wal-Mart, Target Avoid Mining Rule", Wall Street Journal, August 22, 2012, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Boots Launches High-End Haircare Section August 15, 2012: 12:00 AM EST High street retailer Boots launched a section featuring high-end haircare products. Professional stylists working with leading high-end brands are on hand to offer haircare services and advice for shoppers. Bumble and Bumble and Ojon are some of the brands with counters at the section. Chiara Merullo, "High Street Giant Boots Launches Premium Haircare Line", Yahoo!, August 15, 2012, © Yahoo!

Domains Private Label Brands Retailers Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

McBride Fails To Grow Sales In 2011, Plans Expansion In Asia August 8, 2012: 12:00 AM EST McBride posted flat sales in 2011, with household care products accounting for 80 percent and personal care representing 20 percent of sales. The company supplies more than 95 percent of the private-label requirements of Europe’s top 20 retailers, such as Aldi, Auchan, and Carrefour. While sales in the UK and Western Europe declined, sales in Central and Eastern Europe grew 18 percent to $222 million. McBride said it plans to expand operations in Asia. "The international Top 30: 25. McBride", Happi , August 08, 2012, © Rodman Publishing / HAPPI

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Marketing Experts Tell Retailers How To Encourage Shoppers To Try In-Store Brands August 1, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Progressive Grocer’s Store Brands presents the top seven recommendations by marketing professionals on how retailers can encourage shoppers to try their new in-house brands. Retailers should work at creating or developing a true brand instead of an imitation brand. In-store brands should come with well-designed packaging, which retailers should think of as an always-on advertisement. Retailers should revise the product selection of their in-store brands based on customer preferences. Also, retailers should place their in-store products in the store’s most prominent location. Retailers should put in-store brands on display and reinforce customer awareness with product samples. Finally, retailers should adjust their marketing message according to product category. Kathie Canning, "The Art of Persuasion", Progressive Grocer, August 01, 2012, © Stagnito Media

Domains Private Label Brands Marketing & Advertising Strategy Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Consumers in Australia Falling In Love With Supermarkets' In-House Brands July 29, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Consumption of private-label products in Australia is forecast to rise to 33 percent of total supermarket sales by 2017–2018 from 13.5 percent in the year ending June 2008, according to IBISWorld. This trend is driven by Australian consumers’ search for ways to cut costs following the global financial crisis. Also, efforts by supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths to promote their respective private labels have enticed consumers to purchase in-store brands. IBISWorld’s study also revealed there are some segments, such as dry goods and basic necessities including bread and milk, where consumers are more willing to buy in-store variants. For some products, such as chocolate, confectionary, soft drinks, and cosmetics, consumers are less willing to purchase private-label brands.  Penny Pryor, "Where the brands have no names", Brisbane Times, July 29, 2012, © Fairfax Media

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