PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show was a success. 

 

A record 1,685 exhibitors showcased the hottest new products, flavors, packaging, ingredients and services. 

More than 13,000 exhibitors, retailers and other visitors experienced the largest event for store brands in North America on Nov. 12-14 in The Windy City.

 

The sold-out show floor had 2,740 booths featuring the latest innovations in food, beverages, health and beauty, baby care, household goods, kitchenware, general merchandise, wine and spirits, pet care, refrigerated and frozen foods, and much more. 

 

“PLMA’s 2023 ‘The Store Brands Phenomenon’ Private Label Trade Show provided unparalleled access to a wide assortment of products across all categories. We are enjoying a growth spurt with nearly 600 new exhibitors added to the show this year. And, within our non-food South Hall, a section was dedicated to Beauty & Cosmetics (including color, fragrances, skincare, and men’s grooming), as well as Kitchenware and Housewares,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “The event started with opening seminars on Sunday, and it was a networking palooza.” 

Responding to growing concerns about appearance among the aging population, suppliers have expanded product lines of skincare products marketed for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, specialized formulas and ingredients. These include serums with wrinkle-improving functions; hydrating facial cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid; and glycolic acid cleansers. 

 

Parents are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the baby products they buy. They are on the lookout for products made with biodegradable, compostable and reusable materials like bamboo diapers and baby wipes and biodegradable wipes. 

 

Innovations like these have contributed to the impressive performance of store brands. PLMA projects total US store brand dollar sales for 2023 will reach $233 billion, an increase of about $4 billion over 2022, based on Circana data. 

The power of private brands is reflected in significant increases in exhibitor participation at the Annual Private Label Trade Show. Nearly 600 exhibitors were new to show this year.  

 

The 2023 show was 20% larger than last year, resulting in an additional 435 exhibit booths. Non-food exhibitors alone have increased by 45%.  

 

There was a strong global presence: more than 45% of the exhibit floor was filled with food and nonfood suppliers from outside the US. About 760 specialty food and nonfood exhibitors from 60 countries are represented at the Show, including 40 country pavilions, such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Peru, Republic of Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, among others. 

Personal Care, Household Products Named PLMA Salute to Excellence Award Winners