A central hub featuring hundreds of the latest product and packaging trends from 60+ global retailers. Emerging Trends at PLMA Chicago 2024
As retailers from across the globe descended on Chicago, the narrative shifted from private label being a "cheaper alternative" to it being a "strategic imperative." The 2024 edition of the show didn't just showcase products; it showcased a fundamental shift in how the world eats, cleans, and shops. plma chicago 2024
“The conversation has changed,” noted one European exhibitor specializing in frozen foods. “Retailers aren't coming to us asking for a copy of Brand X anymore. They are asking, ‘What is the next big flavor profile?’ or ‘How can we offer a plant-based alternative that tastes better than the market leader?’” A central hub featuring hundreds of the latest
For European suppliers attending the show, this was standard practice, but for the North American market, it signaled a rapid maturation. Retailers are realizing that Gen Z and Millennial consumers vet products based on environmental impact, making sustainability a core component of the private label value proposition. “Retailers aren't coming to us asking for a
Technology also played a background role. While there were fewer flashy tech booths compared to a CES-style event, the integration of data analytics into private label strategy was a dominant undercurrent. Retailers are using loyalty card data to determine exactly what products to develop next, making the supplier-buyer meetings at PLMA more data-driven than ever.
Bridget Brennan, CEO of Female Factor, presented "Why She Buys," offering insights into the world's most powerful consumer demographic.
