“PLMA’s ‘Store Brands Marketplace’ was a success in every way, creating new opportunities for the private label industry to thrive,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies.

The Show featured hundreds of thousands food and nonfood products, 3,000 booths and more than 1,900 exhibitors representing 63 countries.

A major highlight of this year’s speaker lineup was the keynote address by Joel Rampoldt, CEO of Lidl US. Rampoldt detailed Lidl’s efficient business model, including its use of electronic shelf labels, shelf-ready packaging, and a curated assortment purchased in high volumes. He emphasized the company’s strong partnerships with suppliers.

“We invest in suppliers,” Rampoldt said.

Lidl’s business philosophy, he noted, is built on differentiation through price, quality, and simplicity. Store brands play a central role, with approximately 80% of its 3,300 core items positioned as private label. These include the Preferred Selection line of premium and globally sourced products and the new Butcher’s Specialty meats line. In addition, 85% of Lidl’s products are sourced in North America.

“We are a private brand company — because it’s the way we can deliver the best price and best quality,” Rampoldt explained.

He added that Lidl’s goal is to be the first choice for business partners, suppliers, team members, and consumers.

“We know that with the curated assortment we offer, our customers will shop at other stores — and that’s fine. But we want to be the place they come first because of the quality, price, and shopping experience.

5 Trends from the Show Floor

Collagen - Collagen is used as an ingredient in supplements, foods and beverages to support skin, joint and bone health.

 Products on the Show Floor: Coffee Latte with Bioactive Collagen Peptides/Collagen Shots.

 Functional Foods - Probiotic popularity has surged due to the reported link between gut health and overall well-being.

 Products on the Show Floor: Probiotic Frozen Smoothie Cubes/Snacks.

 Greener Cleaners - More sustainable choices are available for laundry cleaning.

 Products on the Show Floor: Ultra-Concentrated Laundry Detergent Designed to Be Diluted at Home/Dissolvable Laundry Cleaning Sheets/Compostable Fabric Softener Sheets.

 Regeneratively Farmed Products - Regenerative agriculture supports practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration.

 Products on the Show Floor: Regeneratively Farmed Rice/Cold-Brew Coffee/Eggs.

 Patched Up - Topical patches made with vitamins, antioxidants and other ingredients provide convenience for consumers seeking relaxation, immunity and wellness. 

 Products on the Show Floor: Sleep Patch/Energy and Focus Patch/Calm and Relaxation Patch.