Last year was a roller coaster ride for store brands. Sales were up and down but finished strong, with increases averaging about 5% over the last five months, according to New York-based Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA).

The award winners were chosen from more than 770 recently introduced food, beverage, kitchen, household and health & beauty care product submissions by 52 North American retailers.

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) said it canceled its Private Label Trade Show in Rosemont, Ill. — scheduled for Jan. 30- Feb. 1, 2022 — due to the debilitating effects of COVID-19 on business travel.

The board of directors of the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) said Peggy Davies was named acting president of the association.

According to the New York-based association, this year’s entries showed that retailers are increasingly relying on innovations in store brand products and packaging to attract and retain shoppers.

Their performance in the grocery channel increased dramatically in 2017, according to new research from FMI and IRI.

Winn-Dixie Greek yogurt and Market Pantry classic ranch dressing from Target were among the 10 store brands to tie their name-brand rivals, Chobani Greek yogurt and Hidden Valley ranch dressing, respectively.