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.

Ready-to-drink dairy/coffee beverages are a huge opportunity for Berner Food and Beverage, a contract manufacturer and private label supplier in Illinois that expanded its dairy plant. 

Kroger, Cincinnati, rolled out six SKUs of finishing butters in late October under its Private Selection label. The butter is sold in 3.5-ounce (99-gram) cups. 

The Kroger Co. announced nationwide availability of its new Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic brands. Dairy categories include milk and yogurt; other categories are salads, dried fruit, sodas, chips and quinoa.  Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic products are free from 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients that some customers have said they do not want in their foods. Simple Truth Organic products are certified organic by the USDA.