PLMA 2024: A glimpse into the future of private label trends

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) show lit up Chicago this November, with attendance at a post-pandemic high. The buzz? Consumer behavior is shifting dramatically. A remarkable 70% of shoppers have explored private label products, and over half intend to keep them in their carts. In an era of economic uncertainty, private label products are redefining value, quality, and trust.

If you were part of the bustling crowd at PLMA 2024, you know it was impossible to catch everything. But fear not—we’ve rounded up the most exciting trends that are shaping the private label landscape.

Gen Z: Private Label’s Newest Power Players

Gen Z is coming of age, and their preferences are reshaping the market. With the oldest Zoomers hitting their mid-twenties, their purchasing power is growing, as is their influence. These digital natives grew up amidst abundant information, making them sharp, discerning shoppers. They prize value, but not at the expense of authenticity or sustainability.

And here’s the kicker: Gen Z loves private label brands. They see them as savvy, high-quality choices—not compromises. This generation’s preferences are driving the development of trend-forward products that cater to their health-conscious, eco-aware lifestyles.

Wellness with a Side of Convenience

At this year’s show, wellness took center stage. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that offer simple, effective health benefits without overhauling their routines. Private labels are stepping up with offerings like botanical-infused personal care products, clean-label shampoos, and functional health supplements. It’s all about easy swaps: trading white bread for white-wheat, conventional for organic, or chemical-heavy for natural.

These trends reflect a broader shift: shoppers want products that make them feel good—physically and ethically. Private labels are not only meeting these needs but leading the charge in innovation.

Sustainability: From Buzzword to Baseline

Sustainability is no longer a bonus; it’s a baseline. Today’s consumers demand transparency and traceability in their purchases. For example, where labels once touted “recycled plastic,” now they specify the percentage. Brands that clearly communicate their environmental impact win big with shoppers who are wary of greenwashing.

At PLMA, sustainability was everywhere. From eco-friendly packaging innovations to carbon-neutral product lines, private label manufacturers are proving that good business and good stewardship go hand in hand.

The Private Label Edge

Why are private label brands thriving in these spaces? Agility. They adapt quickly, offering affordable, high-quality products that cater to evolving consumer priorities. For retailers, investing in private label isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential for staying competitive.

As a trusted partner in oil and ingredient sourcing, Catania Oils understands the importance of staying ahead of these trends. Our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality means we’re ready to help our customers meet the demands of today’s savvy shoppers. Whether it’s providing clean-label oils or sourcing organic options, we’re here to make navigating the private label market simple and rewarding.

Looking Ahead

If PLMA 2024 taught us anything, it’s that private label isn’t just growing—it’s thriving. By focusing on value, innovation, and sustainability, private label brands are carving out their space as trusted staples in households across the globe. And with partners like Catania Oils, the possibilities are endless.

Let’s shape the future of private label together. Contact us to learn how our tailored solutions can help you stay ahead of the curve.

As originally seen on grocerydive.com