Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, News, Northeast, Private Label Brands, Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. Names Ruane Director Of Own Brands

Wakefern Food Corp. has promoted Chris Ruane to director of Own Brands. In his new role, Ruane will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering quality and value across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird. He will report to Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill. “Chris’s deep industry […]

Why Retailers Should Lean Into Sweet Baked Goods Right Now – Don’t Pull Back

JTM Foods CEO Monty Pooley sees green shoots in Q1 2026 and a category that rewards merchandising intensity — not retreat — in noisy conditions. The first quarter of 2026 brought what Monty Pooley calls “green shoots” to the sweet baked goods category – early indicators that, after a difficult 2025, conditions are improving for […]

Posted inExecutive News, Featured News, National, News, Private Label Brands

Ahold Delhaize USA Names Cook SVP Of Own Brands

Ahold Delhaize USA has appointed Abby Cook as SVP, Own Brands In the role, Cook will lead the company’s Own Brands portfolio, overseeing strategy, innovation and execution to drive growth and differentiation across the U.S. businesses. She will report to Chief Commercial and Digital Officer Keith Nicks. Growing Together component Own Brands are a critical […]

Posted inInternational Foods, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, National, News, Private Label Brands

C&S Wholesale Grocers Introduces Sol Select Private Label Brand

C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC has launched a new Hispanic private label brand, Sol Select, that includes more than 250 frozen, center store, household and dairy products. The collection is C&S’s latest offering in its OurBrands portfolio, which also includes Best Yet and Our Family. “Sol Select is the perfect addition to C&S’s private label portfolio – […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Aldi, National, News

Aldi To Eliminate 44 Ingredients From Private Label Products By 2027

Aldi is expanding its standards by removing an additional 44 ingredients from private label food, vitamin and supplement products, including select artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and sweeteners. The decision will bring the grocer’s restricted ingredient list from 13 to 57 by December 2027. Building on legacy Aldi became one of the first national grocers to […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, News, Southwest

PLMA’s 2026 Leadership Conference Sets New Attendance Record

A record number of store brand executives – retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers and others involved in adjacent industries – gathered April 15-17 in Bentonville, Arkansas, to participate in PLMA’s 2026 Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting. Themed “Building Brands That Drive Success,” the event offered tracks on Brand Building: Value Proposition and Social Media; Emerging […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News

PLMA Inducts Record 23 Leaders Into Private Label Hall Of Fame

A record 23 inductees joined the Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a ceremony at the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference. Since its inception in 2006, the Hall of Fame has honored 136 store brand industry leaders. Induction is based on nominations submitted by industry representatives across […]

Posted inAssociation News, News, Private Label Brands, Southwest

PLMA Announces 2026 Board Of Directors, Executive Committee

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) formally announced its 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee on April 20, led by Chairperson Mark Cheney of Upstate Niagara Cooperative. The newly elected slate was presented by PLMA’s Nominating Committee, John Galioto of Trinidad Benham Corp. and Alissa Lodahl of Masters Gallery Foods, during PLMA’s Annual Meeting […]