Store Brands Drive Innovation
In the recent issues of Private Label we have focused on the growth and development of premium and healthy store brand product lines. In this issue of PL we discuss the role that store brands play in bringing innovation to the retail marketplace.
In this issue’s cover story, “A Legacy of Innovation,” we talk with Steve Smith, president and CEO of K-VA-T Food Stores about how this regional retailer maintains its market leadership over national chains through innovative private brand products, innovative grassroot promotions, and innovative store formats — see page 36.
Under Smith’s leadership, K-VA-T has acquired the rights to discontinued classic regional brands such as Kay’s Classic Ice Cream and Terry’s Classic Snacks that were popular in the 1960s and 70s but were phased out of production in the 80s and 90s, and has recreated them based on their original product formulas and dressed in their original packaging graphics.
Through the Food City School Bucks Program, the retailer raises money for local schools though the sales of its private brand product lines. Also through its new Super Dollar Store format, the retailer saves local shoppers up to 40% on their grocery bills compared to conventional supermarket prices by replacing national brands with private brands including Valu Time and Food Club that serve as the discount store’s anchor brands which are sourced through Topco.
PLMA Innovation Showcase
Innovation is also the cutting-edge theme of this year’s PLMA Trade Show that is taking place this November in Chicago – see preview section on page 18.
In addition to more than 20,000 store brand products from nearly 1,000 private label manufacturers, show visitors can access the collective talent of more than 40 companies on the cutting edge of store brand innovation that will be on hand in the PLMA’s new Innovation Hall. On hand will be professionals who can offer expertise in laboratory testing and certification, business consulting, market research, product marketing, software and technology, design and graphics.
More Highlights
More store brand innovations can be found in this issue including:
- The Top 100 Retailers Report, details how Retail Leaders Refresh and Refocus their respective store brand lines.
- The Category Close-Up on Beauty Care, provides insights into the growing consumer market for natural and organic beauty products.
- The 2009 Global Retailers Report by Planet Retail, spotlights the Top 30 Global Retailers and their private label strategies.
- The New Normal by Steve Cartozian, provides a road map for retailers, private store brand suppliers and major product brands to help them succeed in the forthcoming economic climate.
