PLMA to Announce Store Brand Winners at 2008 Trade Show

According to The Nielsen Company, store brands account for $80 billion in sales at U.S. supermarkets, drug chains and mass merchandisers, accounting for one of every five items sold in the channels.

The Private Label Manufacturer’s Association (PLMA) will recognize four such store brand-touting, U.S.-based retailers and wholesale companies with 2008 Salute to Excellence Awards on Monday, Nov. 17, during the association’s annual Private Label Trade Show, held in Chicago’s Rosemont Exhibition Center.

The winners, nominated by PLMA members and industry leaders for successfully creating private label programs in their stores, include H-E-B Grocery Co. in the supermarket category, Costco Wholesale Corporation in the mass merchandiser/discount store category, Navarro Discount Pharmacies in the drug chain category and Topco Associates in the co-op/wholesaler category.

PLMA will also announce the winners of its annual Food & Drink Awards and Home & Health awards during the trade show, recognizing new and innovative store brand products. This year’s winners are Ace Hardware, Ahold USA, Bi-Lo, CVS/Pharmacy, Delhaize Group U.S., Fred’s, Harris Teeter, Price Chopper Supermarkets, Save-A-Lot, Smart & Final Stores, Sobeys, Spartan Stores, Staples, Target, Topco Associates, Trader Joe’s, Wakefern Food Corp., Walgreens, Wal-Mart Stores, Weis Markets, Whole Foods Market and Uniprix.

More information about the winners can be viewed online at www.plmawinners.com.