In concluding its Private Label Week virtual event, the Private Label Manufacturers Assn. named the best new private label/store brand products of 2020 in nearly 70 food and nonfood categories – meaning they recognized the retailers, mostly grocery stores, not the private label and contract manufacturers who actually make the products and who must remain anonymous.

If any of these are yours, congratulations!

The Salute to Excellence awards program recognized a total of 36 retail companies, representing a broad cross section of national as well as regional supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drug chains, club, specialty, dollar and convenience chains.

More than 720 products were submitted for consideration in food, beverage, kitchen, household, and health & beauty categories. Each product was subjected to evaluation by a panel of professional and consumer judges on the basis of taste and sensory appeal, packaging, presentation, and value for money.

Among the entries, PLMA recognized a number of trends. Among these were a growing interest in international cuisines such Asian, Indian, and restaurant-inspired Italian foods; renewable packaging materials or reduced packaging; sanitizing, purifying and immune boosting ingredients; more affordable high-end products; plant-based products; and a continuing interest in organic and gluten-free products.

There were 51 winners among food & beverage products, coming from 47 separate categories, which were grouped under food for the family, bakery & desserts, dairy, beverages, meal preparation, snacks, and healthy eating. To see all the food & beverage winners, click here.