Thursday, June 26, 2025

Store Brand Performance: How Private Labels Took the Lead

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Store Brand Performance In Global Markets

Global Store Brand Performance – 2024 Snapshot

RegionDollar ShareGrowth TrendNotes
United States20.7%Record highDriven by value demand and innovation
Europe35–45% (avg)Slower but stableStrong in dry grocery and chilled
Latin America10–15%AcceleratingEntry-level brands expanding
Asia-Pacific<10% (varies)Gaining shareGrowth in modern retail formats

Store Brand Performance remains highest in Europe, but the U.S. has the most active recent gains in both value and volume. In Asia and Latin America, performance is improving as retailers expand private label across new formats.

Consumer Perception and Quality Trends

Regional Market Differences

Store Brands vs National Brands

Category-Specific Performance Highlights

Retailer Sourcing and Supply Models

Store Brand Performance depends heavily on retailer control over sourcing and supply. Three key strategies are now in widespread use:

1. Co-manufacturing partnerships: Retailers contract regional producers under own-brand specifications. This model lowers costs and improves flexibility. It is common in dairy, cereals, and personal care.

2. Global procurement networks: Large chains and discounters source raw inputs in bulk, then distribute manufacturing. They negotiate terms directly with suppliers for consistent quality and cost control.

3. Private-label incubators: Major retailers create in-house product teams to develop and test private label lines. They fund product development, packaging design, and consumer feedback cycles—reducing time-to-market compared to partners.

These models contrast with national brands, which rely on dedicated, brand-aligned manufacturing and marketing networks. Store Brand Performance gains come from efficient, low-margin, retail-optimized sourcing.

Risk and Compliance Considerations

Despite growth, store brand programs carry risks. Quality consistency, regulatory compliance, and supply disruption pose ongoing challenges for retailers.

In food safety, private label products must meet the same standards as national brands. Mistakes in allergen declarations, inspections, or traceability can harm store brand trust in a single incident.

Regulatory risk varies. For example, organic certification involves tight controls. Meat, seafood, and fresh produce carry country-of-origin and pesticide residue requirements. Private label errors can expose retailers to fines and reputation damage.

Supply chain shocks—such as sudden raw material cost spikes, port delays, or factory closures—can directly impact store brands. Without buffer agreement terms, retailers may face lost sales or consumer backlash. Store Brand Performance success requires agile supply monitoring and risk-buffer mechanisms.

Year-Ahead Outlook and Buyer Takeaways

Looking ahead, Store Brand Performance is expected to remain strong across most grocery and household categories in 2025. Retailers should expect:

  • Price-conscious consumers to continue driving store brand volumes
  • Premium tiers (organic, gourmet) to expand as middle-income shoppers seek quality
  • Digital sales of store brands to accelerate via subscriptions and online baskets
  • Sustainability trends furthering value for branded products with ethical or eco credentials
  • Cross-category bundles (e.g., pantry box bundles) gaining traction under private label labels

Buyers and procurement leads should take note:

  • Track performance by category to identify high-potential tiers
  • Prioritize supplier partnerships with risk buffers and quality guarantees
  • Develop price-tiered lines (value, standard, premium) to meet evolving demand
  • Use shopper data to guide packaging, SKU strategy and digital bundling
  • Monitor regulatory changes to ensure private label labels meet local standards

Final Takeaway

Store Brand Performance now serves as a benchmark for both retailer health and consumer value perception. In emerging markets, store brands are gaining ground. In mature markets, they drive innovation within established categories. To succeed in 2025 and beyond, supermarket leaders must treat private label as a strategic asset—not just a price tool.