Organic maple syrup from Thrive Market, cauliflower-crust pizza from Albertsons and an organic liver cleanse from Sprouts are among PLMA’s 2023 Salute to Excellence award winners for store brand / private label innovation. These companies join nearly 100 Salute to Excellence winners announced at PLMA’s 2023 Private Label Trade Show. Created in 1986, the annual awards program recognizes outstanding food and nonfood products introduced within the last year by supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, online retailers, wholesalers, and more. This year, close to 750 product entries were submitted by 53 North American retailers.
“PLMA is thrilled to celebrate the winning retailers for their commitment to store brand product and packaging excellence,” said PLMA President Peggy Davies. “From innovations in flavors and ingredients to vitamin-enriched health and wellness products, the Salute to Excellence award winners underscore the important role of store brands.”
Submissions were sampled and evaluated by a panel of professional and consumer judges on several criteria, including taste, product concept, packaging, and value for money.
Among the winners:
Gluten-Free Goodness:
- Open Nature Cauliflower Crust Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pizza from Albertsons Companies
- Nice! Gluten-Free Vanilla Crème Cookies, Walgreens
Specialty Sauces, Rubs and Condiments:
- Great Value Blood Orange Balsamic Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Walmart Inc
- Bowl & Basket Specialty Smokey Candied Bacon Sriracha Rub, Wakefern Food Corp.
Breakfast Foods:
- Nature's Basket Sweet Potato Pancake and Waffle Mix, Giant Eagle
- Thrive Market Organic Infused Maple Syrup, Warm Pumpkin Spice, Thrive Market
- Good & Gather Blueberry Muffins with Zucchini and Oats, Target
Wellness Cleanses/Powders:
- Sprouts Farmers Market Regenerative Organic Liver Cleanse, Sprouts Farmers Market
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Effervescent Vitamin C Powder, Kiwi-Strawberry, Whole Foods Market
The full list of winners can be viewed at www.plmawinners.com.
