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Gama spoke to Peggy Davies, PLMA President, ahead of the latest edition of PLMA – World of Private Label.
What are your overall expectations for the 2026 edition of PLMA – World of Private Label?
PLMA’s World of Private Label Trade Show on 19th and 20th May is shaping up to be an exciting and dynamic event. We’ll have over 3,200 returning and new exhibitors showing the latest in food and non-food innovation, from premiumisation and ethical sourcing to functional foods, transparency and sustainability. But it’s more than just a trade show. PLMA is where relationships are built, ideas are shared and innovation really comes to life. Exhibitors bring their experience, fresh ideas and reliability which give the show a real sense of where private label is heading and what’s next for the industry and the consumer.
Read more Tradeshow Look Aheads in the next issue of Gama News.
With the shift toward premiumisation, how is the demand for higher-quality private label products being reflected in the Idea Supermarket this year?
The Idea Supermarket is a showcase of the state of the industry in innovation and new product development worldwide. It features the latest products from exhibitors as well as trends recently launched on retailers’ shelves, giving attendees an easy overview of what’s happening worldwide.
This year, the shift toward premiumisation is clearly visible across all stages and tiers of private label products, with agility in responding to consumer demand for healthier, functional and ‘better-for-you’ options. The trend is reflected not only in ingredient choices but also in packaging innovation, highlighting how private labels are evolving to meet growing consumer expectations.
With Gen Z driving private label growth, are you seeing a change in how exhibitors are approaching aspects such as packaging, marketing and sustainability positioning?
Gen Z is shaping private label innovation and, in response, exhibitors and retailers are targeting authentic marketing and clear sustainability positionings. This generation is highly aware of price and value, seeking products that deliver both quality and affordability while reflecting their conscious and ethical choices. Products emphasize transparency, social responsibility and engaging experiences, featuring bold, colourful packaging designs to stand out on the shelves and in e-commerce, and are designed to be ‘Instagrammable’.
What key takeaways will the seminars offer to help attendees navigate the private label landscape of 2026?
PLMA 2026 kicks off on 18th May with a pre-show seminar programme, open to all trade show registrants at the main stage, Forum Zaal, which seats 700 people. Keynote speaker EROSKI, one of Spain’s largest retailers, will share insights on private label, innovation in their stores, consumer engagement, strategic partnerships and their sustainability journey. Other sessions will dive into private label trends, recent market share comparisons with A-brands, and the agility of private label products. On top of that, practical workshops on packaging and retailer-manufacturer relationships will give attendees tools and insights they can put to work in their own businesses.
About PLMA World of Private Label
For nearly 40 years, PLMA’s annual World of Private Label International Trade Show has brought retailers together with manufacturers to help them find new products, make new contacts, and discover new ideas that help their private label programmes succeed and grow. During two days, the show will be the focal point of the largest concentration of private label professionals in the industry.
