As changes in American lifestyle are increasingly driving consumers to the supermarket perimeter, the Private Label Manufacturers Association, New York, announced it will turn a spotlight on store brands in the deli, dairy and bakery sections at its 2015 Private Label Trade Show, to be held Nov. 15-17 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

“Consumers are making it clear they want convenience and speed in meal preparation,” explains Brian Sharoff, PLMA president. “As a result, retailers are expanding the offerings available in fresh food departments such as their deli sections, their dairy cases and in-store bakeries. This is creating new and exciting opportunities for retailers’ store brands to respond to shoppers’ interest in foods that are convenient, fresh, and healthier.”

By spotlighting these three categories, the trade show will encourage retailers to expand their offerings and become more innovative in assortment and product concepts. PLMA will feature a lobby display, highlighting what retailers are doing. A special seminar on marketing and merchandising will also be held during the show. In addition, PLMA will unveil the findings of a new consumer study regarding shopping attitudes and buying behavior.

Growth in deli, dairy and bakery has been dramatic, according to PLMA. Deli departments have seen a proliferation of chilled and ready-to-serve entrees, grab-and-go meal items, snacks, salads and side dishes. The dairy section, meanwhile, has made room for more flavored milk and milk alternatives, sport and nutrition drinks, yogurts, cheeses and other specialty items. The importance of supermarket bakeries continues to rise as the number of independent bakery shops in the U.S. has plummeted from about 20,000 as recently as 1995 to fewer than 6,800 today.

“Deli, dairy and bakery are among the fastest-growing sections at the annual PLMA Private Label Trade Show,” adds Sharoff. “In all, the show will present more than 2,700 exhibit booths. Nearly 5,000 visitors are expected to attend, including buyers and executives from the leading U.S. supermarkets, drug chains, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, convenience and specialty retailers, in addition to wholesalers, brokers, importers and others.”

Over the years, the importance of the PLMA show has grown as private label sales continue to outpace the national brands. According the latest industry sales data compiled by The Nielsen Co., private label accounts for $1 out of every $5 in supermarket sales, and unit market share exceeds 23 percent. Total private label sales in the U.S. last year surpassed $115 billion.

For information about PLMA’s 2015 Private Label Trade Show, visit www.plma.com, email info@plma.com or call 212-972-3131.