PLMA's Annual Private Label Summit - Manchester

Oliver Koll, Consultant at Europanel, Marketing Scolar and Researcher

This presentation takes a closer look at the evolution of Private Label, from its long-term growth in Europe and beyond to the changing role it plays in retailers’ brand strategies. It explores why crises can accelerate Private Label growth, while showing that financial pressure alone does not explain its success.

From premium tiers and destination ranges to sustainability, health and niche segments, it examines where Private Label is gaining ground — and where brands are fighting back.

The key takeaway for Private Label manufacturers? Price may open the door, but it doesn’t hold it. As retailers gain access to the full brand-building toolkit, the opportunity is to think more strategically about where Private Label can win — and why.

Adam Leyland, Editor-in-Chief, The Grocer Magazine

This presentation provides an overview of the UK retail landscape, with a particular focus on the role and evolution of Private Label. It will look at key demographic and consumer trends that are shaping shopping behaviour across the UK. Furthermore, the different retail formats that define the market will be explored, from supermarkets and hypermarkets to discounters and convenience stores, and how each plays a distinct role in meeting consumer needs. The focus will also be on the key opportunities within the market for retailers and PL suppliers.

Andrew Staniland, Group Trading Director, Morrisons

Morrisons has grown into one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains. It is a food-focused retailer known for its strong fresh-food offer, in-store preparation, and vertically integrated supply chain, producing and processing a significant share of its own fresh food.  

Morrisons has been one of the better-performing UK grocers in recent years, gaining momentum through value, quality, and customer-focused innovation. Its private label strategy is a key differentiator. Morrisons is increasingly using private label not just as a value proposition, but as a strategic brand-building tool, supported by its unique control of sourcing, manufacturing, and fresh food production. Andrew will talk about their growth strategy and future plans.

Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner and Sneha Haria, Insights Manager, IGD

The future of groceries won’t be won in 2040 — it’s being shaped by the decisions retailers and suppliers make today. Drawing on IGD’s eight predictions for groceries in 2040, this session explores the forces already transforming the industry and real-world examples of how leading European private-label businesses are turning future trends into competitive advantage. From sustainable sourcing and health-focused innovation to AI, personalisation and new value propositions, private label is uniquely positioned to move faster and lead. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to identify the shifts that matter most and act on the opportunities emerging today. 

Thijs Geijer, Senior Economist, Team Lead Global Sector Research, ING Think/ING Nederland

In an increasingly uncertain and unstable world, resilience is becoming a strategic priority for retailers and Private Label suppliers. This session explores the economic trade-offs of navigating risk, the major challenges affecting the FMCG industry, and how businesses can respond to growing geopolitical, climate and supply chain pressures. Using a practical 4R framework, it will provide actionable ways to anticipate and manage these risks across both food and non-food. More than an overview, this session is a wake-up call to understand what may be coming — and to take action now. 

Helen Herd, Group Head of Sustainability, McBride

Sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement into a core capability of being a best-in-class Private Label manufacturer. Drawing on McBride’s own journey, this session explores six key lessons: why data comes first, how scale creates both opportunity and complexity, the importance of governance and accountability, and the critical role of suppliers and customers in driving change. It will also look at the capabilities built today, what will matter over the next five years, and what we wish we had known earlier.

Erick Smet, Head of AI Innovation, TrendWatching

This hands-on session shows how AI can take an idea from first spark to polished product concept, live and in real time. See a real innovation process run live, from start to finish, in under an hour. Shape the session yourself as the room picks the trend, audience and direction, then watch AI turn those choices into concepts you can actually take to a retailer. You’ll leave with a practical method you can use again the very next morning, in any brief.