The 2025 Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, which took place in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 28, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the private label industry. Held at the renowned Mountain Shadows Resort, this year’s conference drew over 1,000 attendees, including top executives, retail leaders, and product developers, all gathering to discuss trends, innovations, and strategies in the private label sector.
The theme for the 2025 event, “Private Brands: Spirit of the Past, Force for the Future”, encapsulated the evolution of private labels from niche products to leading categories in retail. Over the course of three days, the conference included keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at helping leaders in the industry stay ahead of market trends.
Leadership in the Private Label Sector
The highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Jack Sinclair, the CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market. Sinclair, a veteran leader in the retail and food industry, spoke passionately about the importance of innovation and the future of private label brands. With years of experience in retail and private label management, Sinclair emphasized that in order for private labels to maintain their competitive edge, they must stay agile, focus on consumer needs, and integrate new technologies into their offerings.
Sinclair’s message was clear: private labels must evolve beyond just price competition and focus on building quality, sustainability, and innovation into their products. According to Sinclair, understanding consumer preferences, especially as sustainability and health-consciousness become priorities, will allow companies to design private label products that resonate with today’s shoppers.
“Private brands were born from a spirit of innovation,” Sinclair said during his keynote. “They started as a cost-effective solution for consumers, but they’ve become so much more. They are now forces for change, setting new standards in quality and sustainability. The future is bright for private brands, but only if we continue to innovate and meet the evolving needs of our consumers.”
Sinclair’s words resonated with many of the attendees, many of whom were looking for strategies to differentiate their private labels from national brands. As private label products account for a larger share of the market, leaders are focusing on product differentiation, improving the consumer experience, and enhancing quality while maintaining competitive prices.
Technological Advancements and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the role of technology in shaping the future of private labels. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the private label industry is increasingly turning to these technologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and predict consumer trends. For instance, predictive analytics can help retailers understand consumer preferences and develop products that align with future demand.
Several experts at the conference, including Laura Zhang, Senior Vice President of AI at TechTrade Solutions, highlighted how AI is revolutionizing inventory management, supply chain optimization, and product development for private label brands. By using AI-driven insights, companies can forecast demand with greater accuracy, ensuring they stock the right amount of inventory at the right time.
Zhang presented case studies where AI was used to analyze social media trends, allowing private label brands to quickly introduce products that catered to changing consumer tastes. She also discussed how AI could enhance personalization in marketing, enabling brands to offer customized experiences to shoppers based on their purchase history and preferences.
“The potential for AI in the private label space is immense,” Zhang said. “It’s not just about predicting trends; it’s about creating products that will resonate with consumers, optimizing your supply chain, and being able to react in real-time to shifts in consumer behavior.”
Sustainability as a Key Business Strategy
Another critical topic covered during the conference was sustainability and its growing importance in consumer decision-making. Panelists discussed the sustainability challenges facing the private label industry and how companies can respond by adopting more sustainable practices in product sourcing, packaging, and waste management.
Elizabeth Hill, Sustainability Director at EcoGoods, led a panel discussion on sustainable sourcing and packaging. Hill’s research found that over 50% of consumers are now actively seeking out products with environmentally friendly packaging, and that number is expected to grow.
“Private label companies have an incredible opportunity to lead in the sustainability space,” Hill said. “Consumers are looking for brands that align with their values. The companies that lead on sustainability are not only helping the planet—they are also building stronger brand loyalty and driving sales.”
Many retailers at the conference discussed their efforts to reduce plastic packaging, switch to recyclable materials, and implement sustainable sourcing practices for private label products. These initiatives are becoming integral to the business strategy of leading private label brands.
The Future of Private Labels: Innovation, Collaboration, and Leadership
As the conference came to a close, several key takeaways emerged. One of the most important was the recognition that innovation, collaboration, and strong leadership will be the driving forces behind the future of private label brands. Companies must collaborate with suppliers, technology providers, and consumers to create products that meet the demands of the modern shopper.
Networking sessions allowed industry leaders to exchange ideas and form partnerships that could help accelerate innovation. Many attendees were particularly excited about the potential to combine technological advancements with consumer-driven trends to create unique, market-leading products.
“We have entered a new era for private labels,” said Jessica Harmon, a panelist and Managing Director of Urban Retail Group. “The old days of private label products simply being price alternatives are over. Today’s consumers want products that deliver exceptional quality, align with their values, and meet their needs. To lead in the future, we must innovate and collaborate with all stakeholders—because that’s how we’ll create the next wave of winning private brands.”
The 2025 PLMA Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference proved to be a significant event for those involved in private label manufacturing. As the industry evolves, so too will the strategies required to stay ahead. The lessons learned at the conference will no doubt shape the private label sector for years to come.