Private Label

NEW YORK -- BrandSpark International, along with Better Homes and Gardens, released the top shopper trends from the third annual Best New Product Award (BNPA) American Shopper Study, which surveyed more than 63,000 Americans.

WAYNE, N.J. -- Toys“R”Us has announced the launch of the first-ever collection of wood vehicles, track and playsets based on the popular Disney-Pixar movie, Cars, availableexclusively at Toys“R”Us stores around the world and online at Toysrus.com. The collection was created and designed by Toys“R”Us in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products.

CHICAGO — While many consumers tend to choose less expensive products when times are tough, lower-income Hispanics that predominantly speak Spanish tend to buy brand-name personal care products at a higher rate than their English-dominant counterparts, according to recent research by Mintel.

MINNEAPOLIS — In the wake of Walgreens' Big Flats 1901 entry, Supervalu recently introduced its “high quality, low-price” private-label American lager Buck Range Light.

Buck Range Light, which retails for about $5.99 for a 12-pack, will roll out in Supervalu banners nationwide, including Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Cub Foods and more.

NAPERVILLE, Ill.  — OfficeMax announced the launch of DiVOGA desk products and accessories featuring the limited edition Catherine collection. According to the company, the line features a contemporary take on the traditional brocade patterns dating back to eighteenth century Europe. 

DiVOGA Catherine is available for purchase at OfficeMax stores nationwide and other select retail partners of OfficeMax starting February 2011.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Building on the success of its store brands O Organics and Eating Right, Safeway is boosting its portfolio with a new line of healthy, nutritious food.

Open Nature includes more than 100 products made with 100% natural ingredients from natural sources. The first Open Nature items now are available in Safeway’s meat departments, with additional products to be added to the store brand throughout the year.

Current items up for grabs are priced between $3.99 and $5.99, the retailer said.

CHICAGO — It seems that private-label brands are getting a sterling reputation among shoppers.

According to new research by Mintel, consumers have taken notice of private-label companies' "better-for-you" products and attractive packaging, as 44% of grocery shoppers believe store-brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago. What's more, 39% of respondents said they would recommend purchasing a store-brand product.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Addressing customers' demand for affordable and nutritious meal options, Fresh & Easy is expanding its popular Eatwell line.

Building on the success of the Eatwell line, which launched last year, are such meal options as steak and spinach salad, spicy tomato chicken pasta and garlic alfredo salmon. The new meals range in price from $2.49 to $4.99.

Each Eatwell meal contains no more than 25% of the daily values for calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium (based upon a 2,000-calorie diet).