Velocity This Week Live: In-Depth Highlights from the Latest Episode with Christopher and Laraine Durham

On the latest episode of “Velocity This Week Live,” Christopher and Laraine Durham, President and VP of Marketing and Events at the Velocity Institute, brought viewers up to speed on the most exciting developments in the world of retailer-owned brands and previewed two major events set to shape the industry’s future.

Key Stories in Retailer-Owned Brand Innovation

1. Albertsons Expands Its Private Brand Portfolio with Overjoyed
Fresh off its recognition as Retailer of the Year at the Vertex Awards, Albertsons Companies, Inc. launched its newest retailer-owned brand, Overjoyed, adding a splash of innovation, personality, and joy to its private brand portfolio. Overjoyed brings a vibrant range of products that celebrate life’s everyday moments, including indulgent treats like French macarons, s’mores trail mix, chocolate fudge brownie ice cream cakes, and whimsical sprinkles. The collection also features Overjoyed Boutique, with elegant vases, scented candles, and seasonal décor items. With dynamic marketing across digital channels, Overjoyed joins Albertsons’ lineup of popular private brands such as Signature SELECT, O Organics, and Lucerne, continuing to delight customers with fresh, innovative options.

2. Kroger Teams Up with Lisa Vanderpump for a Fashionable Floral Collaboration
Kroger Co. is stepping into the fashion-collaboration game with its new partnership with celebrity Lisa Vanderpump. The exclusive Vanderpump Blooms x Bloom Haus collection, available at Kroger Family of Stores starting September 4, brings couture-inspired floral arrangements to customers, including stunning options like the dreamy Perfectly Peach, the regal Royal Garden, and the bold Crimson Romance. This collection aims to infuse high fashion into floral design, offering customers a new way to express their style with flowers. Each arrangement also comes with a QR code for exclusive styling tutorials by Vanderpump, proving that flowers, like fashion, can be both innovative and accessible.

3. AWG Brands Launches New Salty Snacks to Meet Consumer Demand
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) has expanded its private brand portfolio, introducing new salty snacks across its Always Save, Best Choice, and Best Choice Superior Selections lines. With the rising cost of national brand snacks, this expansion aims to provide greater value to consumers while driving loyalty in the competitive snack market. The new lineup includes Best Choice Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Braids, value-sized Always Save Potato Chips, and a variety of flavors across potato chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, and more. With options from entry-level to gourmet, AWG is helping its member retailers offer delicious, affordable snacking choices that appeal to a broad range of tastes.

4. Waitrose Unveils Exciting Christmas 2024 Collection for Food Lovers
British retailer Waitrose is getting a head start on the festive season with the launch of its Christmas 2024 collection, featuring 554 products, including 175 brand-new items. Designed with food lovers in mind, this range embraces the latest food trends and offers innovative twists on classic favorites. From “New Nostalgia” dishes like Crispy Bacon Carbonara Cups and Lobster, Crab & Prawn Cocktails to “Boujee Boozy” treats like Limoncello Fizz Panettone and Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding, Waitrose aims to bring excitement to every festive occasion. The collection also includes stunning centerpieces such as the Red Velvet Bauble Dessert and Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown, ensuring that every holiday table is a feast for the senses.

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!

1. Sustainability Summit – October 15-16, 2024
Taking place from October 15-16, 2024, the Sustainability Summit will gather leaders from across the private brand industry to discuss the latest sustainable practices, innovations, and strategies. This event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops focused on reducing environmental impact, enhancing supply chain transparency, and driving meaningful change within the sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from top experts, network with peers, and explore how sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of brand development and retail.
REGISTER NOW!

2. Bold Bash – November 7, 2024
Scheduled for November 7, 2024, the Bold Bash will celebrate innovation and excellence in the private brand industry. This event will recognize the creative minds and groundbreaking products that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the market. Attendees can look forward to an evening of awards, live entertainment, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators who are driving growth and success in private brands.

Stay Connected with Velocity This Week Live

Catch “Velocity This Week Live” every Wednesday at 1:00 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube for more in-depth industry news, expert insights, and updates on events like the Sustainability Summit and Bold Bash. Be sure to subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join the conversation to stay ahead in the world of private brands!