This week’s Velocity Live broadcast brought the latest updates from the world of Retailer-owned Brands, featuring bold innovations, exciting product launches, and strategic insights from leading retailers around the globe. Hosted by Christopher Durham, President of the Velocity Institute, and Laraine Durham, VP of Marketing and Events, the live stream was packed with stories that illustrate how retailer-owned brands are driving value and innovation.

Here’s a look back at the top stories featured during the broadcast:

Albertsons Expands Retailer-Owned Brands with Innovation and Value

Christopher kicked things off with the big news from Albertsons, which reported strong Q3 2024 results. CEO Vivek Sankaran shared how retailer-owned brands are a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to build loyalty and grow market share.

Highlights included:

• The Overjoyed Halloween Collection with 150 festive products like cupcakes, trail mixes, and party supplies.
• The launch of Bee Lightly Wines, featuring Chardonnay and Rosé in sustainable, recycled PET flat bottles.
• Sankaran emphasized that these initiatives not only deliver value during economic uncertainty but also strengthen Albertsons’ competitive edge.

Marks & Spencer Introduces Brain-Boosting Snacks

Laraine shared details about Marks & Spencer’s new Brain Food range, developed in partnership with Wholebake. The centerpiece of the range is the Brain Ball, a snack packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 to support brain health.

• This innovative range reflects M&S’s dedication to health and well-being while showcasing its collaboration with local suppliers. The products were also featured in ITV’s Inside M&S at New Year.
• Natural Grocers Elevates Organic Offerings

Next up, Christopher spotlighted Natural Grocers, which launched a new line of organic pastas and biodynamic sauces under its retailer-owned brand.

Key details included:

• Italian-made pastas using traditional bronze die cuts for superior texture.
• Organic, gluten-free sauces, with four certified biodynamic options.
• Raquel Isely, VP of Marketing at Natural Grocers, highlighted the focus on quality, sustainability, and affordability—bringing together families over meals that are both wholesome and delicious.

Sainsbury’s Prioritizes Health with New Functional Range

Laraine closed out the product stories with news from Sainsbury’s, which unveiled a health-focused range alongside its Healthy Choice icon. This initiative is designed to help shoppers make healthier decisions more easily.

New products include:

• Cold-pressed juices and shots made with watermelon juice for lower sugar content.
• Kefir yogurts and drinks packed with live cultures for gut health.
• Protein yogurts with 15g of protein per serving.
• The Healthy Choice icon now appears on over 1,300 products, aligning with Sainsbury’s mission to inspire healthier eating habits.

As the broadcast wrapped up, Christopher and Laraine reminded viewers to mark their calendars for Velocity Live every Wednesday at 1:00 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube. With new stories and updates each week, it’s the place to stay informed about everything happening in the world of retailer-owned brands.

Velocity Conference + Expo 2025

The Velocity Conference + Expo 2025 is set for May 13-15, 2025, at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Focused on “The Art of Retailer-owned Brand Innovation,” this premier event will feature:

• Keynote Speakers – Insights from 30+ executives and thought leaders.
• 2025 Vertex Awards Ceremony – Celebrating excellence in private brand packaging design.
• Innovation Expo – Showcasing the latest tools and solutions driving private brand innovation.

The Vertex Awards are now open for entries—don’t miss your chance to spotlight exceptional designs and achievements.
REGISTER NOW!

Join the Conversation – Velocity Live

Stay connected with Velocity This Week Live most Wednesdays at 1:00 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay informed about the latest in Retailer-owned Brands.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Marketing by Design and Centric Software, for making this livestream possible.

Stay bold, keep innovating, and we’ll see you next week!