Reflecting the evolving trends shaping today’s private label market, the Idea Supermarket at PLMA’s World of Private Label has been reimagined as PLMA’s World of Ideas. With a new look, a new location, and a new name, the area emphasizes its global character and establishes itself as the central hub where new ideas in private label come to life.
From leading product innovations presented by exhibitors to products launched in retail stores around the globe, including award-winning private label products, visitors can explore the full spectrum of private label development to get inspired, stay driven, and remain ahead in today’s competitive market.
Within this broader context of innovation and trend development at the World of Ideas, the New Product Expo area offers a glimpse into what lies ahead. Showcasing nearly 300 products new to private label and offered by exhibitors, it shows interesting product developments like, the growing presence of trendy matcha. Once considered a niche ingredient, matcha now appears across a wide range of categories, from yoghurts, sweets, beverages, and snacks to beauty and personal care products. In the Retail Trends area, the latest developments in packaging innovation and Gen Z trends, are on display, as seen on the shelves of 60 retailers worldwide.
Located in the RAI Auditorium Lounge at the heart of the show, the World of Ideas features a clear layout, improved visitor flow, and multiple access points for an enhanced experience.
“Witnessing the ongoing growth of international participation and the shared desire for a more dynamic focus, PLMA wants to emphasize the area’s global character and establish it as the show’s centre for private label innovation. I believe the name World of Ideas captures it perfectly,” stated Jan van Lier, Managing Director Trade Shows at PLMA International Council.
PLMA’s World of Private Label International Trade Show, taking place on 19–20 May at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, provides the ideal setting for discovering what’s new in trending in private label. On the food side, convenience foods and ready meals are on the rise, with strong traction for organic, vegan, gluten free, and lactose free products. On the non-food side, lotions, gels, moisturizers, and cosmetics are seeing similar growth, highlighting the expanding focus on wellness and personal care.
The fact that some 30% of the show floor is dedicated to exhibitors of organic, vegan and plant-based products is a testimony to the shift towards the more sustainable food approach that is driving growth in these sectors. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are ethical, healthy, and environmentally conscious, with plant-based and organic highlighting the broader benefits of healthy sustainable eating. Illustrating these trends are specific organic and plant-based pavilions, such as those organised by Food from Denmark, Consorzio Il Biologico from Italy, and PIZE, the Polish Chamber of Organic Food. In addition to these pavilions, there are hundreds of other exhibitors offering organic and plant-based products also. In this context, it is only natural that the Dutch initiative De BioBorrel asked PLMA to organise their ‘Organic Happy Hour’ networking event at the conclusion of the first show day, featuring speaker Paul Holmbeck, an authority in the field of organics.
Free Seminars and Workshops – Monday, 18 May
PLMA’s Trade Show Seminars and Workshops, scheduled for 18 May, provide key insights into the market. Highlights include: McKinsey & Company presenting key insights of its new State of Grocery Retail
Europe 2026 report. Eroski, one of Spain’s leading retailers, sharing how their private label journey, powered by data and AI, has created a customer-centric strategy and is shaping the next evolution of product design and concurrent workshops such as “Buyerology”, exploring the needs of buyers and suppliers with retail expert Karen Green, and an interactive session hosted by Art Frickus of Conspicuous, will examine how to transform sales into strategic partnerships. Click here for the full programme.
As the World of Private Label continues to evolve, the introduction of PLMA’s World of Ideas demonstrate how innovation, new product developments and consumer trends are shaping the future of private label.
Join the 2026 World of Private Label in Amsterdam on 19–20 May, including the pre-show seminars on 18 May. Go to www.plmainternational.com for more information.
