What’s driving the private label business in supermarkets today?
BS: In some ways, the driving force behind private label in supermarkets is the changes which have taken place among consumers. Many people do not have time to cook any longer and therefore seek ready-to-heat, ready-to-serve foods and this is where retailers and their private label products have advantages over national brands and their center store products. SW: 2008/2009 is characterised as a year of crisis for the economy, and in particular for retailing, what are the expectations for private label sales? BS: The expectation is that private label sales will increase as consumers look for savings. Statistics seem to be supporting this theory. However, it would be a mistake to think that these increases in private label sales will disappear when the economic crisis is over. Retail history shows clearly that those who switch to private label stay with private label over the long-term. SW: Do you feel that price will remain the main discriminating factor in the choice of private label p
