NEW YORK — The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) revealed the winners of its 2018 Salute to Excellence Awards.

More than 500 new private label products were evaluated by panels of industry professionals and consumers. Fifty-three products were awarded titles in food and nonfood categories.

Retailers and wholesalers from the United States, Canada and Latin America were asked to submit their new store brands products for consideration. According to PLMA, the products were reviewed for innovation based on trends in the category, the markets in which the retailer operates and what competitors were offering. The items also were judged by taste, texture, smell, packaging, presentation and value.

Winners were announced in bakery and snack categories. From European pastries to naan, many were influenced by popular global flavors and cuisines.

“What is really amazing is how good retailers have become in spotting trends and developing new products,” said Brian Sharoff, president, PLMA. “Ten years ago, all you heard were complaints from national brands about how private label was nothing more than copycats. Now it is the retailers and their store brands suppliers who are pioneering and leading the way.”

The following products took home prizes in 2018 and will be on display at the PLMA’s 2018 Private Label Trade Show, being held Nov. 11-13 at the Rosemont Convention Center, near Chicago.

Breakfast Foods 
Sobeys 
Compliments Naturally Simple 
Ancient Grain Steel Cut Oatmeal

Cakes & Pies 
BJ’s Wholesale Club 
Wellsley Farms 
White Chocolate Twist Cake

Breads, Rolls & Muffins 
Wakefern 
ShopRite Trading Company 
Garlic Tandoori Naan 

Cookies 
Costco 
Wholesale Kirkland Signature
European Pastries 

Breakfast Cereal 
Metro 
Irresistibles Naturalia 
Coconut Flakes & Hemp Seeds Granola

Pizza (tie) 
Metro 
Irresistibles 
Canadian Mega Pizza

Walmart 
Great ValuE 
2 Ciabatta Pizza Crusts

Chips & Crisps 
Earth Fare 
Earth Fare
Himalayan Pink Salt Kettle Chips