PLMA’s Annual Private Label Summit will take place in Manchester on 28–29 October 2026, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, trade journalists and industry consultants for two days of presentations, discussions, networking and guided store visits. With the UK providing an influential setting for private label development, the event will examine changing consumer expectations and the strategies shaping the sector’s future.
Held in a different major European city each year, the summit combines industry analysis with direct exposure to the host market’s retail landscape. Its format enables participants to exchange ideas, explore potential partnerships and gain practical insights into how retailers develop and position their own-brand ranges. Manchester will offer delegates an opportunity to examine the UK market through both expert presentations and visits to leading retailers.
The choice of the UK comes as premium private label continues to attract shoppers. According to IGD’s March 2026 analysis, citing Worldpanel by Numerator figures, premium own-label sales grew by 9% over Christmas 2025, exceeding £1 billion and appearing in 92% of shoppers’ baskets. IGD identifies premium ranges as an increasingly important contributor to retailers’ quality credentials, value positioning and sales mix. These developments suggest that opportunities for suppliers extend beyond competitive pricing to products that offer distinctive quality and stronger consumer appeal.
The wider European market also provides a strong backdrop. NielsenIQ data published by PLMA show that private label reached a 38.8% value share across 17 European countries in the year ending week 52 of 2025. Sales exceeded €387 billion, increasing by €15.3 billion, while private label shares rose in 12 of the markets surveyed.
According to the preliminary programme, the first day will feature Oliver Koll, consultant at Europanel, examining the importance of consumer behaviour in interpreting private label growth. Adam Leyland, Editor-in-Chief of The Grocer, will discuss the UK grocery market’s role as a testing ground for international retail innovation. A guided store visit and evening networking reception will complement the presentations.
The second day will include Andrew Staniland, Group Trading Director at Morrisons, discussing private label’s place in UK retail leadership. IGD’s Toby Pickard and Sneha Haria will explore retail transformation, while ING economist Thijs Geijer will address crisis management and business resilience. Helen Herd, Group Head of Sustainability at McBride, will present a supplier case study on embedding sustainability within business capabilities.
Technology and changing shopping channels will also feature. Erick Smet, Head of AI Innovation at TrendWatching, will lead an interactive workshop on applying artificial intelligence to daily operations. Jens Langkammer, Director at Strategy& within PwC Germany, will examine online grocery retailing and the complexity of serving shoppers across multiple channels.
Registration is open to PLMA members, retailers, manufacturers and trade press. Participation includes the guided store visit, networking reception, lunches on both days and an airport shuttle following the summit. Together, these activities will give delegates opportunities to strengthen industry connections while gaining a closer understanding of the UK’s private label business.
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