IPLC Newsletter in English
Over the past five years, we have issued our newsletter in the Dutch language. However, with our international scope and client base we have decided to switch to an English version as of now. Furthermore, you can now also follow IPLC on twitter.

Gluten-free private labels in France
After Auchan, that launched 13 gluten-free products under its ‘Mieux Vivre’ label, Carrefour has also launched 16 articles under the Carrefour ‘Sans-Gluten’ range. So far, the assortment comprises 11 bakery and pastry products, three pasta products and two types of biscuit.

Source: LSA, 25 February www.lsa.fr

Londis urges to switch to private label
With its ‘Swap and Save’ campaign, convenience operator Londis is encouraging its shoppers to switch from branded to own-label products. The campaign focuses on how much can be saved by filling a shopping basket with the recently relaunched Londis private label. The campaign is a surprising move as many convenience stores consider themselves the ‘home of the brands’. In 2008, Sainsbury’s outraged its branded suppliers with a similar campaign ‘Switch and Save’.

Source: The Grocer, 27 March www.thegrocer.co.uk

Private label show in Paris gains importance
On 30 and 31 March, the ninth edition of the MDD Expo (Marques de Distributeurs) took place in Paris. In total, 620 exhibitors participated in the show, i.e. 12% more than last year. Although participants were predominantly from the food industry, there were also 41 non-food exhibitors. Striking was a special section where 38 manufacturers and traders of Halal products sought exposure for their offer. French retailer Casino has already created a range of Halal products under its ‘Wassila’ private label. Retailers Intermarché and Casino were also present with their own exhibition booth. In all, 7100 visitors attended this year’s MDD Expo; a 14% increase in French visitors, and an almost 30% increase in international visitors.
Source: IPLC

Growth budget labels in Carrefour and Waitrose
Carrefour launched its ‘Carrefour Discount’ label in May 2009 to compete with hard discounters such as Aldi and Lidl. Today, the 400 products already generate 16% of the total private label turnover and account for 4% of the total sales volume of Carrefour France.
In the United Kingdom, Waitrose launched the ‘Essential’ range with a similar objective in March last year. It now represents 17% of total sales within Waitrose, according to the retailer. It predicts to boost the turnover of the label to £750m in its second year.

Sources: Le Figaro, 30 March www.lefigaro.fr and The Grocer, 13 March www.thegrocer.co.uk