Private labeled chocolates on the rise

Trader Joe’s – the European-based supermarket – has issued a recall on one of its multiple private label brands of peanut butter in late September. According to the Associated Press, the grocer is recalling its Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter due to concerns over a possible salmonella outbreak.

These concerns, according to the Los Angeles Times, have rung true, as the company’s house brand peanut butter has been linked to more than 29 cases of salmonella in over 18 states.

While the company’s peanut butter private labels may not be in the best shape, it’s house brand chocolates have yet to accrue any need for a recall.

In fact, according to Confectionery News, chocolate contract manufacturing is seeing a rise in product, which is primarily driven by grocery stores and supermarkets as more customers are purchasing their private labels chocolates.

While major names such as Costco, Best Buy and the aforementioned Trader Joe’s are leading the way, many companies are seeing an increase in smaller business contracts, according to the source.

“The U.S. is becoming more sophisticated and is looking for a better quality product,” Dave Hawk, chairman of Pennsylvania-based Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, told the source. “There is a trend toward darker chocolate and high cocoa content.”

For grocers and retailers that are selling their own private products – whether its peanut butter, chocolate or a combination of both – it is beneficial to invest in high quality custom labels. By doing this, businesses can ensure that customers will choose their product over the name-brand competitors, especially if they’re presented in a manner that appeals more toward the demographic that frequents the store, rather than an overall population, which is what most major brands do.