The national brands are making direct connections with customers, and that is changing the way promotions are being structured as well.

Here is PLBuyer’s annual look at the latest developments in a range of new technologies that can help retailers sell more private label products.

PLBuyer editors believe these 10 people will face major challenges and/or have major impacts in the private label world during the coming year.

Where will the private label action be in 2012? What factors will impact how much private label you sell and to whom? PLBuyer consulted with industry experts and looked in its editors’ collective crystal ball to put together the following predictions and trends you need to know if you want to grow your private label sales and profits in 2012.

Marketing like national brands came into vogue, as did more premium and more new product rollouts.

It’s a common conundrum: food retailers want to maximize private label sales but driving awareness requires marketing time and money.

PLBuyer’s editorial board expects to see more innovation, more niche lines and more marketing for private label in the coming year.