The Modern Retail Podcast Slowing retail sales, cleaner products from Kraft-Heinz, and the rise of private label
Jun 21, 2025
Julia Waldow, a reporter at Modern Retail, dives into the burgeoning world of private labels, revealing how these store brands are transforming consumer shopping habits. Despite a slump in retail sales, nearly 70% of shoppers are attracted to private labels for better value. Waldow discusses Kraft Heinz’s initiative to eliminate artificial dyes by 2027, showcasing a broader shift towards cleaner products. The conversation also highlights how retailers are leveraging these brands to enhance profitability and attract trend-focused consumers.
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May Retail Sales Insights
- May retail sales showed only a slight drop, surprising many experts expecting a bigger decline.
- Categories like apparel and furniture showed growth, indicating selective consumer spending.
Shift Away from Artificial Dyes
- Kraft Heinz plans to remove artificial dyes from all U.S. products by 2027, signaling a significant shift in the food industry.
- Nearly 90% of their U.S. products already do not contain artificial colors.
Private Labels' Rising Power
- Private labels are evolving beyond cheaper alternatives to name brands; they now offer elevated, trendy products.
- Retailers control manufacturing and pricing, allowing them to tailor private labels to customer segments and increase margins.