In 2019, Wakefern expanded its own brand (private label) line with the launch of Bowl & Basket, a new line of premium products that offer high quality options at competitive prices. “Currently, the line offers a robust Italian-product assortment of specialty cheeses, oil, vinegars, coffee, cookies, dried pasta, canned tomatoes and pasta sauce,” says Lead Innovation & Marketing Category Manager, Own Brands Rebecca Montemarano. Wakefern presented its product line also during Cibus 2022 trade show, an opportunity to try to partnering with new companies and suppliers “to expand and amplify our Bowl & Basket specialty assortment. We see an opportunity to explore additional categories such as candy, crackers, and frozen desserts, to name a few. American consumers are particularly attentive to new food trends and categories such as plant-based, high protein, and low sugar. But also to sustainability, starting with packaging. Our goal is to form strong relationships with suppliers to grow the Bowl & Basket Specialty line,” Montemarano says.