Trader Joe’s sued over knockoff of popular kids' meal

Core Points - J.M. Smucker Company, known for Jif Peanut Butter and Uncrustables, has filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe's for allegedly replicating the design and packaging of Uncrustables [2][3][4] - Uncrustables has become a billion-dollar brand, generating approximately $920 million in annual sales, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase [5][6] - The brand represents over 10% of J.M. Smucker's total revenue, highlighting its significance to the company's financial performance [6] Company Overview - J.M. Smucker has invested over $1 billion in the development and marketing of Uncrustables, which are frozen, pre-made sandwiches filled with peanut butter and jelly [5][6] - The company recently opened a $1.1 billion production facility in Alabama to meet rising demand, marking one of its largest capital investments [6] Industry Context - Trader Joe's operates a private-label business model, offering affordable, high-quality store-brand alternatives that compete with national brands [8] - The lawsuit reflects the competitive tension within the private-label market, where Trader Joe's has built a loyal customer base through exclusive products [8]