Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of private label brands in the retail industry, emphasizing the consumer trend towards "clean labels" and the hidden complexities behind seemingly simple ingredient lists [5][7][24]. Group 1: Industry Changes - In 2024, the retail industry faced unprecedented changes, with over 12,000 physical stores closing, including 782 supermarkets [8]. - The trend continued into 2025, with at least 17,100 stores closing in the first half, affecting over 100 companies, including major brands like Walmart and Starbucks [9][10]. - Retailers are increasingly turning to private label products to seek new profit margins and differentiation, with Sam's Club's private label contributing approximately 40% to its sales [11]. Group 2: Consumer Preferences - Consumers are willing to pay for products with "clean ingredients," as evidenced by the popularity of brands like Fat Donglai, which offers juices with minimal ingredients [12][13]. - The demand for high-end juices has surged, with sales of NFC (Not From Concentrate) juices growing by 40% in 2023, leading to an average price increase of 8.9% in the juice category [12]. Group 3: Ingredient Transparency - The term "clean label" is gaining traction, promoting transparency in ingredient lists, but many companies still engage in marketing tactics that obscure the true nature of their products [24][25]. - The article highlights the complexity behind terms like "peach pulp" and "concentrated juice," which may contain various additives that are not clearly disclosed [15][20]. - There is a growing concern about the lack of transparency in ingredient labeling, as many companies use composite terms to hide the presence of additives [18][33]. Group 4: Market Opportunities - The clean label market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.51% from 2025 to 2030, reaching a market size of $62.43 billion by 2030 [24]. - Retailers like Sam's Club and Hema are adopting clean label practices, but the effectiveness and honesty of these claims are questioned [26][34].