Private among the public

Prepared Foods, April, 2004

Private label products in the U.S. are beginning to catch up to their European counterparts in terms of quality and innovation. H-E-B (San Antonio), a supermarket chain found primarily in Texas, is advancing its offerings with products that provide consumers with choice and variation.

The H-E-B line includes nearly all sections of the packaged goods market, from OTC medicines to snacks and beverages, and also includes a line of kid-themed products, called H-E-Buddy. Located in the Southwest, the company's private label provides lines of refrigerated meat products that offer consumers convenience at wallet-friendly prices.

The fully cooked sub-brand includes Appeteasers, 11b. of microwaveable meatballs with BBQ sauce for $3.99; and Lean Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce, which is said to be "authentic pit smoked" It retails for $2.99 and can also be prepared as packaged in the microwave.

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