You don’t need me to tell you that private labels have come a long way in both quality and packaging in recent years. You also don’t need me to tell you many still have quite a distance to go to be on par with strong, consumer-loved brands.

If you are concerned your company may fall on the ho-hum side of what Todd Maute calls “The Spectrum of Love,” visit the article for insight on why this is a big deal and what your brand can do to tip the scale positively.

Any brand, retail or national, can be in the position of being a consumer’s “one and only” once a brand-consumer connection has been made. Read Winning the Brand Wars (p.14) next for ways to cue emotions with visual assets.

We’ve also included an in-depth look at stand-up pouches (p.20) in this issue: why they are seeing such growth and why they might be right for your brand. 

Don’t forget to get your Design Gallery entries in by August 31 to be in the running for the People’s Choice and Editor’s Award trophies and the December annual.

 Also, you can save $200 on your Packaging That Sells registration if you sign up before September 8. Learn from the best: Dell, butter LONDON, Mintel and many other solid brands, talented researchers and experienced designers will be presenting on how to make a statement and form connections through packaging.