KEASBEY, N.J. – Two store brands introduced last year at ShopRite supermarkets have been recognized in a global competition devoted to private-brand package design.

Wakefern Food Corp., owner and operator of supermarkets under the ShopRite and other banners, said judges of the Vertex Awards had honored its Bowl & Basket and Paperbird store brands.

Individual items from the brands received gold, silver and bronze awards through the competition.

After being introduced at ShopRite stores last year, products from each line were added at the Wakefern banners Price Rite Marketplace and The Fresh Grocer.

“We are truly thrilled that these new brands have received prestigious Vertex Awards,” said Chris Skyers, vice president of Own Brands at Wakefern. “Over the last few years, our team has devoted themselves to creating a unique look and feel for both our Bowl & Basket and Paperbird brands. We’re honored that the Vertex judges have recognized the distinct design of each brand and we feel confident that we’ve delivered on our promise to create high-quality, accessible, and stylish products.”

The Vertex Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts from around the world on the basis of creativity, marketability and innovation.

Wakefern winners are:

• Bowl & Basket, a silver winner in the New Brand category.
• Paperbird, a bronze winner in the New Brand category.
• Bowl & Basket Specialty Kettle Chips, winner of gold and best-in-shop honors.
• Paperbird Premium Bath Tissue, bronze winner in the Health Care category.

The Vertex Awards will be presented at the Velocity Global Virtual Conference, set for August 4 and August 5.

This is not the first time a new ShopRite brand has been recognized for its innovative products. In 2017, Wholesome Pantry Organic was awarded two Salute to Excellence Awards by the Private Label Manufacturers Association. Wholesome Pantry Organic Spring Mix Salad and Wholesome Pantry Creamy Almond Butter were both recognized in the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s “Healthy Eating & Natural Foods” and “Spreads” categories. The Wholesome Pantry Organic brand was also awarded Best New Organic Food Product or Line by Store Brands in 2017.

Wakefern is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. The cooperative comprises 50 members who today independently own and operate 354 supermarkets under the ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, Price Rite Marketplace, Gourmet Garage, Dearborn Market and Fairway banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania,  Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.