As private label continues to steal market share from traditional food giants, more companies are pushing back through litigation to protect their brands.
What happened
J.M. Smucker is suing Trader Joe’s, alleging that the grocery chain’s version of crustless PB&J sandwiches are an “obvious copycat” of its Uncrustables frozen sandwiches.
The food giant claims Trader Joe’s is engaging in unfair competition, infringing on its trademark and using deceptive trade practices to benefit from Smucker’s substantial investment in Uncrustables.
Why it matters
Smucker, which is seeking damages and lost profits, said that unless the court acts, Trader Joe’s will “gain an unfair competitive advantage” and that its actions “will continue to cause irreparable injury” to the food manufacturer.
The lawsuit marks the latest effort by a major food maker to protect its market share as private-label items surge in popularity. Mondelēz International sued Aldi in May, alleging the grocer’s snack offerings replicate the packaging of Oreos, Chips Ahoy! and five other brands.
Consumer interest in private label offerings has been intensifying as retailers invest more in the quality, taste and value of the products.
This news brief is based on reporting published by Food Dive on 2025-10-17. The original report is linked below.
Food Dive
https://www.fooddive.com/news/jm-smucker-sues-trader-joes-over-copycat-uncrustables-sandwiches/803132/This independent news brief is based on the public source identified above. It is an original summary or translation, not a reproduction of the source article. Rights in source text, research, trademarks and images remain with their respective owners; images are used under the licence or permission identified in the credit. Rights holders may contact rights@goodproductasia.com with evidence of ownership. Verified concerns will be corrected, replaced or removed promptly. This report is not investment, legal, medical or purchasing advice.
