This document discusses private label products and strategies for brand name manufacturers to address the threat from private labels. It notes that private label strength varies with economic conditions and brand manufacturers can influence private labels. While private labels pose a threat, an overreaction is not the solution. The document recommends that brand manufacturers invest in brand equity, innovate wisely, use fighting brands sparingly, build trade relationships, manage price spreads, exploit sales promotions, manage each category separately, and take private labels seriously to stem further private label gains in market share.