Own label products had a difficult time in the UK last year, judging by the latest figures from the Private Label Manufacturers' Association. The new PLMA Yearbook heralds 1998-99 as a year of "impressive growth" for own label in Europe, but the figures tell a different story for the UK. Although the UK remains own label leader in Europe with a volume share of 45.4%, the market has stagnated with an increase of just 0.2% in 1999. The value share fell from 43.6% to 43.5%. And AC Nielsen's breakdown of the statistics suggests volume and value has dropped across virtually every product except bakery. {{NEWS }}