Citing heightened consumer interest in value-priced options, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Bentonville, Ark., re-launched its Great Value private label line and said that hundreds of both new and newly packaged offerings will roll out to stores nationwide between March and May. Wal-Mart said it …

… tested more than 5,250 Great Value products against leading national brands;

… conducted more than 2,700 consumer tests to compare flavor, aroma, texture, color and appearance of Great Value brands versus national brands;

… reformulated as many as 750 products including breakfast cereals, yogurt and cookies;

… developed more than 80 new products including frozen thin crust pizza, fat-free caramel swirl ice cream and strawberry yogurt.

In conjunction with the move, Wal-Mart said it redesigned Great Value’s packaging graphics and updated packages with easier-to-read nutrition labels and more appetizing food photography. The retailer said it also reduced packaging where possible.