Private label industry takes centre stage at PLME-2008

The three-day event, which continues till tomorrow at Hall 8 of Dubai World Trade Centre, has brought together over 100 world-class manufacturers from over 21 countries. The exhibitors include suppliers, manufacturers and retailers who are showcasing their own brands and private labels solutions for distributors, retailers and any other companies who are interested in creating their 'own' brands as per pre-determined specifications, costing, standards and packaging.

The exhibition, which specializes in the research, development, design and packaging of in-house brands that are manufactured under contract for sale under private labels, was inaugurated on Tuesday by His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Organised by Channels Exhibitions, PLME-2008 hosts national pavilions from Germany, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey, along with manufacturer groups from America, Europe, Asia and Middle East. The show has already generated unprecedented response and confirmed business orders from visitors and trade buyers. The exhibition is by far the biggest regional exhibition catering to private labels and contract manufacturing.

In his comments, Mr Justin Boutros, Managing Director, Channels Exhibitions, said:

"The Private Label Middle East exhibition is a great platform for access to new markets and we are happy that a lot of business leads have been generated during the show. Private labels and contract manufacturing continue to attract more and more interest throughout the Middle East and we are happy that the exhibition has brought representatives from various sectors including hypermarkets, retailers, grocery chains, departmental stores, hotels, restaurant chains, airlines, duty free travel, ship chandlers, brand management companies and re-exporters."

The exhibition focuses on a wide array of products, ranging from food and beverages, home care, hygiene, cleaning, clothing to stationery and disposable industrial items.

One of the exhibitors - Biotechnology International Co LLC - is showcasing its personal care products, household cleaning solutions and detergents at the show. Yara Al Kodmani, Marketing Manager of Biotechnology, said: "We focus on private labeling and I am happy to be a part of this exhibition, which offers us tremendous business opportunities. It is a nice platform to meet new brand owners and entrepreneurs from various parts of the world."

The private label industry has registered a whopping 11 per cent growth in value terms across the Middle East over the last year, which is significantly higher than a global average of 5 per cent, according to a report by The Nielsen Company - the world's leading marketing information company.