Private label sales gear up for growth

Pretty remarkable for a region known to be 'brand hungry'. In today's climate, people want to shop smarter - which means hunting out competitively priced, own-label everyday items and necessities.

According to recent estimates, sales of private label goods accounted for more than 50% of revenue at certain major supermarkets within the region. This shows the huge potential of own-branded goods - which is the focus of Private Label Middle East (PLME) - the only dedicated own-label and contract manufacturing exhibition in the Middle East.

Organized by Channels Exhibitions, PLME takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 27-29 October 2009. The show brings together leading manufacturers and suppliers from nearly 30 countries around the world, hosting national pavilions from Germany, Turkey, Italy and Bulgaria, among others.

The three-day event specialises in showcasing the latest research, development, design and packaging of brands manufactured under contract for sale under private labels. These items span various product categories - food & beverage, health & beauty, paper & plastic, cleaning, pharmaceuticals & hygiene, industrial consumables and others.

PLME is a must-attend event for industry players across the retail board - including supermarkets, hypermarkets, independent retailers, wholesalers, grocery chains, home and lifestyle departmental stores, hotels, restaurant chains, airlines, duty free travel, brand management companies and re-exporters.

Justin Boutros, CEO of Channels Exhibitions, said:

"We have seen the appetite for private label and own-branded goods attracting increasing interest across the Middle East. Private brands are garnering a greater share in almost every category. This, coupled with the fact that the retail sector is poised for continued growth - the Dubai retail sector alone is projected to be worth $500bn in five years - makes for an extremely attractive proposition."

He added: "PLME offers a unique cost-effective forum for buyers to source or partner with manufacturers from around the world. Similarly, it offers manufacturers a chance to meet and discuss future plans with retailers and distributors across sectors and countries in the Middle East, Africa, CIS states and Indian subcontinent. Dubai's strategic location as a re-exporter across the wider Middle East makes PLME a vital platform for those in search of new territories and business opportunities in the region's lucrative marketplace."

Confirmed participants at PLME 2009 - include top manufacturers such as the Al Hosni Group, Arab Beverages, Atlantic Grupa, Axxon Bulgaria, Emirates Wet Wipes FZCO, Italian Trade Commission, Leather Unlimited, Max Private Label, Riyadh Food Industries Company and Vega Consult.

As part of its efforts to further build on the success of last year's PLME, Channels has offered distinct advantages for exhibitors: PLME Host - a programme where exhibitors can nominate key buyers for Channels to invite to the show; PLME Match - where pre-registered visitors are sent a personalised list of products and services that match their specific areas of interest, along with advance notification of companies participating, so facilitating meetings to be scheduled in advance of the show; and PLME Concierge - which provides exhibitors with a personalised, branded and secure pre-registration system, enabling them to register their own key visitors prior to the event, to ensure swift and smooth entry to the show.

Last year's PLME attracted close to 5000 trade visitors from more than 50 countries - all keen to do business with world-class manufacturers from nearly 28 countries from around the world. PLME 2009 is set to be a must-attend event on the industry calendar.