Private label takes off in the Gulf as first-time show gets exhibitors from across four continents

Companies who are coming to the show, which will be held from September 14 - 16 at The Dubai World Trade Centre, are already experiencing a rapid increase in demand for private label products both within the region and internationally.

The Gulf Centre for Soap and Chemical Industries (GCSCI) based at Jebel Ali, which manufactures soaps, personal and home care products and detergents, has seen private label business dominate its markets

Sales manager, Sheshadri Ramesh, said: "We have seen our private label business increase from 42 per cent to 72 per cent of our production in the last year and it is an area we see scope for much more growth.

"The fact that Dubai is an entrepot makes it an excellent location for the manufacture and export of private label goods and we sell across the Middle East and to Africa and Russia."

Strategic Food Industries, which employs about 300 people at its plant in Dubai, specializing in the manufacture and packaging of biscuits, has also found private labels the key to overseas markets.

Manager, Rajesh Chaubal said: "About 80 per cent of our production is for export but we also produce for a number of local companies. We are highly competitive in international markets and do work for some of the largest companies in the business."

Private Label Middle East Middle East has already won support from four continents according to organizers Channels.

"This response, which comes from throughout the Middle East, Europe, Scandinavia and Africa, is justification that the evolution of the region's manufacturing and retail base has now reached such a degree of sophistication that a show like this was much-needed," said Justin Boutros, Managing Director of Channels.

The exhibitor profile to date spans a variety of industry sectors including hardware production, soaps and detergents as well as handicrafts.

Private Label Middle East is aimed at promoting companies involved in the research, manufacture and packaging of products for contractors who then sell and market them either as an own label brand or a branded item.

"With retailing in the Middle East on a huge growth cycle, it is likely that own brands will quickly enter the market," said Boutros. "Internationally, private label and own brands are among the fastest-growing sectors within retail sales, accounting for over 40% of total retail volumes in the UK, Germany and France."

Channels Exhibitions, a pioneer of the trade fair industry within the Middle East, also organises Premium, the annual exhibition for incentives, giftware, corporate gifts, festive decorations and stationery and Middle East Exclusive, the annual duty free travel retailing event.