Turkish fragrance company to set up operation in Dubai

The company specialises in fragrance compounding, creating oils used to scent a range of products from perfumes and cosmetics to washing up powder.

It is using Private Label Middle East (PLME), the region's first contract manufacturing event, as a spring board into the regional market where it can find both customers and partners for its move into Dubai.

Gulcicek Sales Manager, Aslan Gulcicek, said: "PLME will link us up with manufacturers of cosmetics and household products in the private label business. We understand the tastes and likes of this region and will be able to customise special fragrances that suit this market.

"It is easy to do business in Dubai because it is an advanced economy and you do not have a problem with payment."

Gulcicek is one of several Turkish chemical manufacturers producing a range of products from washing powder to cosmetics, that have signed up for PLME as part of a Turkish group currently forecast to feature over 30 individual companies.

The group includes, cosmetics specialists, Luni Hiyyenik and Tan-Alize, wet wipes manufacturer, Sapro Temizlik, washing powder and detergent group, Baser Kimya, plus HES Kimya Sanyai, Shoe and leather care products manufacturers Ozden Kimya ve plastic San Tic Ltd, and Tibet Ithalat, which make a variety of general purpose cleaners.

Sapro Temizlik will be promoting its new Freshline wet wipes at PLME as well as looking for private label customers for its products.

Export Marketing Executive, Pinar Rona, said: "This is an important new market for us as we estimate the private label industry is set to grow at 10 per cent a year in the Middle East.

"We will be meeting both retailers and wholesalers from the region to grow our existing private label production as well as promote our own brand."

Internationally, private label and own brands are among the fastest growing sectors in retail, accounting for more than 40 per cent of all sales in the UK, German and French markets.

Mamoud Er, the Turkish delegation organiser, said the country's chemical industry is a major private label exporter.

"The Turkish chemicals industry supplies Europe, the former Soviet Union, Iran and Syria and is now targeting the Middle East.

"Dubai is a hub that will allow companies to target the whole region and at PLME they will find the customers, agents and partners they need."

The show, organised by Channels Exhibitions, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 - 16.

Channels' research points to the show winning trade visitor support from the leading retail chains, department stores, wholesalers, distributors, agents and hotel chains as well as airlines and shipping lines throughout the Middle East, the CIS, Indian sub-continent and North Africa.

Justin Boutros, Managing Director, Channels Exhibitions, said: "Toiletries, detergents and household goods manufacturers, both local and international, will feature very strongly at PLME.

"The strong interest from Turkey shows for potential for growth for companies involved in the manufacture and packaging of goods for wholesalers and retailers as own label or branded goods."

Other industry sectors covered by Private Label Middle East include food & beverages, cleaning & hygiene materials, health & beauty products, home and kitchenware, stationery, textiles& home textiles, paper & plastic products, electronics & white goods, industrial consumables, white goods and market research and brand design services.

PLME is held under the patronage of the Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai.