Regional private label market now worth USD250 million, says Turkish industry expert

Yavuz is with the Turkish delegation at Private Label Middle East (PLME), the first regional contract manufacturing event, currently underway at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).

He said he was at the show to promote Turkey's strong world-class manufacturing capabilities. The main export markets that Turkish manufacturers supply at the moment include Europe, the CIS countries and the US.

"We want to penetrate the growing Middle East market and we have developed a strategy to achieve this aim.

"Regionally the fastest growing private label market for us is in soft drinks, household goods, cosmetics and paper products."

He said PLME was a good opening into the regional market and applauded the organiser's decision to stage it.

PLME 2004 closes its inaugural run on September 16. The event has attracted more than 60 exhibitors from 17 countries.

"For a first time event we are very impressed with the amount of interest shown from buyers from across the region," said Justin Boutros, Managing Director, Channels Exhibitions, organisers of PLME. "We are now confident of an even bigger response to the show next year."

PLME 2004 show timings are 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm until 9.00 pm.

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