'Green laws' boost Germany's private label business

This is a key factor in boosting German representation at Private Label Middle East, the contract manufacturing exhibition that was officially opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday (Sept 17) and will conclude this evening (Tuesday Sept 19).

This year, 10 German companies are taking part - up from only two in 2004 - representing 18 product categories with a strong emphasis on cleaning and hygiene materials, cosmetics, and toiletries.

"The 'made in Germany' reputation for quality is alone a big factor in gaining entry to Middle East markets, but the added value of offering bio-degradable products that are environmentally-friendly is a very important plus point," said Udo Frenzel, managing director of FGC Global Consulting and leader of the German delegation.

"UAE customers are particularly aware of environmental issues and are reassured that by using German contract manufacturers for local private labels they will be adhering to the highest environmental standards."

Frenzel rates Private Label Middle East as a genuine challenger to Private Label Amsterdam as the premier international exhibition for contract manufacturing, one of the world's fastest-growing business sectors.

"The success of the Dubai show is very evident in the growth of German exhibitors," he said. "The word has spread that this is an excellent place to do business, so much so that the delegation is sponsored for the first time by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology."

The show brings together 80 exhibitors from 20 countries including national pavilions for Germany and Turkey.

Other participants come from Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Poland, Solvenia, Taiwan, UAE, and Ukraine.

They specialise in the research, development, design, and packaging of in-house brands that are manufactured under contract for sale under private labels.

Participants are showing a wide range of products, from food and drink to hygiene and home care, chemicals, kitchenware, stationery, clothing, plastics and paper, electronics and disposable industrial items.

The private label industry is experiencing huge growth worldwide - at double the rate for proprietary brand counterparts - and now accounts for 17 per cent of goods sold. The soaring growth also reflects increasing consumer acceptance of private labels.

Private Label Middle East 2006 runs until Tuesday September 19 at Hall 6 of the Dubai World Trade Centre and is open from 11am to 7pm.