The UAE’s pivotal role in the booming contract manufacturing industry was further strengthened by the success of the Private Label Middle East exhibition (PLME) that ended a three-day run at the Dubai World Trade Centre in September.

Exhibitors representing 22 countries reported keen demand from more than 3,000 visitors in line with the soaring global trend towards private label retailing.
Internationally, private labels now account for one of every four items passing retail checkouts in the US, with the total annual retail sales value estimated at $50 billion.  Sales volumes are even higher in Europe at 45 per cent of total retail sales.  Leading European supermarkets now carry as much as 95 per cent of their stock in private label brands, with most operating at 50 per cent or more. Justin Boutros, managing director of Channels Exhibitions, which organised PLME, commented that Germany alone was showing double-digit growth in its private label trade with the Middle East.
“Although the US and Germany lead the way, the trend is repeated around the world, as is evident by the diversity of countries taking part in PLME,” he said.
“Here in the Middle East, and in the UAE in particular, a large percentage of department stores, supermarkets, fashion chains, food and drug retailers, cosmetic chains, detergent and chemicals suppliers in the region are now marketing their own brands to their customers.
“PLME has given both suppliers and retailers the opportunity for a one-stop overview of what is new on the market and to source new products.”
Many were able to create new business prospects with fellow exhibitors. “Companies that we had previously considered to be competitors have turned out to be potential suppliers,” said Alexander Bonitz, sales and marketing manager of Germany’s Budich International that produces a range of cleaning and home care products.
“For example, we have opened up new business potential with Turkish exhibitors complementing each other with our respective expertise in supplying raw materials or finished products.”