The fifth edition of Private Label Middle East (PLME) 2008 exhibition, generated enthusiastic response from trade buyers from the Middle East and beyond, said an organiser.

Exhibitors expressed their satisfaction at response and business generated during the show, according to Channels Exhibitions, the organisers. The three-day exhibition ended recently at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Over 3000 trade buyers from 52 countries visited PLME, which hosted over 100 world-class manufacturers from 21 countries. The exhibition focused on the research, development, design and packaging of in-house brands that are manufactured under contract for sale under private labels.

“We are thrilled with the response generated at PLME-2008. With strong participation from Europe, Germany, Middle East and the UAE, we are happy that the exhibition has become the melting pot for new business opportunities,” stated Justin Boutros, managing director of Channels Exhibitions.

“PLME is the ideal platform for small and medium sized brands, reflecting the huge potential of the Middle East market for private labels. The success of the exhibition is evident in the growth of exhibitors over the last five years. The visitor-flow reflected the importance of private label and contract manufacturing industry, not just within the Gulf markets but across the greater Middle East region,” he added.

The exhibition hosted national pavilions from Germany, Italy and Turkey, along with manufacturer groups from America, Europe, Asia and Middle East. Italy had the biggest representations with 18 companies taking part in the exhibition.

The Italian Pavilion was set up by Italian Trade Commission – Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in the UAE, the government body responsible for the development of trade between Italy and the rest of the world.

A representative of the Italian pavilion said: “The importance of the exhibition can be gauged from the fact that the total number of companies exhibiting in 2008 is 20, compared to eight in 2007. During the show, Italian companies developed good contacts with re-exporters and retailers, and some have been successful in getting firm business orders. Overall, the response has far exceeded our expectations.”

The German pavilion this year hosted 12 companies across various product categories – from air fresheners to hygiene, hair care and leather and floor cleaning.

The exhibition brought together representatives from various sectors including hypermarkets, retailers, grocery chains, departmental stores, hotels, restaurant chains, airlines, duty free travel, ship chandlers, brand management companies and re-exporters.-TradeArabia News Service