• Hundreds of private label pioneers, start-ups and new market entrants will showcase the latest breakthroughs and explore boundless potential across food and non-food FMCG sectors from 7-9 November
• Industry leaders will review successful strategies and chart the future of private label and cross-sector collaboration in thought-provoking conference series

Dubai, UAE – 1 November 2021: Private Label and Licensing Middle East, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) region’s only private label and licensing exhibition, returns for a second edition at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 7 – 9 November with the most advanced solutions to facilitate the world’s fastest growing retail segment.

With the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating a shift in consumer buying habits globally, led by a huge transition to online shopping and greater focus on health and wellness, provenance, sustainability and value for money, private label represents a crucial new business line for manufacturers and retailers.
Research from Nielsen states that 63 per cent of consumers in the MENA region see private label products as good value for money; 61 per cent see private label as a good alternative to named brands, with a healthy 79 per cent acknowledging quality has improved over time. 
In the GCC, consumer spend on private labels in F&B rose from 4 per cent in 2018 to 6 per cent in 2021, according to the latest Private Label Trends Report from Frost & Sullivan. The same report forecasts the market share of private label brands within certain home care categories such as fabric wash, dish wash and sanitisers is expected to increase from 7 per cent to approximately 10 per cent by 2025. 
With the region’s consumers placing more of their trust in private label, leading private label pioneers and professionals from over 20 countries will gather at DWTC for a pivotal three-day industry expo to demonstrate the latest industry breakthroughs, exchange valuable insights and explore the latest trends driving the push for private label.

“The steady growth of private labels in both food and non-food FMCGs was undeniably amplified by the global pandemic with more consumers acknowledging that quality is increasingly matching value. Consequently, manufacturers and retailers are acknowledging the need to find their place in an increasingly competitive segment,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC.
“As the region’s only private label exhibition, and the first time the industry has reconnected in person for almost two years, Private Label and Licensing Middle East cements Dubai’s status 

as the fulcrum of food and non-food FMGC manufacturing,  retail and e-commerce. It is a unique opportunity for the entire private label ecosystem, from pioneers and start-ups to established retailers and new market entrants, to deep dive into this burgeoning segment, get a true picture of where it is headed and the boundless opportunities available in the region and beyond.”

BIG PLAYERS TO HEADLINE THE SHOW
The second edition of the Private Label and Licensing Middle East will once again feature a plethora of industry heavyweights and buyers spanning food and non-food FMCG sectors, including Noon, the Middle East's homegrown online marketplace; Life Pharmacy Group, the largest pharmacy group in UAE; Carrefour, region’s leading retailer and the eighth largest retailer worldwide and more. 

Giant Industrial Group (GiG) is returning to the show to showcase its range of homecare, personal care and cloth care products and engage with new partners as part of its private label expansion plans.

The Group’s Vice President, Business Development Manager, Eng. Mohammad Smadi, said, “Private Label and Licensing Middle East is important for us and for the industry as a platform to show customers an updated profile and really understand their needs. At this year’s show we expect to fulfill some of the excess capacity as well as meet new distributers as we expand the geographical areas, we operate in.”
Eager to tap into growing opportunities in the region, BIOK Laboratorija, a long-established producer of natural beauty products from Lithuania, is making its show debut. Romualda Stragiene, CEO and co-owner at BIOK Laboratorija, said the show was a must to engage with retailers eager to capitalise on growing demand for natural products. 

“The beauty sector is still growing due to innovations and improving economies, with more consumers now looking for more natural and healthy products. We are seeing that they are paying greater attention to details about brands and producers, including country of origin, ingredients sourcing, sustainable packaging, and ethical advertising,” said Stragiene. 

“With that knowledge of consumer preferences, we will showcase a wide range of products from skin and oral care and top trending ingredients. We see this as a great opportunity to engage with clients from all over the world and start new partnerships.” 

SHOW FEATURES

This year’s Private Label & Licensing Middle East is introducing a fantastic feature named Prime Spot to enable brands gauge responses from industry experts and buyers. As part of the programme, the brands taking part in the event will pitch their products to a panel of experts and take advice on adapting their businesses. This offer brands, a low-risk way of testing, fine-tuning, and showcasing their products. Some of the key participating brands include Al Bayader International, Candor Foods Private Limited and Madar Group Egypt among others. 

Private Label and Licensing Middle East returns with an enhanced exhibitor and visitor experience, including the Private Label and Licensing Middle East Conference, which is bringing together seasoned industry professionals, consultants, and international experts to 

delve deep into the latest developments, review and identify the most successful strategies in launching  brands and chart the future for private labels. 

Additionally, the dedicated Match-Making Programme has been carefully curated to give industry professionals a tailored platform to network and build long-lasting relationships.

Meanwhile, to ensure the entire food chain ecosystem is catered for and cross-sector opportunities are optimised, Private Label and Licensing Middle East will be co-located alongside Gulfood Manufacturing, the largest food and beverage processing and packaging show in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), yummex Middle East, the region’s most established sourcing platform for the sweets and snacks industries and the Speciality Food Festival, the region’s leading event for the gourmet and fine food industry.