Private Label Middle East: Elevating the FMCG Sector with Global Collaboration and Innovation

The Private Label Middle East, scheduled from September 24-26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has emerged as a pivotal platform for the FMCG sector in the MENA region. At 50% larger than the previous year, the event brings together over 200 supplier and 600+ brands from 40+ countries, representing a broad spectrum of industries from food and beverages to personal care, wellness, and more.

A Hub for Global and Regional Players

For key exhibitors like Jigsaw Coffee Company and Del Monte India, the event provides an unmatched opportunity to engage with retailers and distributors actively seeking innovative and cost-effective private label solutions. Jamie Brown, CEO of Jigsaw Coffee Company, highlights the event’s importance:

“Private Label Middle East is a key event for Jigsaw Coffee Company, especially as the Middle East’s market continues to grow, attracting global interest in our facilities and capabilities. With its strategic location and thriving business environment, Dubai is the perfect hub for showcasing what the region has to offer. We’re excited to participate this year, where we will be introducing exciting new sustainable options, reflecting our dedication to quality and environmental responsibility, plus welcoming global companies seeking support with in-region production to enable their growth through our network of global facilities.”

Jigsaw Coffee Company’s commitment to sustainability and quality underscores the growing importance of ethical production and environmental responsibility in the private label sector. These themes are increasingly resonating with both businesses and consumers.

Similarly, Del Monte India emphasises the critical role Private Label Middle East plays in connecting suppliers with retailers, enabling them to create differentiated, high-quality private label products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Pallavi Wagh and Aatish Yadav from Del Monte India expressed their enthusiasm:

“Private Label Middle East plays a vital role in the Food Industry, as it gives a one-stop platform to both supplier and importer or distributor. Nowadays, consumers look for quality alternatives to national brands at competitive prices. Retailers can differentiate themselves through unique private label offerings, enhancing their brand identity and customer loyalty.”

Del Monte India is set to introduce new SKUs with innovative packaging, aiming to solidify its position as a trusted partner for retailers looking to distinguish their brands in a competitive market​.

Retail focused market fit

In a recent interview with IMAGES Retail ME (Headline Partner for Private Label), Jonathan Watts, General Manager, Al Futtaim Retail – AS Watsons mentioned “Private Label is growing significantly. It’s high double-digit growth, one of the fastest growing segments within our business, and will continue to be a leader. There are different requirements from the Middle East customers. We must tailor-make the offering to meet their demands within the beauty category, and we see this coming through with the products we are selling.”

Private labelling is indeed the need of the hour and retailers are readily adapting to newer ways to make it worth their customers. To discuss ‘Trends and Growth Opportunities in a Private Label Market’ and gain actionable insights from industry experts to help your private label thrive in a competitive market, don’t forget to register and hear the experts live at the Private Label Middle East on the 26^th of September.

Moderated by Alexandra Topalian, the panelists for this session are Joanne Black, Head of Ambient Foods, Spinneys; Vishal Das, Vice President Group Category, Big Basket; Joao Mantas, Business Development Director Middle East and Africa, Daymon; Yasser Hejazi, Director of Private Label, B2B and Global Sourcing, Panda Retail Company – Savola Group.

Reinstating the need for local produce, Joanne Black, Head of Ambient Foods, Spinneys has highlighted, “The need for private labelling is urgent and for quicker turnaround, we depend a lot on local farms and companies who can help us get closer to the customer quickly. The movement of products from the farms to the shelf and the customer’s home needs to be fast and that’s where the role of local sourcing becomes vital.”

Expanding Horizons and New Opportunities

Private Label Middle East’s expansion this year includes the co-location with ISM Middle East and the launch of Gulfood Green, creating a broader spectrum of opportunities for attendees. The event’s “Experts Stage” will feature discussions on the latest trends and strategies in private labelling, while the dedicated “Private Label Meetings Programme” offers unparalleled networking opportunities through pre-scheduled meetings with key stakeholders.

As Private Label Middle East continues to grow, it solidifies its status as the only event of its kind in the region, where industry leaders converge to shape the future of private labelling and contract manufacturing in the Middle East and beyond. With over 200 exhibitors such as Gold sponsor Mojtaba and Session sponsor V-label, the show will also witness 8,000+ trade visitors, Private Label Middle East is set to be a cornerstone event for driving innovation and collaboration in the FMCG industry.