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The UK contingent may not have the biggest pavilion of the 40 countries taking part in the World of Private Label Show, but British supplier numbers are up from 13 to 16 this year as businesses look to exploit the weak pound.
Among the new exhibitors on the pavilion, organised by William Reed, owner of The Grocer, are United Biscuits and Premier Foods, returning for the first time since 1986 and 2004, respectively.
"We had been primarily focused on brands," says Premier marketing manager for export Holly Simmons. "But our focus for the next few years is growing own-label share in Europe, starting with canned foods, soup and spreads."
The decision for United Biscuits to exhibit was down to consistent growth in the own-label market, says Alison Evans, who is managing UB's presence.
"We have own label in the UK but want to build our presence in France, Germany and Scandinavia." UB is exhibiting savoury and sweet biscuits, nuts and cakes. Meanwhile, Simtom, a UK supplier of Indian sauces, pickles and chutneys, is showcasing its Restaurant Style premium exotic chutneys.
"Our business is 20% own label," says marketing communications director Andy Coomar. "We have just bought a neighbouring factory, which effectively doubles capacity. We're ready for growth."
Although the weak pound works in UK suppliers' favour, it is not the biggest attraction, says Angus Allan, MD of in-store bakery and desserts supplier Indulgence Patisserie.
"International customers are more interested in innovation, order fulfilment, clean ingredient declarations and high technical standards."
A key benefit of the show, says Allan, is the networking. "It's cost-effective as you can have multiple meetings with customers without spending weeks away."
Focus On PLMA
Among the new exhibitors on the pavilion, organised by William Reed, owner of The Grocer, are United Biscuits and Premier Foods, returning for the first time since 1986 and 2004, respectively.
"We had been primarily focused on brands," says Premier marketing manager for export Holly Simmons. "But our focus for the next few years is growing own-label share in Europe, starting with canned foods, soup and spreads."
The decision for United Biscuits to exhibit was down to consistent growth in the own-label market, says Alison Evans, who is managing UB's presence.
"We have own label in the UK but want to build our presence in France, Germany and Scandinavia." UB is exhibiting savoury and sweet biscuits, nuts and cakes. Meanwhile, Simtom, a UK supplier of Indian sauces, pickles and chutneys, is showcasing its Restaurant Style premium exotic chutneys.
"Our business is 20% own label," says marketing communications director Andy Coomar. "We have just bought a neighbouring factory, which effectively doubles capacity. We're ready for growth."
Although the weak pound works in UK suppliers' favour, it is not the biggest attraction, says Angus Allan, MD of in-store bakery and desserts supplier Indulgence Patisserie.
"International customers are more interested in innovation, order fulfilment, clean ingredient declarations and high technical standards."
A key benefit of the show, says Allan, is the networking. "It's cost-effective as you can have multiple meetings with customers without spending weeks away."
Focus On PLMA
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