Private label Europe: How to succeed in the growing market
Private label products are those that are manufactured by one company and sold under another brand name. Private label products can offer many benefits for both retailers and consumers, such as lower prices, higher margins, more control over quality and distribution, and increased customer loyalty.
However, private label products also face some challenges, such as competing with established brands, meeting consumer expectations, and complying with different regulations across countries. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best practices and strategies for succeeding in the private label market in Europe, which is one of the largest and most diverse regions in the world.
1. Understand the consumer preferences and trends in each country. Europe is not a homogeneous market, but rather a collection of different countries with different cultures, languages, tastes, and needs. Therefore, it is important to conduct market research and understand the consumer preferences and trends in each country before launching a private label product. For example, some countries may prefer organic or natural products, while others may value convenience or innovation more. Some countries may have a higher penetration of private label products in certain categories, such as food or household goods, while others may have more room for growth in other categories, such as beauty or electronics.
2. Choose the right partner for manufacturing and distribution. One of the key factors for success in private label products is finding the right partner for manufacturing and distribution. The partner should have the expertise, capacity, quality standards, and reliability to produce and deliver the products according to the specifications and expectations of the retailer and the consumer. The partner should also have the knowledge and experience of dealing with different regulations and requirements across countries, such as labeling, packaging, safety, and environmental standards.
3. Create a strong brand identity and positioning. Private label products should not be seen as inferior or generic alternatives to branded products, but rather as unique and differentiated offerings that can appeal to specific segments of consumers. Therefore, it is essential to create a strong brand identity and positioning for private label products that can communicate their value proposition and benefits clearly and consistently. The brand identity and positioning should reflect the retailer’s image and values, as well as the consumer’s needs and aspirations. The brand identity and positioning should also be adapted to each country and category, depending on the competitive landscape and consumer preferences.
4. Invest in marketing and promotion. Private label products should not rely solely on their lower prices or their availability in the retailer’s stores to attract consumers. They should also invest in marketing and promotion activities that can increase their awareness, recognition, trust, and loyalty among consumers. Marketing and promotion activities can include advertising, social media, influencer marketing, sampling, events, loyalty programs, etc. Marketing and promotion activities should also be tailored to each country and category, depending on the consumer behavior and media consumption habits.
5. Monitor and evaluate performance and feedback. Private label products should not be static or complacent, but rather dynamic and responsive to changing market conditions and consumer demands. Therefore, it is important to monitor and evaluate the performance and feedback of private label products regularly and systematically. Performance indicators can include sales volume, market share, profitability, customer satisfaction, etc. Feedback sources can include customer reviews, surveys, ratings, comments, complaints, etc. Monitoring and evaluating performance and feedback can help identify strengths and weaknesses of private label products, as well as opportunities and threats for improvement or innovation.
