How to Find the Best European Private Label Manufacturers

Have you ever had a big idea on what products to sell but have no clue on how to make it a reality? Good news for you because private label manufacturing exists for that exact dilemma. Maybe you’re a small business with a product idea in cosmetics line, or maybe a retailer trying to expand your already existing brand with high-quality dietary goods. But whichever industry you are, finding the right private label manufacturer is totally a big deal. 
Today, Europe is also a hotspot for private label manufacturing, be it healthcare, cleaning products, and more. There are so many options that might overwhelm you because first of all, how do you choose the best one that fits your business goals? 
This guide is here for you to help you break it all down—why private label manufacturing is growing, what to look for when trying to find a manufacturer, even how to navigate logistics, quality, and compliance.

Private label manufacturing refers to the process in which a manufacturer produces products that are sold under a retailer’s or distributor’s brand name, rather than the manufacturer’s own brand. In this model, the retailer typically designs the product specifications, selects the manufacturer, and controls branding, marketing, and packaging. The retailer then sells the product as part of their brand, often at a more competitive price than national brands.
This arrangement allows retailers to offer exclusive products, differentiate themselves from competitors, and maintain higher profit margins by cutting out intermediary branding costs. The manufacturer, on the other hand, gains a steady business from the retailer without having to build its own brand recognition in the marketplace.

Private label manufacturing in Europe involves third-party manufacturers producing goods that are sold under a retailer's own brand. This sector has expanded rapidly, with private labels becoming a significant part of the European retail landscape, especially in sectors like food and beverages, health, and personal care.

• Market Share: Private labels account for approximately 40-50% of total grocery sales in major European markets like the UK, Germany, and France. In the UK alone, private labels make up around 45% of total grocery sales. In countries like Spain and Italy, private labels are growing but still make up a smaller percentage.
• Growth Drivers: The demand for private label products has surged due to consumer preference for value, quality, and convenience. Retailers like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco have made significant investments in private labels, helping them capture a larger share of the market. For example, Aldi and Lidl’s private label sales make up over 70% of their total sales.
• Sectors with Strong Growth: Food and beverage is the largest category, but private labels are also growing rapidly in health and wellness (with organic and gluten-free products), personal care, and even premium categories. Consumers are increasingly drawn to private labels that offer high-quality alternatives at competitive prices.
• Consumer Trends: The rise in eco-conscious consumers has led to a greater emphasis on sustainability in private label manufacturing, with an increasing number of products focusing on eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

Private label manufacturing in Europe continues to grow, with companies aiming to meet evolving consumer preferences while navigating challenges such as supply chain disruptions and increasing competition.

• Cosmetics and Skincare – European private label cosmetic manufacturers are known to excel in producing high-quality beauty products as many of them make formulations using all-natural ingredients. This is how they make sure they follow strict compliance, safety, and environmental expectations. 
• Food & Beverages – Organic, gourmet, and health-conscious food products are what many private label food manufacturers in Europe tend to focus on. This is because of the constant demand for sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, that’s why European private label manufacturers are highly sought after. 
• Dietary Supplements – All the dietary goods like herbal supplements, vitamins, and sports nutrition products are under strict regulations in Europe. With this kind of sector, it’s already a no-brainer. 
• Cleaning Items – European cleaning manufacturers really don’t disappoint because even their cleaning items are popular for being eco-friendly and sustainable. This is evident in the household or industrial products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and hazard-free. 
• Healthcare – The healthcare sector is all about medical supplies, personal care products, and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products for hospitals, clinics, and of course pharmacies all over Europe.

Trying to find a European private label manufacturer that fits your needs is no walk in the park, not to mention there’s practically an entire ocean of manufacturers to choose from. But don’t worry, here are the steps to help you get started and narrow down your list:

1. Research and Identify Potential Manufacturers

Feel free to use industry directories, trade fairs, and online platforms when trying to find those reputable European private label manufacturers, especially if you already have a niche and product category in mind.

2. Evaluate Manufacturer’s Expertise and Capabilities

Next, if you’re already eyeing some private label manufacturers, try to assess their background, experience, certifications, production capacity, and ability to keep up with your business and product line specifications.

3. Request Samples and Prototypes

So maybe you’ve narrowed down your list and wanted to connect immediately. Take a pause for a while and know that before committing, you are allowed to ask if they offer product sample testing to see if they align with your quality and branding standards. 

4. Consider Location and Logistics

You should always, always consider the location of the chosen private label manufacturer. They need to have excellent delivery and reliable logistics system to make sure that all the product distribution is right on time and on your schedule. 

5. Negotiating Terms and Pricing

Prepare your terms and maybe contracts so you can establish clear agreements, especially when it comes to pricing, minimum order quantities, lead times, and compliance. This way, you can avoid any kinds of misunderstandings and disruptions. 

Here are the top private label manufacturers in Europe to get you started with your list:

1. NENCO FOOD GROUP

Nenco Food Group is one of the leading European food companies, mainly focused on offering natural, healthy, and allergy-friendly nutrition, tailored to keep up with the needs of health-conscious consumers. They are committed to producing quality and gluten-free options by having an extensive, full range of products like buckwheat items, gluten-free baking mixes, and various herbs and spices.

2. J/D SAUCE APS

Based in Denmark, JD Sauce is a passionate company specializing in high-quality Asian sauces and condiments. They have authentic flavors that cater to European private brands, ensuring premium products that consistently align with the international standards. They offer a broad range of soy sauces, teriyaki sauce, and even Thai-inspired condiments, proven to appeal to various tastes and preferences. 

3. FIN. OPERA SRL 

Founded in 2021 by Roberto Tucci, Fin.Opera SRL is the company behind Oro Rosso Milano, a premium saffron-based brand. Partnering with Uzbekistan for saffron cultivation, all ranges of products are proudly made in Italy.
The brand is expanding its lineup with Sweet Salsa (a white chocolate saffron sauce) and Savory Salsa with Parmigiano, crafted in collaboration with chef Carlo Cracco. With major supply contracts in the USA, France, and China, Fin.Opera is bringing high-quality saffron products to global markets.

4. HKSCAN DENMARK A/S 

With over 110 years of expertise, HKScan Denmark A/S—part of the HKFoods family—is a major player in Northern Europe’s food sector, delivering responsibly sourced pork, beef, poultry, and processed meats.
Known for trusted brands like HK®, Kariniemen®, Via®, and Rose®, the company is dedicated to producing high-quality, flavorful range of products while prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing. Whether it's everyday meals or specialty cuts, HKScan continues to serve consumers with excellence, combining tradition with modern food innovation.

5. V. BESANA SPA 

As a leading name in Europe’s nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and chocolate market, V. Besana SPA is all about quality and innovation. Catering to both retail and industrial clients, Besana offers a wide variety of natural and processed products, ensuring freshness and premium taste.
The company’s commitment to customized solutions and sustainable sourcing has made it a trusted partner in the food sector, serving customers across different markets with expertly crafted selections.

• High Standards & Quality Control – It’s already mentioned that European manufacturers go through some of the world’s strictest protocols to make sure that product safety, reliability, and effectiveness are present. With compliance to the EU standards also means products can meet high consumer expectations and legal requirements. 
• Innovation & Expertise – Those advanced formulations and product line designs are nothing without investments on research and development. Many European manufacturers do this for continuous innovation that helps businesses stay ahead of the game with their product ideas and offer new and unique goods to their customers. 
• Sustainability & Compliance – To be in sync with the global demands, European private label manufacturers also strongly focus on sustainability and prioritize eco-friendly sourcing, ethical production, and lessened carbon footprints. 
• Strong Logistics & Delivery Services – For a smooth production, storage, and delivery across so many regions, a well-developed logistics system is needed. And that’s also where European manufacturers succeed because they make it easier for companies to maintain a steady flow of supply chain while also continuously keeping up with the demands. 

Why do private label products keep getting recognition among businesses, companies, and corporations? Simple. They’re worth the cost, they’re accessible, and they offer better customization, brand control, and quality control measures. To give you more context, here are the benefits of private label products: 

Cost-Effective

No need for in-house manufacturing? No unnecessary budget-stretching. Private label manufacturing can help businesses by taking care of the production so the latter can shift their attention to branding and sales. 

Brand Control

To compete with other brands, businesses are going to need full control over their branding, product design, and marketing strategies. This is because they can be sure that customized product lines are taken care of by private label manufacturers. Tailored product lines by the right manufacturers should always keep up with business objectives and cater to the target audience. 

Quality Control

European manufacturers take pride in their compliance because they do follow strict protocols, which means better customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and fewer product line issues. That’s why partnering with a reliable private label manufacturer should be top of mind to make sure that you’re following high-quality expectations. 

Market Differentiation

If there’s one thing that you can tell if a private label business is successful, it’s customization and personalization. If their offerings can fulfill specific needs, be it using organic ingredients, sustainable packaging, or unique formulations, then they're already one step closer to becoming successful. And this is how private label products push brands to outperform their competitors in a very competitive sector. 

Faster Time-to-Market

Need to launch products soon? Experienced private label manufacturers take care of everything throughout the production process so there’s less developing time and more products can be launched faster in the market. If a company can respond quickly to the consumer trends, they already have a competitive edge against their competitors.

Private label manufacturing in Europe faces several challenges. One key issue is intense competition, particularly from major retailers like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco, who dominate the market. Smaller retailers often struggle to differentiate their private label products in such a crowded space. Additionally, consumer perception remains a challenge, as some still view private labels as lower quality, especially in premium segments. Retailers need to constantly improve quality and build trust with consumers.
Supply chain disruptions are also a growing concern. Issues such as raw material shortages and logistics delays can affect the timely delivery of private label products. Manufacturers and retailers must work closely to address these challenges and ensure consistent product availability.
On the regulatory side, European private label manufacturers must comply with strict EU regulations. These rules cover product safety, labeling, and environmental standards, particularly in sectors like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. There is also increasing pressure to meet sustainability requirements, such as reducing carbon footprints and using eco-friendly packaging, in line with growing consumer demand for greener products.

If you want your private label brand to be successful, whether it's a small business or a growing medium-sized business, then you really have to commit to finding the right European private label manufacturer. No matter the sector, partnering with a reputable, long-term manufacturing firm that ensures quality, compliance, and efficient production promises great success and stability for your business.
Take notes of the tips above like conducting a thorough research and building stronger relationships so you can have high-value private label goods to sync up with your target market, personal standards, and business objectives.