# EU Private Label and Retail Buyer Experts

Canonical page: [/eu-private-label-retailer/](/eu-private-label-retailer/)

GourmetPro connects food and beverage companies with experienced operators for European private-label and retail market entry.

## From first contact to shelf

The page presents Giles Pickles' experience: a private-label project takes six to nine months once the retailer relationship is in place, and about two years when starting cold. Research alone does not remove the time needed to find the buyer, the buying window and the route into the retailer. Artwork, specifications, audits and print remain part of the project.

## A free 30-minute introductory call

Discuss one decision with an operator who has made it before:

- Which market fits the product and whether to pursue it.
- Which retailer and own-label tier to target.
- When to approach buyers and how far ahead to prepare.
- Whether to sell directly or through an importer.
- What buyers expect on volume, margin and service level.
- What could lead to an early rejection.

The call is free, with no obligation. Tell GourmetPro the market and category when booking. If there is no suitable expert, GourmetPro will say so before the call.

[Book a call](https://savvycal.com/gourmetpro-barbara/chat-with-gourmetpro)

## Featured operators

- **Damien Cambefort, France:** 25+ years in food and beverage business development, including running a specialist private-label manufacturer selling to French retailers.
- **Rob Johnson, United Kingdom:** 26+ years in B2B foodservice and commercial roles across the UK, EU and Switzerland, including private-label channels outside grocery.
- **Giles Pickles, Germany:** 36+ years in food and beverage, with global sales leadership and extensive experience selling into European retail.

The wider network described on the page includes Phil Cross, David Jan de Zeeuw, Lorenzo Livi and Cédric Colliot, with experience across Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe.