Portucel Soporcel seeks to expand Middle East presence

The Portucel Soporcel group, a Europe-based manufacturer of uncoated woodfree printing and writing paper, is set to take part in Paperworld Middle East, in Dubai, from 4 to 6 March, in an attempt to strengthen its presence in the region.

“A stronger presence in emerging markets like the Middle East is of increasing strategic importance to the group, in view of the company’s focus on marketing premium products and mill brands, to which the region has proved extremely receptive,” said marketing director Hermano Mendonca.

“Over the last five years, the group has successfully expanded its sales in this important region in the segments offering the most value added, cut-size in particular, with growth in excess of 15 per cent per annum. In the cut-size segment in 2013 the group accounted for more than 50 per cent of European exports to the region,” he added.

Over the three days, the group's stand will feature its main paper brands – Navigator, Pioneer, Inacopia, Explorer, Target, Discovery and Multioffice.

Portucel Soporcel group is Portugal’s second leading exporter, and the exporter generating the highest level of national value added. It accounts for approximately 1 per cent of Portugal's GDP. The group sells to 118 countries, with Europe and US being the biggest markets.