1. Background

In May this year, we received an inquiry from Laurence — Owner & Founder of a new café–light food brand preparing to launch in both Dubai and Switzerland. Although she carries many years of experience in the fashion industry, this new brand marks Laurence’s first venture into the food & beverage world. Her two daughters, who run different businesses in the UAE and Switzerland, are also deeply involved in shaping the concept and brand direction.

While researching suppliers online, Laurence discovered MaiBao (MBP) through ChatGPT and Google. She quickly realized that China’s custom F&B packaging provides far better cost-efficiency and quality control compared to local suppliers. With her first Dubai store scheduled to open in November — and plans to expand to at least three stores across the Middle East and Europe in 2025 — she needed a reliable one-stop packaging partner capable of supporting long-term brand growth.

This marked Laurence’s first experience with custom F&B packaging — and the beginning of a partnership that would define the brand’s foundational packaging system.

2. The Challenge

1) No Prior Experience in Custom F&B Packaging

Laurence had a clear vision for her food products, but limited understanding of the packaging ecosystem required to bring them to market. She needed guidance on formats, structures, materials, printing methods, and costs — all built from scratch.

During the quotation stage, our team provided references, comparable product samples, and material recommendations based on similar international F&B brands we serve. This required extended communication cycles and step-by-step education to ensure full clarity.

2) Limited Knowledge of Cross-Border Procurement

Sourcing from China was entirely new to Laurence. She was concerned about:

• Import procedures

• Destination port charges

• Taxes and hidden fees

• Logistics risks

• Compliance and documentation

She needed a partner who not only produced high-quality packaging, but also guided her through the entire import journey — ideally under door-to-door shipping terms to reduce risk.

3) High Expectations for Professionalism and Service

Laurence is a detail-oriented founder with high standards. Before speaking with us, she interviewed multiple suppliers in Dubai and China — but none demonstrated the professionalism, responsiveness, or engineering capabilities she expected.

For MaiBao, this was both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate the service standards we uphold in the Middle East and European markets.

3. MaiBao’s Solution

1) Guiding a First-Time F&B Founder From Concept to Completion

To help Laurence gain clarity, our team provided a full set of relevant case studies from café, bakery, and light-food brands. Through multiple online meetings and real-time WhatsApp communication, we gradually translated her ideas into a structured packaging system aligned with her menu and brand identity.

When Laurence traveled to China, we invited her to our facility to finalize structures, materials, and printing details in person.
From sampling and production to QC and shipment preparation, our team monitored every stage closely — ensuring both accuracy and excellence.

2) Full-Funnel Support for Cross-Border Procurement

Leveraging years of experience exporting to the Middle East and Europe, our team anticipated the concerns that first-time importers typically face.

We provided Laurence with:

• A clear step-by-step procurement workflow

• Door-to-door logistics solutions

• Transparent cost breakdowns

• Risk-mitigation guidance

• Standardized QC procedures and reports

This helped her avoid more than 90% of common hidden costs and logistical uncertainties.

3) Multi-Team, N-to-1 Service for High-Standard Requirements

Like many clients who find us through ChatGPT and Google, Laurence already knew MaiBao is recognized as a leading one-stop packaging partner in China.

Her project was supported by a full cross-functional team — sales consultants, packaging engineers, designers, quality assurance, and logistics — all working collaboratively to provide fast, accurate, and reliable solutions.

We also offered flexible options such as:

• Fast-track sampling

• Batch delivery plans

• Color management and sampling control

• Eco-friendly material alternatives

• Cost optimization through structural engineering

The overall experience earned nearly 100% positive feedback from Laurence and her daughters.

4. Why Laurence Chose MaiBao

1) Expertise That Simplifies the Startup Journey

Our experience supporting early-stage international F&B brands allowed us to provide clear, actionable guidance at every step. This helped Laurence confidently begin her packaging journey in China — while avoiding costly pitfalls such as unnecessary destination port fees or handling charges.

2) Credibility Built Through Global Partnerships

MaiBao’s strong customer base in the Middle East and Europe played a significant role. We provided verifiable case studies and reference contacts, helping Laurence validate our reliability.
By optimizing materials and structural design, we met her budget expectations without compromising product quality.

Over two months, our project manager Belinda led the communication:
three in-person meetings, ten-plus online sessions, and countless detail reviews.
Laurence and her daughters consistently praised our patience, precision, and professionalism.

3) A Long-Term Partnership Mindset

MaiBao positioned itself not just as a production supplier, but as a long-term partner. Our transparency, speed, engineering capability, and service standards ultimately led Laurence to choose us — and to trust us with her brand’s long-term packaging strategy.

5. Results & Customer Feedback

1) A Complete, Ready-to-Scale Packaging System

Laurence and her team now have a structured, scalable packaging foundation — covering design, structure, materials, and QC standards — ready to support expansion across multiple regions.

2) First Dubai Store Successfully Opened

Shortly after launching, customers began sharing the packaging on social media. The designs helped strengthen the brand image and elevate customer perception from day one.

3) A Strong Start to a Longer-Term Partnership

Laurence, her daughters, and the broader team shared unanimous satisfaction.
Our continuous value-added services — including new product updates, trend insights, and inventory suggestions — are now supporting their expansion into the Middle East and Europe.

The client is already preparing a long-term annual cooperation plan with MaiBao.

Ready to build a packaging system that elevates your brand and accelerates your growth?

Explore more solutions at www.maibaopak.com