At Shoppe Object Paris, we spoke with Malak Benhmeda, founder of OH MY GUM!, about the brand’s evolution, the buyers she met, and the new markets opening up around it.
Tell us about your brand and the vision behind it?
OH MY GUM! is a modern confectionery brand built around better ingredients, considered design, and more sustainable packaging. We started with chewing gum to rethink the category, moving away from classic additives and plastic packaging and giving the product a more premium feel. The idea was to bring the same approach to an often overlooked part of confectionery, from what goes into the product to how it looks on the shelf. As clients asked for more, we expanded beyond gum into other confectionery, including bonbons and mints.
Did you meet any interesting buyers?
Yes. This time, we saw more interest from independent concept stores in Portugal and Spain, whereas the January edition was more focused on France and Switzerland. We also had three US clients place orders and met a distributor from the UAE. France is still our main focus, but it was encouraging to see interest from other markets.
What caught your eye at Shoppe Object Paris?
I really appreciated the attention to detail throughout the event. From the entrance and dinner party to the flowers and ice cream handed out by the team, those details made the experience feel really special. The overall atmosphere was great, and the team was incredibly welcoming.
Did you meet any other exhibitors or discover brands that stood out to you?
There were several brands that stood out to me, including L’Atelier du Figuier, Edie Parker, Semikolon, Wedgie, Chabi Chic and Oui Nail. I really enjoyed discovering such a diverse mix of brands throughout the Salon.
What would bring you back to Shoppe Object Paris?
The location worked really well for us this time. Being strategically placed in front of the coffee shop brought a lot of visibility and made the experience even more positive. We’d definitely come back in January!