Brazil: new authorities at the CICB

The Brazilian Tannery Centre, CICB, has just elected its board of directors. The next two year period will be presided over by Umberto Cilião Sacchelli, the First Vice President will be Leonardo Swirski and the post of 2nd Vice President will be occupied by Gladston José Dantas Campelo. The board will also include: Augusto Sampaio Coelho, Roberto Mota, Leogenio Luis Alban, Luis Eduardo Fuga, Paulo Enzweiller, Arnaldo Frizzo, Wayner Machado Silva and Amadeu Pedrosa Fernández.
Vietnam: More shoe exports

The Ministry of Commerce has announced that the exports of shoes from Vietnam in the first six months of this year were valued at US$1.7 billion and it is forecast that this figure will reach US$3.4 billion by the end of 2005. The traditional export markets for Vietnam are China, Italy, the UK and Canada.
Argentina to limit imports of footwear

By means of Resolution 487, the Argentinean Ministry of Economy will try to control shoe imports. This measure which came into force on August 30th has established the obligation to provide a Footwear Import Certificate for all products entering the country. The Argentinean State has made it clear that the shoe sector and the jobs it generates will be protected. The measure is based on the dispositions of the Agreement on the Procedures for the Issuing
of Import Licenses approved by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
    
Mexico: study on footwear consumption

The Footwear Chamber of Guanajuato State (CICEG) in Mexico has published the National Study of Footwear Consumption carried out in 17 Mexican cities. This institute maintains that this work will be "an important tool for companies and businessmen from the sector, so as to make strategic plans and take decisions to improve the commercialization of their products". The cost of the study was US$234,500 and was realized during the second half of 2004.
Footwear is 30 thousand years old

Man has been using shoes for not less than 30 thousand years. This was affirmed by a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. Investigators based their conclusions on the evolution observed in the toes of some populations from various regions of Europe and Asia from the Upper Paleolithic period to modern times.
Etiopía: Development plan

The Master and Business Plan for the Development of the Leather and Leather Products Industry of Ethiopia (LLPI), set up in conjunction with UNIDO and the government of this African country, were recently adopted as the strategic context to be used for the development of this commercial sector. This plan promotes a development program, mainly for footwear.
Good results from Bangladesh

The Export promotion Office of Bangladesh said that total exports grew by 14% to US$8.7 billion in the last fiscal year of 2004-2005. They attributed these good results to the increase in volumes sold and the leather and leather garments sector improved significantly to contribute to these positive results.
    



Stahl introduces innovative lines to the Chinese market

Stahl Coatings and Fine Products (Suzhou) Co Ltd, the new company established by Stahl in China launched its first product package at the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE). The so called Series 77 includes new products and the company stated that it will soon add a wider and more varied range of offers. Stahl explained that the new series of products is designed to cover the needs of the Chinese market, with competitive prices, quality and high performance.

Silvachimica of Italy achieves ISO 14001

Silvachimica s.r.l is an Italian company producing and selling synthetic tanins, fat liquors and auxiliaries. The company obtained the environmental certification ISO 14001. Antonio Battaglia, the young CEO of Silvachimica said: "This certification issued by Certiquality shows our concern to reduce the environmental impact of our processes and products and confirms the reliability of the system of environmental management applied". The company is part of SILVATEAM, an important global producer and supplier of vegetable tanning products.
Hermes is not for sale

Hermes International has stated that speculation on the acquisition of a minority shareholding in the company by the Belgian financier, Albert Frere is "unfounded". This is the second time in a year that the French company has had to deny rumours regarding the sale of its shares. The rumours circulating in February concerned LVMH Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy.
Adidas-Salomon sues three companies

Adidas-Salomon AG has presented a case against three Chinese companies by accusing them of using a logo very similar to its own as printed on its sporting goods. The case was presented before the courts on August 29th and so far there has been no decision taken.
Closures in France

Two of the most important companies in France of luxury goods have announced that they are pulling out of the market. Stéphane Kélian and Charles Jourdan have formally applied for bankruptcy. Their demise was attributed to cheap imports from China "whose prices make competing impossible". At least 430 workers will lose their jobs if a buyer does not appear for Charles Jourdan, which collapsed due to debts of 9 million euros. Around 140 people were already dismissed due to the closure of Stéphane Kélian.
Ryazan joins up with SATRA

The Russian Ryazan Tannery has become a member of SATRA and will now receive the support of this laboratory for the development of finished leather. The company is situated in the city of Ryazan, 180 km from Moscow and was opened in 1916. The installations were completely reconstructed with technical help from Italy in 1998 and it is now the largest in Europe with 2,000 employees.
Apache could move to India

A work team from Apache Footwear, a Taiwanese company, recently visited Chennai in India to investigate the possibility of setting up a factory in a 200 acre site on the outskirts of this city. The plant would produce 20,000 pairs a day for Adidas. There could be other production lines included such as one dedicated to the manufacture of shoe components.
Federated completes purchase of May

Federated Department Stores Inc anounced that it completed the merger with May Department Stores, an operation worth a total of US$11.9 billion. "We will be meeting with the May Company and we will continue to learn more about their business, so as to take long term decisions in the best possible way", stated company president Terry Lundgren. Federated turnover will now rise to US$30 billion per year.
Satisfaction at Claraint

Clariant International Ltd the Swiss chemical company has expressed its satisfaction with the first half year results. Sales climbed by 3% in local currency in the second quarter while net income rose by 30% in US dollars to 115.5 million in the first six months of 2005. "In the context of the market, this was a very satisfactory first half", stated executive Roland Loesser.
Agreement between Boehme and Keystone

Boehme Filatex Inc y Keystone Aniline Corporation two US Corporations, have signed an agreement by which Keystone will distribute and provide technical services for a wide range of chemical products offered by Boehme. Keystone was established in 1920 and is based in Chicago. The company is an important supplier of dyes and pigments for several industry sectors.
Paolo Nevada moves into Israel

Paolo Nevada Enterprises Inc, a leather goods manufacturer, owner of a tannery in Slovenia, has moved into the Israeli market. The company has sent leather products to New Mashbir La'zarchan, an important chain of shops based in several regions of the country. A spokesman declared that this is an important step in a plan destined to open up new markets and promote their brand.
     


Sales drop at Natuzzi

The sales of Italian upholstery manufacturer, Natuzzi S.p.A fell 18.3% in the second quarter of 2005. Net sales decreased to 165.6 million euros after they had reached 202.6 million in the same period in 2004. The company also announced that net losses reached 8.4 million euros.
Ups and downs at The Rowe Companies

The Rowe Companies, parent company of the upholstery producer Rowe Furniture registered record growth in sales in the nine months that ended on August 28th. Nevertheless, the increase in the price of raw material and low productivity resulted in net losses in operations.
Ital Art Design looks to improve

Ital Art Design, a furniture and upholstery factory has started to work with the Gennet Consulting Group of Los Angeles to develop a new line of products, sales initiatives and marketing programmes.
Restructuring in Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc, a producer and furniture retailer in the US has announced that it will convert one of its factories into a regional distribution centre. The company will stop producing in Dublin, Virginia USA, and this will result in the loss of 250 jobs.


New UNISOL textile plant

With an investment of US$7.8 million, the Argentinean Company UNISOL will inaugurate a new industrial plant in the province of La Rioja. Initially, the new plant will employ 150 people and in the coming months another 100 will be incorporated to complete the 250 jobs for the first year of operations. The UNISOL Company is licensed to produce sports shoes and clothing for Puma in Argentina.
Adidas could overtake Nike

After announcing the takeover of Reebok, some people believe that Adidas could be a challenge for Niké, the current world leader in sports wear. "Together we will expand our geographic reach, especially in North America and we will create footwear and clothing which will reach a much wider range of consumers. With Reebok, we are advancing in our market positioning", said Herbert Hainer, president of Adidas-Salomon.
Kenneth Cole enters the sports field

The company Kenneth Cole Reaction is getting into the field of sporting goods in 2006. The company signed a contract with Bernard Chaus to produce a collection for women and at the same time will be associated with Paul Darvil to design a line for men. In both cases selling prices will be between US$49 and US$79.

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BACK ISSUES

  



 ACLE continues to grow

There can be no doubt that this year the All China Leather Exhibition was bigger than last year. It occupied more halls than in 2004 and people were still queuing to get in on the afternoon of the first day. According to the organisers, exhibition space was up 20% over last year, which was itself much bigger than the year before. Of course, no-one can truly know how much business is actually done at a show, but the fair was very well attended and most stands attracted a good number of visitors. It gave every impression of being a well-run and popular event.


  


 Courovisão ends with optimism

Thes sixth edition of Courovisão - the international components, leather, chemicals and accessories fair for footwear and leather goods held in the Fenac pavilions in Novo Hamburgo in Brazil, ended on an optimistic note. This event is characterized by uniting fashion and technology and has as its exhibitors companies which launch their components and raw materials for the upcoming season. The fair was earmarked by the complicated industrial situation in Brazil due to the strengthening of the Brazilian currency which has resulted in a loss of competitiveness. The next edition of Courovisão will take place from September 13th - 15th 2006.
 

Fashion in Singapore

Asia Fashion Week 2005 will be held in this city-state from 8th - 10th November. This event is dedicated to fashion labels and the companies that manufacture these items. It will provide a platform for company owners, designers and concessionaries of fashion goods. It is expected that 5,000 visitors will arrive from Asia, Europe and North America.
 

GDS celebrates its 100th edition

The 100th edition of GDS took place in Dusseldorf, Germany from 18th - 21st September. Its 50 years of existence were celebrated with different events and with the presence of important personalities from various sectors. The fair attracted 38,381 buyers from 81 countries around the world and interest generated was stable when compared to the March edition 2005. The organizers noted an increase in buyers from Italy and from new member countries of the European Union. There was a notable increase in visitors from South Africa and South and Central America. GDS pointed out that the increase in the number of orders taken during the fair made for positive results.

 

Interest in Midec grows

The 37th edition of the Midec International Footwear Fashion Fair drew 11,095 visitors from both home and abroad. The fair opened its doors on September 3rd in Paris. More than 600 brands of shoes for men, women and children were presented as the collections for summer 2006, with 70 companies exhibiting their lines for the first time. The next edition is due to take place from 3rd - 5th February 2006.
 

 

Fair in Istanbul

The 34th edition of the International Footwear Industry Suppliers Fair (AYSAF) will be held from 10th - 13th November 2006 at the CNY Expo Centre / Yesilkoy in Istanbul. Leathers, accessories chemicals and machines will be on show. The 33rd edition took place in May this year, covering an area of 14,510 square meters with 483 participants from 26 countries. According to the organizers there were 10,950 professional visitors at the May edition.

 

 

Technicians congress

The International Union of Technicians of the Footwear Industry (UITIC) is in the final stage of preparations for the XV UITIC Congress which will be held in Tunisia from 23rd - 26th November. The meeting will focus on the analysis of various aspects of the transnational production of footwear and components as a result of the growing globalization of the world economy. The congress will take place in the conference centre of the Renaissance Hotel and is being organized by the National Centre for Leather and Footwear (CNCC) of Tunisia. For further information contact the organizers at e-mail: cncc.dt@email.ati.tn




Dusseldorf incorporates leather goods

From 5th - 7th March 2006, when GDS international footwear fair will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, the first edition of the Great Leather Show (GLS) will take place dedicated to leather goods and fashion accessories. According to the organizers, the proximity of both "will ensure a synergy which will be beneficial both to visitors and exhibitors". The products on show at GLS will be handbags, bags, belts, gloves, accessories, wallets luggage and articles for the office.

Good business at SAPICA

From September 29th to October 2nd the 53rd edition of the Mexican footwear fair, SAPICA, took place in Leon, Guanajuato State. There were 836 exhibitors in 45 thousand square meters of space. Visitors added up to more than 10 thousand. According to the orgaizers, good business was conducted at the fair confirming the good times being enjoyed ny the Mexican footwear industry, whose production is the 10th largest in the world.

Micam – 17% more visitors

The Milan based MICAM fair managed to attract a good number of local and international visitors according to the figures provided by the Italian Footwear Association – ANCI - which said that results had topped expectations. The fair was visited by 41,799 buyers which represented a 17% increase in visitor numbers compared to the September 2004 edition. The number of foreign buyers was important with a total of 19,399 from 87 countries mainly from Germany, France, Jpana, UK, Spain, USA and Greece.