Many exhibitors still prefer APLF in Hong Kong

20 April 2006




The 22nd rendition of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF), held from March 28-31, 2006, demonstrated, once again, that Hong Kong remains the preferred choice for many companies in the industry: especially those operating in the global marketplace. A noticeable feature this year was the further emergence of the finished goods section of the fair, Fashion Access (FA), as a distinct exhibition entity in its own right rather than an appendage to Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (MMT). Indeed, with over 170 first time exhibitors, out of a total of some 850, FA is on track for a very bright future. Although the potential of mainland China beckons with siren tones of vast numbers of just about anything, Hong Kong retains several distinct advantages. The most important of which is this truly global fair. A point neatly encapsulated by Mr Choi, of Hamy Leather, Korea who confided: 'It is the first time I participated in APLF and we were impressed by the scale of the fair. We met many new buyers from the USA and Europe. Most are high quality leathergoods brands looking for innovative and high quality leather. In comparison with All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), where we also exhibited, at APLF we could sell our higher quality range of leather.' Very similar sentiments were echoed by Cueroflex, an Argentinian exhibitor at MMT. Sales Manager, Patricio Polazzo says: 'We have been selling our product (reconstituted leather) in China for many years and we are well known. However, the advantage of APLF is that it allows us to meet customers not only from Asia and China but also from all over the world. Here in Hong Kong, due to the quality of the clients we have met, we are only offering our top quality lines.' Nigel Dobson, of Astley Leathers in New Zealand conceded although they did not exhibit last year, 'this year we returned with a stand, since we've been exhibiting in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. We have clients in the USA and Canada and we meet them here at the APLF.' Of course the Asia regional market matters too. Umberto Saccelli, President of the Brazilian Tannery Association (CICB), noted that with a total of 40 Brazilian companies exhibiting in the national pavilion, the presence at APLF represented more than 50% of total Brazilian leather production. 'Hong Kong is very important for Brazil as a sales platform to Asia', remarked Saccelli. 'Brazilian tanneries are selling mainly wet-blue and crust, as well as finished leather to China but had received visitors from other places in Asia such as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea.' From a Shenzen-based bag manufacturer, Old Trend, President Rodney Lee was delighted to report: 'We have received a big order worth US$200,000 from Venezuela and have had great interest in our products during the fair.' Buyers too appreciated, and benefited from, the scope of APLF. Natalie Wood, from Texas, commented: 'I'm here visiting Fashion Access to look at the upcoming fashions and trends and also to make some purchases. What I've seen so far is fabulous and we have nothing like this in the USA. I found the show useful, let's say overwhelming, due to the variety and the vast number of different price categories, colours... it's just great.' Like Ms. Wood mentioned, the scope of APLF is appealing. Buyers from many major international brands can visit stands in both MMT and Fashion Access, offering everything in the supply chain: from raw hides to luxury handbag; from CAD-CAM System to well designed footwear; from synthetic leather to finished briefcases. And, while they are at it, there is the chance to examine emerging trends in material, colour and style for the next season. Some are seeking altogether bigger items. Mr Singh, from Chennai said: 'I'm looking for machinery for my tannery. I have managed to find the equipment we need, today'. Much of the continued success of APLF has been its ability to listen to, and act upon, developments within the industry. Speaking at a press conference held during the show, APLF Director, Michael Duck explained: 'The changes (in the industry) are not just geographic. Take the development of synthetic materials - also known as man-made fibres - as an example. Until recently, footwear made from anything other than real leather would be deemed 'plastic'. Today, synthetic leathers can be of such a high quality that even old hands in the industry require much feeling, smelling and twisting off the material before delivering a verdict of whether its real leather or synthetic.' Companies featuring synthetic materials were prominent in both MMT and Fashion Access. A total of 45,915* buyers visited APLF 2006. That broke down to 27,819* for MMT which encompassed over 1,800 exhibiting companies from 59 countries and regions. Buyers from North America were up by some 17% over 2005, and by 8% from South America. At Fashion Access some 850 exhibitors were drawn from 34 countries and regions. No less than 170 of these were exhibiting for the first time. Over the three-day period, 18,096* buyers came through the doors. Those from the Middle East and Africa were up by 27% over 2005, and from North America by 9%. APLF 2007 is shaping up already with re-booking by exhibitors - always a good indicator -- for both MMT and Fashion Access. 'The Hong Kong Fair', as many in the industry refer to APLF, remains very much the centre for the global leather industry. * Figures from PriceWaterhouseCoopers



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