Leading French tanneries to showcase high-quality leathers at Leatherworld Middle East
14 April 2015
The world's premier tanneries from France are set to descend upon Dubai with their finest quality leather products in tow, as the final countdown begins for the Middle East's only dedicated leather trade show.
Fifteen French tanneries, famous for their reputation as high-end leather producers, will showcase a range of hides at the inaugural edition of Leatherworld Middle East, which takes place from 4-6 May 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
On view will be a complete range of leathers fashioned from cow, buffalo, sheep and goat hide, as well as more exotic leathers made from crocodile, alligator, lizard and python skins, as the French pull out all stops in order to captivate influential regional buyers.
Included on the list of top flight French tanneries is Gordon Choisy, owned by luxury goods manufacturer Hermes, and Bodin Joyeux, owned by global fashion house Chanel, which employs about 100 employees and produces nearly 600,000 lambskins a year.
Another headline French name is Tannerie Sovos Grosjean, founded in 1864, and renowned for its full grain cattle hides designed for interior design, furniture, boating, aviation, leather goods, case making, shoes and wristwatches.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Leatherworld Middle East, said tanneries are taking advantage of the growing regional demand for quality leather products and furnishing, particularly in the booming regional hospitality sector.
"One of the primary reasons for many tanneries to be exhibiting at Leatherworld Middle East is due to the rapid rise in the development of hotels in the UAE and across the region," said Pauwels. "A great deal of high-quality leather is needed in these five-star establishments for interior fit-outs and so demand for premium offerings is on the rise.
"This has drawn the attention of top French tanneries at Leatherworld Middle East, which are reputed the world over for producing the finest of leathers of various grades and types. They have maintained their edge by building on their inherent advantages of historical tradition and workmanship of the highest order."
