PH seeks bigger slice of European market

Eighteen local exporters hope to capture a bigger share of Europe’s home and fashion item sector through their participation in the consumer goods trade fair in Germany next month.

The country’s participation in Ambiente, a much-awaited return to the German trade show, is expected to position the Philippines as a sophisticated and viable source of design-forward home and fashion items, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem).

“We are looking forward to a productive meeting with trade visitors and buyers at Ambiente. The Philippine participation has much to offer the international market. With a diverse and unique array of crafts by the leading exporters of the country, we can expect a great outcome from this project,” Citem executive director Rosvi C. Gaetos said in a statement.

For the 2016 edition of Ambiente, Citem will bring together under the Lifestyle Philippines brand export companies that use rare materials such as shagreen, bone, buffalo horn, ebony, and natural fibers and indigenous materials like tikog grass, capiz shells, and nacre or mother of pearl, to craft unique jewelry and bags, home and holiday décor, boudoir furniture, and lamps and lighting.

German product consultant and designer Detlef Klatt, along with rising design talent Rachelle Dagñalan, will curate the Philippine exhibit in Ambiente to emphasize the distinctive character of locally-made crafts while creating a function for access and easy flow of international buyers, the press, and business negotiations.

The Philippine exhibit will be composed of two pavilions, one of which will showcase fashion merchandise, handicrafts, and gifts by Alice Blue Candle Inc., Avatar Accessories, Inc., Cyprea International, Inc., Klassy Collections & Designs Co., Larone Crafts, Inc., Oricon Corp., and, under the Philippine International Trading Corp., Delza’s Native Products, Eva Marie Arts And Crafts, and Lolo Bobby Handicraft.

Another pavilion will feature exclusive home décor and accessories by Arden Classic, Inc., Celestial Arts, Inc., Chanalli, Finali Furniture & Home Accessories Co., Firma Objects Of Art, Inc., Peter And Paul Inc., Prado Filipino Artisans, Inc., Tadeco, Inc., and Venzon Lighting Manufacturing.