Two concurrent fairs: APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T) and Fashion Access came to a close last week on a high note, reporting 33, 274 registered buyers*.  Visitor attendance at APLF - MM&T grew by 9% from 2009 and an even more optimistic 18% at Fashion Access - figures that suggest a renewed confidence within the global fashion industry.

This optimism was clearly felt on the fairgrounds.  Exhibitors concurred that they met significantly more buyers, and - more importantly - decision makers, compared to last March at the height of the global financial crisis. 

"There are many more visitors than a year ago.  There is more optimism, more confidence to do business", said Fernando Nieto of Grabados Tannery, Argentina.

APLF - MM&T saw over 11.3% more overseas buyers than last year, most notably from the US, France, Italy, Korea, China, Australia and Mexico. Widely known as the world's most international fair for leather, materials and components, APLF- MM&T is also considered a benchmark for the industry's performance in the year ahead.

Without doubt, this year's fair reflects the rebound of the industry, according to Wolfgang Goerlich, President of the Brazilian Center for the Tanning Industry (CICB).  "With the anticipation of raw materials prices going up, buyers are placing orders immediately," he added.

Other associations reported equal optimism.  Patrizia Galli of the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear Leathergoods and Tannery Machines and Accessories (ASSOMAC) received very encouraging comments from members about the business contacts made. Meanwhile, Sophie Hivert of the French Tanners Federation has already booked a larger space for the French Pavilion in 2011, in response to the many requests for more participants.

For Lemi Tolunay, Chairman of the Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters' Association (ITKIB), APLF in Hong Kong is the 'global link' for its members to make international contacts. Spanish exhibitor Lourdes Clols of M.C Clols agreed, adding that the importance of the China market makes APLF - MM&T (which saw a 10% increase of Chinese buyers this year)  "a must-attend event."

The fair's business activity is matched by its "notably improved" product offer, according to buyer RK Saffar from India's New Era Tanning Centre. This is possibly a result of last year's economic crisis that left only the strong and innovative companies in business.

Meanwhile Fashion Access, which attracts buyers with its comprehensive range of quality, head-to-toe fashion collections from international exhibitors, drew in 22% more overseas buyers than last March. Italian and French buyers were joined by their Asian counterparts from Japan, Korea and China. Visitors from both North and South America also increased their presence this March.

Reinforcing the comments from MM&T participants, Fashion Access exhibitor Angela Wang of Gaya Canada Enterprises Ltd said: "The traffic was very good this year...we received many orders from Japanese and Korean buyers."

This renewed confidence is expected to continue at the upcoming Fashion Access held 28 - 30 September this year.  Next March's APLF - MM&T, again held concurrently with Fashion Access, will take place 30 March - 1 April 2011.

(7/4/2010)