|
APLF yields positive results |
 The 2015 edition of APLF – MM&T and Fashion Access - took place from March 31st to April 1st at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty.This was exactly one year after the landmark 30th anniversary APLF event when the leather bull market was still in full swing. Most participants were expecting prices to go higher (which they did!)...
...and they eventually topped out in early September 2014 and have been on a slow but steady decline ever since as demand for leather has faltered due to a combination of factors that will be detailed later on in this report.Nevertheless, for the 2015 fair at the “Meeting Place for the Global Leather Industry” many of the 1,239 exhibitors from 54 countries and regions at the MM&T fair were optimistic and expectant. The fair has traditionally set the tone for the sector outlook at least for several months ahead and is a sounding-board for tanners, traders, machinery and chemical suppliers alike as most major industry participants gather as they have done for over 30 years.
They come to Hong Kong to close deals, make contacts, seek information on trends and the economic outlook, discover innovations, consolidate customer relationships and feel part of the international fraternity that constitutes the global leather industry.
Concierge Service launched
With both buyers’ and exhibitors’ interests in mind MM&T implemented for the first time a Concierge Service for busy buyers with limited time. This service recommends and guides buyers to specific products and exhibitors depending on the type of leather and / or materials they are looking for. Much time and footfall is saved if a buyer is guided to a targeted exhibitor in a specific part of the main hall as the fair is expansive and does take time to get around. (27/04/2015) |
