Middle East woos global tanners at Leatherworld 2016

The second edition of the Leatherworld Middle East 2016, which concluded recently in Dubai, created a buzz among global tanners and manufacturers looking to invest in the region’s leather industry.

Italian exhibitors like Italihide, Conceria Superia, Dani, Real Piel, and French tanners like Remy Carriat, Degermann, and HCP tested the waters of the Middle East as the new leather manufacturing hub at the fair.

“The high-end luxury feel was evident throughout Leatherworld Middle East, where the strong global exhibitor contingent sent a clear message that this is a region worth investing in,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Leatherworld Middle East’s organiser.

Mohamad Khallouf, sales manager, Italhide, said, “The luxury goods market has slowed down recently in major countries such as Russia and China, which has affected the entire leather supply chain, however luxury spending in the Gulf in particular is still strong.”

The international flavour at Leatherworld Middle East 2016 was underlined by pavilions from Italy, France, and South Africa, while the Indonesian Tanners Association presented half a dozen tanners and manufacturers famous for its python and fresh water lizard skins.

“Our main customers are in Europe and the USA, but we don’t have any business in the Middle East so we want to know more about the market here. There’s been a lot of interest at our stand at Leatherworld Middle East, mainly from GCC manufacturers and designers,” said, Erick Wiradinata, owner of the Indonesia-based Raflo Tannery.

Leatherworld Middle East was divided into different segments including Leather Production, Designers’ Area, Shoe Box, and Fashion Avenue and featured 73 exhibitors from 16 countries, and welcomed 2,270 visitors from 40 countries. The Trend Forum showcased luxury products like diamond dusted alligator skin and gold embossed crocodile hides.

The third edition of Leatherworld Middle East is expected to be held in April 2017.