The 14th edition of All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) and Moda Shanghai opened its doors in Shanghai. Making use of the brand new East wing facilities of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the exhibitions are spread over 80,500 square metres, occupying seven halls.
Over 15,000 enthusiastic buyers visited the 7 halls during the first two days of the fairs
This expansion demonstrates the positive trend and healthy outlook of the leather industry in China, which has so far resisted the global economic downturn. Witness the figures for the period of January to July 2011 announced by Mr. Su Chaoying, Chairman of China Leather Industry Association: the gross industrial output value for China’s leather industry recorded an increase of 25.9% year on year, while the total exports of leather, fur and leather products increased by 27% over the same period last year. This is despite a decrease of 18.5% and 17.2% respectively of the volume and value of the export of leather garments.
The atmosphere was intense, as visitors and exhibitors were discovering the new premises, and were getting ready for three days of business meetings, discussions, and happenings.
An exhibitor meets with quality buyers
According to Michael Duck, Director of APLF, the show is expected to attract more than 18,000 visitors. At the end of the second day, over 15,000 buyers had already crowded the 7 halls of the exhibitions (over 10% increase in attendance as compared to 2010).
“ACLE is the largest trading platform for sourcing various components and leather supplies. I have met high quality suppliers from New Zealand and Italy, and placed an order of leather, components and machinery.” said David MENG, General Manager of Shanghai Arche Shoes Co., Ltd.
With 51 exhibitors in total, Turkey has become one of the best represented countries of the fair. The Turkey Pavilion was buzzing with activity as Turkish exhibiting companies were busy meeting potential clients. Jak Galiko, Chairman of the Aegean Leather Products Exporters’ Association is confident that Turkish suppliers will establish their presence in China. “I expect one third of the capacity of Turkey’s leather production will be channeled to China in the next two to three years”, he predicted.
Elsewhere, the Jinhou Group, one of the main suppliers of the People’s Liberation Army, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its creation.
Meanwhile, judges of The Tannery of the Year Award (ToTY) were engaged in the challenging process of selecting the best tannery and winner of the competition. The winner, Heller - Leder, was revealed at a lavish reception held at the Jumeriah Himalayas Hotel.
Notes to editors
About All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE)
ACLE is the most professional and recognised platform for the global leather industry to access China’s fast growing domestic market. The exhibition provides the country’s largest variety of leather, components & accessories, manufacturing equipment and tools, machinery and technology and business services.
Held once a year, it runs in conjunction with the finished products fairs China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) and Moda Shanghai. In 2011, over 1,200 exhibitors and 18,000 buyers are expected to attend the 3 concurrent fairs.
About China International Footwear Fair & Moda Shanghai
CIFF and Moda Shanghai, offer an unparalleled platform for sourcing footwear products, leather garments, travelware, bags and fashion accessories. For detail information, please visit www.ciffchina.com.
About the Organisers
ACLE is organised jointly by the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) and APLF Ltd.
CLIA is the only officially recognised representative body for China’s vast and successful leather industry. CLIA has at its disposal the largest and most comprehensive databases of leather makers and manufacturers of finished products, suppliers and buyers.
APLF Ltd is a joint venture between UBM Asia and SIC Group. APLF organises leading trade exhibitions in Hong Kong, China and India. It launched the Hong Kong Leather Fair 27 years ago – which is still the largest and most international sector event, and has expanded into the related fields of fashion and lifestyle products.