Demand in hospitality sector behind French support of Leatherworld Middle East
14/04/2015
Hermes-owned Gordon Choisy and Chanel’s sheepskin tannery Bodin Joyeux will be among exhibitors at May’s Leatherworld Middle East, alongside the French Hides Association, French Federation of Tanners, Italian Tanners Association and US Department of Commerce.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of show organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East (pictured), said: “One of the primary reasons for many tanneries to be exhibiting is the rapid rise in the development of hotels in the UAE and across the region. A great deal of high-quality leather is needed in these five-star establishments for interior fit-outs and so demand for premium offerings is on the rise.”
Additionally, organisers quoted Euromonitor figures that show the region’s leathergoods market was valued at $271 million in 2014, and will grow at a rate of 13.7% annually to reach $453.5 million by 2018.
Nick Butler, export manager at Covico, a tannery based near Angouleme, said: “To date, very few French raw hides and skins have been destined for the Middle East region, and Leatherworld Middle East presents an opportunity to open into this market. We are convinced the Middle Easterners appreciate quality and will be attracted to our products.”
Other French tanneries and suppliers will include LCO Group, Tanneries Haas, HCP Exotic Leathers, Degermann, Pechdo, Alran, Remy Carriat, Megissserie de la Moliere, La Megisserie Sofacuir and ATC Tannery Chemicals.
There will also be 90 exhibitors from countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan and the US.
Leatherworld Middle East takes place from May 4 to 6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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