Brazilian export co-operative finalises plans for APLF debut
More background has emerged on ‘CooperLeather’ – the new export co-operative of Brazilian leather exporters that will be making its international trade show debut at Asia Pacific Leather Fair in April. (See leatherbiz.com story: ‘Strong Brazilian presence promised for APLF 7.1.02).
Formed as recently as October 2001, the association is the brainchild of Wellington Mumic, the President of Sindipeles - the Union of the Tanning Industry of the State of Minas Gerais. During a meeting of the Union last year, it became apparent to Mr Mumic that none of the Union’s membership were exporting their products - the main reasons being language difficulties and the absence of a coherent export structure. This was in spite of the high levels of investment made by those businesses in capital equipment and their adherence to world-class standards of product quality.
It was against this background that the foundations for CooperLeather were laid – an umbrella export organisation that today comprises over 25 small and medium-sized tanneries producing wet blue, crust and finished leather producers.
With a combined output of 24,000 hides per day, the CooperLeather membership includes tanneries from Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Parana, with all production falling under the control of a professional technical team that is responsible for production, standardisation, quality assurance and customer relations.
Less than four months on from its inception, the society is represented all over the world by a team of agents who liaise with existing and potential customers and also provide practical help on accessing overseas markets. It is also actively exporting to Portugal, Italy, Taiwan, India and China.
According to Ulysses Cardoso, Managing Director of CooperLeather, the co-operative will form part of the main Brazilian pavilion at APLF, where the main aim will be to develop international contacts. It will also be participate in Lineapelle in both May and November, and in September’s All China Leather Exhibition in Shanghai.
