According to the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), in order to increase their range of products and to expand their markets, Wenzhou’s shoe manufacturers are beginning to produce other leather goods such as luggage and hand bags.

Kangnai, a large shoe group, is one company that is expanding its product range in this way and is now producing leather bags, cases, wallets and belts.

Mr. Zheng Xiu Kang, CEO of Kangnai Group, said that the company decided to expand its range of products in 2000 and within five years it now has a team of over 100 technicians working solely on leather goods. The company has also established a research and development centre in Italy.

Based on this success, other well known Wenzhou-based footwear producers, such as Aokang and Hongqingting, are now following suit and moving into leather goods too.