Friedrich Sturm Report - 20.04.07
First, in response to the sky-high prices for top quality calf and kips for aniline selections, there has clearly been a continued focus on a) the use of lower selections in patent leather and b) all types of artificial, fancy finishes and the substitution of calf by crossbreeds and goats or, in some cases, even lamb and sheep. This mainly applies to shoe production. In leather goods, which are mainly bags, the trend is not so strong as yet and here calf and kips are still holding their positions. Consequently, very light calfskins came under some quite heavy pressure on prices and, in view of the approaching summer, a number of suppliers had to bite the dust and lower prices by up to 10% to get the production up to the holidays placed.
