40 PH designers, brands to join EU fair

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), announced that its largest Philippine delegation composed of 40 Filipino brands and manufacturers will participate in the European trade show Ambiente in Messe Frankfurt, Germany from Jan. 26 to 30. CITEM said it aims to garner $3.82 million in sales during the five-day fair, compared to $2.73 million sales generated by 30 participating companies at last year’s Ambiente. In line with the trade fair’s theme centered on “circular design,” the delegation will showcase diverse sustainable products made of ceramics, clay, weaved fiber, resin, and wood. Specifically, they will highlight designs from the provinces of Antique and Quirino, with 10 local textile, looms, and home decor manufacturers hailing from Antique; and 11 brands making fossilized flowers, bags, fashion items, furniture, and wood carvings from Quirino. CITEM Executive Director Edward L. Fereira said they are excited to expand their offerings with more exhibitors and their partner provinces for this year’s trade fair. “After CITEM’S successful participation overseas, including Ambiente, in previous years, Designphilippines has seen a continuous growth in the export sales, inquiries, and number of buyers from the region,” he noted. CITEM shared Dti-antique’s partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) in developing products that are known to be made from natural materials. Meanwhile, it also noted Quirino’s goods with trademark creative flairs that can best represent the country to a foreign market. To prepare the companies for the trade fair, CITEM has conducted training, export assistance, and product development consultancy activities to ensure their products and services are in optimal quality. (Khriscielle E. Yalao)