Australian market keen on Phl 'green' products

Manila, Philippines - “There is a growing trend in Australia towards natural and eco-friendly products,” shared David Leek, CEO of the 3,500-member Gifts and Homewares Australia (GHA), who committed to bring about 50 buyers to the Philippines for the October 2011 Manila FAME International.

Leek emphasized that the various natural materials featured at the April edition of Manila FAME International will catch the interest of GHA, an association comprised of retailers and wholesalers. “Everything I saw there is going to be of interest to our members. Some of our members already import Christmas decorations from the Philippines,” said Leek.

Though Leek’s first Manila FAME International visit was only last April, he said that the show is moving towards the right direction. The October show, which brings together three of the country’s major sourcing events, Manila Now, CebuNext and Bijoux Cebu, is the result of the partnership between the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and 12 Business Support Organizations (BSOs). “If it hadn’t been for the fact that the BSOs have consolidated with Manila FAME, I wouldn’t be bringing my members here,” Leek said, citing how difficult it would be for buyers to go to different exhibitions in various parts of the country due to their very busy schedules.

During a meeting with the private sector in April, Leek noted their support and enthusiasm in conducting business with Australian buyers. “They have, I thought, made the right decision in consolidating,” he reiterated. “It sent a very clear message to me that Manila FAME has become something special.”

The 54th Manila FAME International, the country’s premier trade event for furniture and furnishings, holiday and gifts and fashion, is slated on Oct. 16-19, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila. In order to capture a new retail concept for buyers and visitors, the show will feature three Trend Stores: Naturalist, Mood Indigo, and Graffiti.

The eco-naturalist theme, according to Leek, is one of the country’s unique selling propositions. In the April show, he recalled being impressed by a flute vase made of composite materials from the forest floor. “What will be interesting to our members is the story that goes with the item where it’s made, who makes it, why is it made, and what makes it special retailers want that because Australian consumers want to hear that story,” he added.