Furniture industry eyes 20 percent sales growth this year

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s furniture industry is targeting a double-digit growth in sales this year, driven by its innovative efforts to serve demand in the overseas markets, according to an official of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).

In a statement, the group said furniture manufacturers are eyeing a 15 to 20 percent growth in sales this year.

“I am very hopeful because buyers are coming in again. They come to visit (the country),” Philexport trustee for the furniture sector Myrna Bituin said.

Bituin said the US, the country’s largest buyer, has been working with Philippine manufacturers on product development.

“Because product development is very important, because you need new products to sustain and they are now starting to come and start product development,” Butuin said.

Other existing markets are the UK and Arab countries, including Dubai, he said.

Bituin said designers are catching up with new trends while entrepreneurs need to be updated like colors for furniture finishing.

“So being an exporter is a continuing education for you on the market that you want to touch,” she said, adding that the needs of buyers vary.

“There are buyers that are there for the new look but they will always look at the past.”

To boost sales growth, Bituin said more industry players will participate in exhibitions for the international market, including the Imm Cologne furniture fair in Cologne, Germany.

“(This) is good, which means buyers are coming back,” she said.

“Your presence in the market is important so you can have regular buyers and you can look for new buyers (in the exhibitions),” she added.

As part of the government’s efforts to promote locally-made furniture, several Philippine furniture brands are set to join the upcoming Paris-based trade show Maison et Objet on Jan. 18-22, 2024, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

The exhibit will showcase products from a number of Philippine companies such as JB Woodcraft, Finali Furniture, South Sea Veneer, A. Garcia, Weavemanila, Jireh Forge, Venzon Lighting & Objects, Indigenous, Zarate Manila, Mejore, Aerostone, Nature’s Legacy, Tadeco and Vito Selma.

“We look forward to returning to Maison et Objet with a physical country pavilion that exemplifies the dynamic and vibrant local design scene that has emerged from our unique geography, history, and cultural influences. We aim to demonstrate through this participation that Philippine-made products can compete globally in terms of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation,” CITEM executive director Edward Fereira said.

As it has been regarded as one of the major trade events in Europe and the design industry at large, the Maison et Objet will serve as the ideal avenue for Philippine companies to strengthen their presence in the international design space.