With support from Brazilian Leather, project dedicated to stimulate leather exports, Brazilian tanneries achieve success in 2015

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In a year of economic downturn such as 2015, Brazilian tanneries have dedicated themselves to invest in innovation and the search for new buyers and markets instead of focusing on complaints. Two cases from companies located in the South of Brazil better illustrate it: Rusan and OCM/Best Brasil say 2015 was a year hard work and positive results.

The first, located in the city of Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, has not only opened doors to new partnerships as it has continued to supply to worldwide renowned international brands. OCM/Best Brasil, situated in Novo Hamburgo, also in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is equally proud to have kept in its portfolio brands such as Stuart Weitzman.

French handbag brand Antoinette Ameska is one of Rusan's top clients. Throughout 2015, the Brazilian tannery produced most of the metalized leather used by the fashion brand. Also this year, the company has tightened business relationships with Wolverine (footwear, USA) and initiated negotiations with the also North-american brand Fossil (watches, handbags, and accessories).

According to Camila Koefender, commercial manager at Rusan, the company's internationalization was boosted by its participation at Preview do Couro (Leather Preview), project focused on developing new trends in materials. The initiative is promoted by CICB (the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry) and Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) through Brazilian Leather, program dedicated to stimulate leather and skins exports. Brazilian Leather also has the support of Assintecal (the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Manufactured Goods).

Usually premiered in Brazil, Preview do Couro (Leather Preview) is also exhibited at all major trade fairs within the international leather sector. “We took part in the project’s 2014 edition. The hide we developed was taken to Première Vision Leather Paris. As soon as Brazilian Leather representatives returned from the event, they shared with us the interest of an international agent who had a client looking for a special suede leather very similar to the one we’d created. Since then, we’ve signed a contract and started shipping leather to them”, she says.

Camila sees Preview do Couro (Leather Preview) as a highly positive initiative. “It’s very effective in stimulating every tannery’s creativity, challenging all to create unique articles that are later presented around the world. The project gives us visibility, it proves that we are competitive and innovative, helping consolidate our image worldwide.”

OCM/Best Brasil credits its success with Stuart Weitzman to another action promoted by Brazilian leather. According to the company’s director Raul Müller, the North-american brand discovered OCM’s leather and skins during the tannery’s participation at Italian fair Lineapelle, one of Europe’s most prestigious events. “The fact that Brazilian leather pays support for local suppliers to participate in such important events surely helps. And I’m not only referring to financial support, but also guidance. With help from the project we were able to show only our best in Europe, which certainly attracts major buyers”, says Raul.

Müller feels proud of the fact that Stuart Weitzman has Brazilian ÜbermodelGisele Bündchen as the brand’s new face. “In this collection, Gisele is wearing shoes made with leather produced by OCM/Best Brasil. If you pay attention to the ads, you’ll see our article on almost every single airport across the world”, he celebrates.