AKTRIN takes North American Buyer Mission to Portugal

Furniture World Magazine

The Government of Portugal (Department of Commerce and Tourism, ICEP) in collaboration with the Portuguese Furniture Manufacturing Association, APIMA have engaged AKTRIN's services to take a North American group of furniture retailers and importers to Portugal to see - first hand - what this country has to offer in furniture. The project is made up of two phases: 1. a fact-finding tour to eighteen Portuguese furniture factories by two executives from AKTRIN. The purpose is to evaluate the companies as to their readiness and suitability to export to the North American market. 2. a trade mission of ten North American furniture buyers to fifteen carefully selected Portuguese companies. The fact-finding tour to Portugal has taken place in July of 1999. Mr. David Woodburn – Vice President of AKTRIN – says that he is very pleased with what he saw. Design, quality, prices and service are excellent. Dave, who is a former furniture buyer of a large department store, has visited over 1000 furniture factories during his career. "The Portugal mission was without doubt one of my most impressive visiting programs", Mr. Woodburn said. Following Portugal's entry into the European Union in the mid-80s, the country has experienced a rapid industrial development, assisted by the substantial support from the European Union. The impact of the development strategy left the country with a very modern furniture industry. Most plants are housed in new buildings equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. With labour costs still well below the European average, Portugal enjoys a considerable competitive price advantage. In addition to the technological and price advantages, the country's furniture manufacturers have a flair for good design. Mr. Woodburn states that Portuguese furniture would be very well received in North America. Both individual consumers as well as consumers from the hotel contact community would likely be receptive to the Portuguese offerings. Dr. Stefan Wille – President of AKTRIN – points out that less than one percent of American furniture imports are sourced in Portugal. This is surprising. It seems that the country has done a good job in modernizing its furniture industry from a technological and design point of view. On the other hand, the international marketing efforts have been lacking and hardly reached the North American audience according to Wille's assessment. Meanwhile, AKTRIN has started the second phase of the trade development process. We are now selecting ten to fifteen North American furniture buyers from among retailers, buying groups, importers and hotel specifiers. The visiting program is planned to take place in November of 1999 and February of 2000. All travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be borne by the Portuguese Government. Serious buyers interested in participating in the trade mission may contact AKTRIN at (905) 845 3474.