Review on APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MMT)

The well known watchmaker and accessories manufacturer, Philippe Charriol, has attended APLF events in Hong Kong over the years and visits friends and professional contacts. He says of MMT, "It has become a focal point in Asia for the world leather industry."

Forecasting the trends in materials for tomorrow's leather garments, bags, shoes, leather goods and travelware has never been more critical for tanners, traders and manufacturers alike. Colours and textures change constantly. Most buyers are looking ahead to conventional Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasonal collections: a few already think in terms of 26 seasons per year: that's a whole new collection every two weeks

The good news is that business for exhibitors at MMT was generally buoyant, and in many cases exceptionally so. Despite the continuing advance of electronic communication the advantages of having a marketplace for face-to-face (feel and touch) exchanges were evident everywhere. Juan Squires, from the Colombian tannery Curtiembre De Itagui SA said simply, "I've been to leather fairs all over the world: I've been here at Hong Kong before, but this is the best fair ever". Mr Squires' remarks were made about an hour before the end of the final day in a booth still humming with activity.

Practical changes would have been noted by those attending previous MMT events. This time tanners, chemical companies and machinery manufacturers were together in Hall 1. The growing importance of component suppliers was recognised with Hall 3 devoted to the sector. Running MMT over three days (rather than four) resulted in more action on the exhibition floor continuing unabated until the close of the final day.

Philippe Benguigui of Leather Trading France, looking to source skins for his trading company observed, "APLF does give buyers the opportunity to examine leather from different parts (of the world). It is valuable to the world leather industry."