Saturday, November 03, 2007 ‘Give competitive prices’
AN industry official from Europe is urging fashion accessories and furniture exporters in Cebu to be “price sensitive” in tapping the European market.
Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, head of the European Commission delegation in the Philippines, said while the European market is considered sophisticated and wealthy, it is also very price-conscious.
MacDonald said fashion jewelry products are gaining attention in Europe, however, if designs are not constantly updated and products are “over-priced,” manufacturers and exporters could lose their niche market as competitors are also inching closer in terms of offering cutting-edge designs.
He said Vietnam is the Philippines’ closest competitor in terms of pricing and design.
Competitors
Filipino exporters in the industry sector are also competing with those from Thailand and Malaysia, in terms of export volumes as these countries have “good exporting” relationships with the European Unionn (EU).
“The European market is twice as large as the United States. It is always dynamic, especially for fashion accessories and furniture. But the Philippines must double its efforts in the marketing campaign,” MacDonald said in an interview.
“The market is there. It is a question of marketing the products (to Europe),” he added.
MacDonald said exporters must put high emphasis on marketing and promotions, instead of “how to comply” with the stringent trade requirements and standards imposed by the EU.
Marketing campaign
“The EU is a very interesting market for fashion accessory products and furniture in the Philippines. The market could be a driver of growth if there is active marketing campaign,” he said.
Last September, four members of the Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Foundation joined the Gifts and Expo Fair in Russia.
Meanwhile, three companies have expressed intentions to participate in the Macef Spring 2008 Fair, the international home show in Milan, Italy, on Jan 18 to 21, 2008. (MMM)
