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Each year we create one or two new ranges which we introduce at International shows at the beginning of the year in Europe. We presented these two new ranges as well as our already well known “Mink” mohair range of throws at two International shows this January at Heimtextil in Frankfurt and Maison & Object in Paris. We were extremely fortunate in that two of our mohair throws, the “Mink” & “Blommejies” were chosen for the prestigious "Trend Forecasting Forum" ,a showcase for exceptional home textile products at Heimtexil. We were also the only company that show cased mohair. The "Trend Forecasting Forum" is visited by 90 000 buyers as well as more than 1000 journalists from all corners of the globe. It is “THE” most influential Trend Setter for the whole of the home textile industry world wide, setting trends for the next year and beyond – These 'Trends' do not only relate to Design, Colour & Texture but also reflect a 'New consciousness'. Products made from natural fibers, environmentally sensitive production methods and social responsibility were highlighted and given prominence at the 'Trend Forecasting Forum' in the form of a separate display. In fact Abafazi was the main feature in the “Natural Fiber” section of the ‘Trend Forecasting Forum”. There one could see one of our beautiful ‘Mink’ Mohair & Ostrich feather throws on display in the natural mohair colour. We were also the only company to be given a detailed write up. We really felt honored and very special. And many, many buyers came straight from the 'Trend Forecasting Forum' to see our stand - and to place orders. Our second show, straight after the Heimtextil exhibition was at the Maison & Object show in Paris. It was the first time we were able to exhibit at this highly regarded international show. We were invited to participate in a large stand by the "CBI" a Dutch government funded organization that assists 3rd world producers to enter the EU market. We will be part of their program for the next five years. We were absolutely amazed how many people were attracted to our range in Paris. Our stand was abuzz with people all the time. They thought it was absolutely wonderful. Here is a little cameo of an unexpected incident at the Maison & Object show in Paris: Many individual shops placed direct orders, some for delivery later on in the year. We also welcomed a new distributor for Romania and for Australia. They joined our existing team of 11 distributors world wide. Since our return to Alicedale we have also received many requests for visual material from notable international Trend Forecasting publications wanting to feature our mohair throws as an example of future trends. It seems quite surreal to us that a very small company like ours, situated literally at the back of beyond, far away in Africa can be an international trendsetter. We believe that all in all despite the difficult economic climate we did really well at both shows not only with the two new ranges that we introduced but also with our ‘Mink’ Mohair and Ostrich Feather range that is still going strong. With many more inquiries to follow up than in previous years and with exposure in a number of well known International Trend publications and with the help of our distributors we believe that this year will be a prosperous one for Abafazi. Please also have a look at our new web site abafazi.com We would love to have your feed back. Greetings from the Abafazi Team Dates: 23 to 27 January 2009 View images from the Heimtex event (14 to 17 January 2009) here
Heimtex Dates: 14 to 17 January 2009
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