IJL says Germany is market focus for 2016
LONDON, March 28, 2016 – Germany, renowned for its fine and high end silver jewellery, has been selected as the IJL Market Focus for 2016.
This international business initiative, launched last year with a focus on Italy and a group of innovative Italian companies, aims to facilitate links and boost trade between UK jewellery industry members and their international counterparts.
Market share for German brands and designers has been steadily on the increase. In 2013 to 2014, a robust 61% growth rate in jewellery imports from Germany was recorded* – in line with the UK’s overall imports of silver jewellery growing from just $7 million USD in 2009 to $274 million USD in 2014*. Since then demand has been going from strength to strength.
With 15 German companies set to showcase their new collections and flagship pieces at IJL 2016, the German Market Focus will provide an insightful view of the very best of German design and creativity.
Of particular note are Hans D. Krieger, a family firm with decades of expertise and renowned for faultless classic design with a twist; Richard Hans Becker, producing distinguished and classic jewellery, epitomising elegance; Manu Werkstatt Fur Schmuck, creating exquisite hand-crafted designs, and Fine Gems Collection, the leading manufacturer of gold and silver jewellery, using the finest diamonds and natural coloured gemstones.
Sam Willoughby, Show Director, explained the importance of this venture.
“Germany’s skilled design is recognised around the world – especially in the silver jewellery sector – and we hope that this year’s Market Focus will help aid the exchange of essential market knowledge and forge business links, as well as encourage the sharing of trend and design inspiration,” she said.
“IJL supports business networking and this will see different countries united by a common appreciation of the best in jewellery practice and production.”
Johannes Weege, MANU jewellery and IJL 2015 exhibitor, said, “We met 80% of our UK customer base at IJL last year. All the important UK jewellery stores come to IJL and for us it is the meeting point for the industry.”
The German Market Focus is supported by a comprehensive, proactive online and direct marketing campaign in the lead up to the show, during and post the event.
All participating German exhibitors will also be featured in an exclusive catwalk scene on the Sunday Late Night Shopping event and thereafter within the Catwalk shows for the duration of IJL 2016.
*Source: RX analysis of UN Comtrade data