São Paulo – Bed, bath and linen manufacturing company Altenburg has exported its products to the Arab world and wants to sell to the region again. The Blumenau, Santa Catarina state-based company exported to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait starting in the year 2000, but did not sell to these countries this year. “We are constantly seeking to effect operations with those markets,” said Altenburg export manager Rafael Schatz da Silva.
According to Silva, the sales made to the Arab countries were minor, and targeted both wholesalers and retailers. Altenburg makes duvets, bed sets, quilts, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors, cushions, face and bath towels. All sales to the Middle East consisted of bed products. “The products undergo some modifications in terms of measures. In general lines, however, buyers appreciate the design in our collections,” said the executive.
Altenburg is Brazil’s leading pillow manufacturing company, distributes and sells 1 million units per month, and is recognized by Brazilian consumers for its quality bed and bath items. The company was established in 1922, but began exporting in the late 1980. Right now, all exports go to Latin America and some African countries, mostly in the south of the continent. Sporadically, the company sells to Europe and the United States.
Last year, exports accounted for 6% of the company’s revenues. For this year, the target was to expand. “However, due to restrictions placed on imports by Argentina, the growth target for this year may be compromised. Even though we have grown in many markets, the decline in exports to Argentina, due to the country’s restrictions, will impact on our global results,” said Silva, without mentioning any figures.
The output, however, is likely to increase in 2012. “The company is looking to meet the growth target it has set, and for such it is constantly investing in new products which are appealing in terms of comfort and design, which is what the market calls for these days. The sustainable collections with products made from fibre and PET bottle yarn, and bleach-free products are increasingly sought by consumers,” says the manager.
The upper and upper-middle classes are the main targets for Altenburg. The products are made from cotton and the filling is made from polyester yarn. The company has two factories, one at its Blumenau headquarters and another in Aracaju, in the state of Sergipe, and five own stores: one in Blumenau and another in Balneário Camboriu, in the state of Santa Catarina, and three in São Paulo.
Altenburg is a family company currently managed by the third generation. The company was founded 90 years ago by Johanna Altenburg, who was a widow and started out making quilts in cotton, feather and lamb wool. Johanna’s work evolved into the plant which was originally called Acolchoados Arno Altenburg. Efforts to improve quality and broaden the product portfolio earned the company domestic and international recognition.
Contact
Altenburg
Telephone: + 55 47 3331-1588
Website: www.altenburg.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
