São Paulo – Blue sodalite is the main bet of Itu Marbles and Granites for the Big 5 Show, a building sector fair to take place between November 23rd and 27th in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. "Blue sodalite is the stone most sought by the Arabs at the fair," stated group partner Ney Lafaiette Conceição, who is going to the event for the fifth time.
According to him, the polished stones, which are considered semiprecious, have a turquoise blue tone. "To the Arabs it is a very important colour as it represents water, which is synonymous with riches," stated Conceição, who already knows the Arab market well. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon and Syria already import granites from the Brazilian company.
The main market for the company in the Arab world is Saudi Arabia. "It is a rich country, with a population with great buying power," stated Conceição, who hopes to meet his clients again and to do new business. "It is a fair for all emirates and countries of the Gulf. We are always seeking new business in the region," he added.
The Brazilian group does not have a local distributor in the Arab countries, so, according to Conceição, contact at the fair is important. "Negotiating with the Arabs is not easy. You must show (the product), talk and negotiate. You must have great patience," he said.
Apart from the Arab countries, the group also exports to Europe, the United States, Australia, Mexico and South America. Around 30% of company production is turned to export. On the market for 40 years, the group already has six mines, two in the state of Bahia, two in the state of Espírito Santo, one in São Paulo and one in Minas Gerais.
The group works from mining to the delivery of the end product. It also sells blocks, plates, tiles and executes projects. In Brazil, for example, the company developed projects for Santos Dumont airport, in Rio de Janeiro, and for the Citibank building, in São Paulo. Abroad, the group has also developed several projects, including some in the Arab countries.
Itu Marble and Granite Group is made up of another three companies: the Society for Brazilian Mining (Somibras), MIC (Conceição Brothers Mining) and NEF, of marble import and distribution. In total, the group employs 280 people. Monthly production depends greatly on orders, but it ranges from 500 to 1,000 cubic metres.
Contact
Itu Marble and Granite
Tel. (+55 11) 4655-2288
E-mail: itumarmores@itumarmores.com.br
Site: www.itumarmores.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
