Marina Sarruf
São Paulo – This month there will be two international fairs turned to the cosmetic jewellery sector in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Bijóias will begin tomorrow (11) and go on until Friday (13) in state capital São Paulo, and Aljóias will go on from August 24 to 27 in the city of Limeira, in the interior of the state.
The events, supported by the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious Metals (IBGM), will be turned to tradesmen in the sector who believe in the potential there is for growth of Brazilian jewellery on the foreign market.
The cosmetic jewellery sector has a turnover of around US$ 309 million a year in Brazil, being 66% of this total, around US$ 204 million, represented by plated jewellery, according to figures supplied by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp).
"This sector has been growing in all senses. Export tends to increase more and more," stated Natalino Gonçalo, president of Aljóias 2004.
In 2003, the second edition of Aljóias generated business of around US$ 7 million and was visited by 6,000 people, including representatives from 20 countries. For this year, the organizers expect 8,000 visitors and a 42% increase in business, which could reach around US$ 10 million.
Gonçalo stated that Arab visitors are expected at the fair. "We are already in contact with them and are greatly interested in their visiting us at the opening of Aljóias," he stated. Last year, the fair received representatives from the United Arab Emirates.
"We are trying to put our products on the Arab market. The plated jewellery sector in Limeira is currently competent enough to dispute the foreign market," added Gonçalo.
In 2003, there was a business roundtable in Aljóias, supported by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). Negotiations at the event generated over US$ 300,000 in sales contracts.
This year there will be two business roundtables, with buyers from six countries. "There was a line of foreigners waiting to participate in the roundtables. Maybe next year we can have six roundtables," completed Gonçalo.
Exhibitor
Businessman Rodolfo Dib Mereb, who owns Mereb Chains, a supplier of components for cosmetic jewellery, such as beads, pearls, strass, chains, rings, and bracelets will be at Aljóias searching for new markets.
"Aljóias is the largest fair in this sector in Latin America, and the figures (generated in business deals) show its success," stated Mereb, who started at Aljóias with one stand and now has five to supply the 8,000 visitors expected.
Mereb stated that he has made contact with African and Lebanese businessmen who own stores and purchased raw material from his company. "The Lebanese businessmen believe that Lebanon is a route into the Arab countries," stated the businessman, who would like to see an edition of Aljoias in Lebanon.
Quality and price
"There are more and more foreign buyers in the cosmetic jewellery market," stated Vera Masi, the director of another fair, Bijoias. According to her, the sector tendency is to grow, as Brazilian cosmetic jewellery is well priced and has good quality, as well as being creative and having modern design. "The time has come to export," she said.
According to the director, one of the reasons for this sector growth is that jewellery is expensive. Apart from that, cosmetic jewellery and accessory producers must be well informed, bringing novelties and releasing collections that accompany the evolution of fashion.
"Our production is at a position between the European design and the Chinese diversity, and we have great talent to compete on the foreign market," explained Vera.
According to information supplied by the Bijoias organizers, over 7,000 buyers, among them importers from Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Europe, and the United States are expected. The forecast is for the business volume to total around US$ 5.6 million.
Contact
Aljóias
www.aljoias.com.br
Bijóias (Masi e Associados)
(+55 11) 3862-2700
Mereb Chains
www.mereb.com
