Marina Sarruf*
São Paulo – Brazilian company Recco Lingerie, specialized in sleeping clothes, plans to increase foreign sales and intensify exports to the Arab countries. "It is a market that has potential and is opening its doors more and more to Brazilian products," stated the company export manager, Marcelo Recco.
Recco exports to the Middle East started last year. Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates are the two countries that already import company products, like nightgowns and pyjamas. "We have perspectives of increasing sales and expanding the number of markets in the Arab countries," stated Marcelo.
A distributor from Lebanon imports company products. "We are beginning in the market now and still have to invest," he added. Recco exports to around 10 countries. The main markets are Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Portugal and the United States.
Company exports began 10 years ago. However, four years ago Recco started exporting to fixed customers. "In the beginning, sales were sporadic. Now we are structured to supply the foreign market," stated Marcelo.
The businessman is optimistic with perspectives on the Arab market and also intends to enter the North African countries that are not Arab. According to him, the line of nightgowns and sensual pyjamas are the most sought in these countries. "They like products with greater added value, like lace nightgowns," he added.
Currently, just 4% of company production reaches the foreign market. However, the Recco target is to turn 15% to export up to the first half of next year. "But that will depend on the exchange policy as it is currently complicated to export," stated Marcelo, referring to the appreciation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar.
Over 20 years
The Recco history began in 1979, when the company founder, Antonio Fernandes Recco, established a production laboratory in the garage of his house. Little by little production grew and the Recco brand won the domestic market. Based in the city of Maringá, the company has monthly production of 80,000 articles and employs 320 people.
Located in an industrial park of 6,500 square metres, Recco has nine of its own stores and 40 representatives. Apart from feminine pyjamas, the company produces kids and masculine pyjamas as well as boxer shorts.
Brazilian pyjamas
Brazilian pyjama and nightgown exports to the Arab countries have grown in recent years. Sales grew 166.3% last year when compared to 2004, adding up to US$ 78,800 in 2005. In terms of volume, sales reached 2,800 kilograms, with growth of 123.5% over the previous year.
Contact
Recco Lingerie
Telephone: (+55 44) 2101-6262
Fax: (+55 44) 2101-6263
Site: www.recco.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
