São Paulo – The secret lies in Tauari (Couratari tauari), a wood variety typical of the northernmost Brazilian states. With its beds, tables, chests of drawers and chairs made from the raw material, Móveis Osterno, from Marco, a city 220 kilometres away from the state capital Fortaleza, has arrived at markets such as the United States, Mexico, Italy, Puerto Rico and Portugal. Increasing the list by selling to the Arabs is one of the targets for the next few years. At present, exports account for 10% of the brand’s revenues.
According to the director of the company, Júnior Osterno, foreigners enjoy items made using “lots of wood.” “The quality of the design and the raw material, which is better than many alpine woods used in foreign countries, are the highlights according to our foregn clients,” he explains. Presently, bedroom items such as beds, chests of drawers and bedside tables account for 80% of Osterno’s exports. “The remaining 20% are for environments such as dining rooms,” says Júnior.
Besides, according to the businessman, aspects such as timely delivery and good technical assistance are two important features when it comes to gaining the trust of international buyers. “If a client tells us that some item arrived at its destination damaged, which seldom happens, we ship a new one in the next batch, no hassle,” explains Júnior.
The company began exporting in 1998, after attending trade fairs for the sector in São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. “We made contacts and evolved,” claims Júnior. “Now, we export directly to our buyers in each country,” he says. at present, the United States and Mexico are the top clients.
With regard to the Arabs, the businessman says that he is aware of the importance of the Middle East. According to him, from now on, he will seek buyers in the region. “I started giving it more thought after attending a talk on the Brazilian potential to sell to the Arab countries, at the Federation of Industries of the State of Ceará (Fiece),” says Júnior. “Now, it is time for action,” he guarantees.
Contact
Móveis Osterno
Telephone: (+55 88) 3664-1300
E-mail: comercial@osterno.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
