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São Paulo – Colorful and stylish, the alpargatas from the São Paulo-based brand Cervera entered the Saudi Arabia market four years ago. The company’s footwear is being sold at Sands Steps store, in the capital Riyadh, with Cervera sending two shipments of products each year. <\/p>\n
“They buy from 400 to 500 pairs each shipment,” says Pietro Iaconelli, Cervera’s owner. The brand ventured into the Gulf country after a Brazilian woman living there took Cervera’s products and presented them to the store in Riyadh. <\/p>\n
According to Iaconelli, Sands Steps usually buys the new releases from Cervera’s new collections of both basic alpargatas, which are unisex slippers, and women’s platform wedge shoes. “We offer tropical prints, which are way more vibrant. They like this style,” says the business owner. <\/p>\n
Currently, Cervera exports to ten markets, with Japan as main destination. From the monthly output of 10,000 pairs, from 10% to 15% are exported. <\/p>\n
According to the entrepreneur, the majority of foreign clients were contacted via domestic fairs such as Francal and Couromoda, which usually attract foreign buyers.<\/p>\n
However, the company has also been doing market research along with the São Paulo State Industries Center (CIESP) to go into new markets, including the Arab world. “I would like to export from 20% to 25% of my output,” says Iaconelli. <\/p>\n
To set the company apart from European competitors, the entrepreneur is betting on design. “Our fashion style is more playful, it has a special allure,” he says. Cervera’s shoes have jute soles and uppers that can be made of fabric, leather or silk. “Our product is very natural. It has a good appeal to consumers,” says Iaconelli. <\/p>\n
Contact info<\/p>\n <\/strong>Cervera *Translated by Sérgio Kakitani<\/strong><\/p>\n
Website: www.cervera.com.br
Phone:+55 11 5543-5000
Email: pietro@cervera.com.br<\/p>\n