In a bid to increase the competitiveness of the Cagayan Valley Region in producing creative crafts and in time with the region’s participation in Ambiente Fair 2024 held in Frankfurt, Germany, a contingent of government officials and private sector representatives has embarked on a Market Intelligence Mission and delved into various sectors in Frankfurt producing home and office furniture, handicrafts, gifts, decor, and novelty items.

The activity, which was conducted on January 26-28, 2024, was aimed at analyzing market trends, product designs, and consumer preferences to identify potential growth opportunities that may be tapped by the region in the European market. Led by Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, officials from DTI Region 2, local government officials from the provinces of Quirino and Cagayan, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as officers of the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) and the Center for International Trade Missions and Expositions (CITEM).

During the 3-day mission, the companies were visited by the group:

IKARUS- Specializing in innovative chairs and tools made of different materials, mostly fabricated textiles, this design house features products that are not only functional but are also consciously designed to become home or office accessories. The pieces, which are in themselves considered “art” items, are a combination of classics and new trends. SMOW- Considered a more elite showroom in Germany, the store features a wide selection of premium home and living items, mostly sofas, beds, cabinets, and tables.

Among the brands showcased in this retail store are Vitra, USM Haller, Kartell, and Moormann.

LIGNE ROSET- This high-end store that features contemporary furniture designed through the collaboration of known and up-and-coming talents stands out because of the comfort that their sofa brings to their customers, as well as their home accessories such as rugs, carpets, textiles, and lighting that beautifully complement their furniture items.

GERMAN ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM- This 1800’s museum showcases photos and blueprints of distinct German architecture, from public buildings to private residential houses that embody the country’s historic character, as well as structures that provide innovative solutions such as light-generating wall brackets. Moreover, the management has been doing a competition for the most promising architectural design. For 2023, the winning piece was shown to the group, which is a 1,000-square-meter co-space for students and learners that can accommodate up to 400 pax.

MANUFACTUM – More of a variety store, this retail chain contains almost all functional items that can be used for everyday living, from clothes to kitchen utensils, small tools, home accessories, toys, lighting, and even food. What is interesting about this chain is that it features products from almost all over the world, and the items blend with fashion trends.

VITRA- Vitra is probably one of the biggest brands not only in Germany but in Europe and is known for commissioning world-renowned designers for all their works. In the Vitra Showroom in Frankfurt, the wire chairs of the Eames couple, who specialized in industrial and graphic design in the 50s, will welcome visitors.

Moreover, the innovative office chairs and sofas were shown to the delegates, which are special because of their comfort and privacy features.

LEPTIEN 3- This is an interior architect/design firm with an 1800 m2 showroom that presents design classics and the latest models from the current collections of some world-renowned and loved luxury brands. Among the brands included in their selection is Dedon, a German furniture company that conducts its operations in the Philippines for the manufacture of high-end, artisanal, and handwoven outdoor living furniture.

HOME24- A leading online furniture store in Germany with more than 150,000 items. It carries trendy and classic pieces from different global and local brands. Its showroom in Frankfurt, which showcases its new products and best sellers, gives customers a glimpse of what the online brand is all about.

In all these firms visited, the delegation was able to undertake a proactive effort towards fostering innovation and bolstering competitiveness by staying abreast of new trends and developments in the global market. More specifically, the participants were able to understand color directions for the European market, which focuses more on natural finishes, classics, and pastels, and their preference for items that are both functional and creatively artistic.

As DTI Region 2 strives to drive impactful outcomes from this market intelligence mission, the region is expected to steer the development of the non-food sector through intensified product development aligned with international standards.

Following is the complete list of participants from Region 2: Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, Provincial Director Mary Ann Dy of DTI Quirino, Atty. Michael Paggabao, OIC Chief of the SME Development Division, Cagayan Provincial Administrator Atty. Charo Mamba-Villafor, Buguey Mayor Licero Antiporda III, Quirino Provincial Administrator Carmelita Jimenez, Quirino Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Magdalina Saladino and PCCI Quirino President Conchita Uy. ♦

Date of release: 08 February 2024

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