APLF, the International Leather Fair organization, organized its 40th edition this year, bringing together an important international trade network in Hong Kong.
Magazine Leather / Fair Impression News
Let’s first review the establishment of APLF: In 1984, the first edition of the International Leather Fair was held in a parking lot in the center of Hong Kong, and today APLF is the international leather fair organization. It is the main protagonist of the merger point of the fairs that tide over Singapore and Hong Kong:
Derek Dickins, who passed away in 2023, added so much meaning to his commercial life that we see his contribution to the developing industry today by organizing the fair organization of the leather industry, even though he had nothing to do with leather. Born in 1931 in the UK, Derek Dickins worked as deputy press officer for the British Shipbuilding Council and then in publishing and events at Seatrade’s head office in 1970. He transferred to Hong Kong in 1979 to develop new business beyond his traditional roots in the shipping industry. There was also a trade fair for the leather goods industry, capitalizing on the growing appetite for face-to-face business networking in Asia. The Australian Leather Association wanted to move the leather fair from Singapore to Hong Kong to be closer to the booming Chinese market and the event was an instant success. Dickins has resided in Hong Kong for many years as an active member of the business community. He is a tireless networker and has become a great supporter of the exhibition industry through his global association UFI. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong and an enthusiastic mentor of young people in the community. In the eighties he moved to Athens as managing director of Posidonia.
During the years of revolution in China, the position of the global footwear and leather industry in the Asian market was of great importance. After Derek Dickins met with the Semaine International du Cuir in Paris, the foundations for the Hong Kong APLF meeting were laid. Through Hong Kong’s free trade zone, it has become the gateway to China, facilitating its function as Asia’s commercial and financial center.
Branded as APLF Leather, 40 years later the leather fair has moved to reflect the Leather and Fashion industry and the changes in the sector and the Hong Kong International Leather Fair became the Asia Pacific Leather Fair. It then became APLF Material Manufacturing & Technology: APLF Leather & Materials+ and now APLF Leather.
APLF, which temporarily organized the Dubai fair in 2023, returned to Hong Kong after a five-year hiatus following its post-Covid commercial activity in the Arab geography.
The 3-in-1 format was held simultaneously with APLF Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC). The first day of the fair was a busy and lively day for the exhibitors, where business contacts, friendships and meetings took place and this was reflected on the second and third days. It was as if the 3-day event was not enough.
Today, even though much of the production has moved to the mainland and the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), a joint venture between APLF Ltd and the China Leather Industry Association, has become more important each year, Hong Kong remains the center of the leather industry in Asia. After 30 years, today APLF is called Materials Manufacturing & Technology and Fashion Access for related accessories and finished leather products, both branches of the original Hong Kong Leather Fair.
APLF was attended by national organizations from leading tannery operating countries including Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan and USA. Major manufacturing countries such as China, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Vietnam welcomed their guests at Fashion Access.
Leather and Leather Products are united in APLF in Asia. The economic contraction between the West and the East continues to heat up with the recent Suez Canal crisis, while China, led by Asian countries, is the main economic dynamics and is expected to grow by 7.6% and 5.2%.
Footwear and Accessories
The third Global Footwear Executive Summit is an annual gathering of industry leaders, executives and professionals from the global footwear industry. Held on March 20, 2024, participants showcased the latest developments in materials, production technologies, retail strategies and consumer behavior.
Conferences and events
Designer Producer Yusuf Osman, together with Technical Advisor Karl Flowers from the UK, brought the masterclass to Hong Kong, and this tailor-made course for designers provided participants with technical and practical insights into the properties and applications of different types of leather. Designed specifically for fashion professionals, including designers, buyers and store trainers.
The Leather and Leather Council of America (LHCA), together with Dow Chemical and PrimeAsia, sponsored the APLF cocktail party on March 20, presenting the APLF best of the best awards.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the APLF, a large number of associations and national organizations participated in the fair. Annual meetings of organizations such as the International Council of Tanners (ICT), ICHSLTA, the Leather Dealers Company, the UK Leather Federation, the Leather Working Group and Leather Naturally were held.
He also provided an update at Leather Naturally’s breakfast meeting on future plans to unite the industry to deliver the right message to the public about leather as a sustainable material.
See you at the next APLF…
