Second Annual Handicraft Trade Show a Huge Success in Guatemala

On September 29-30, 2009, Counterpart International (Counterpart), the Guatemala Exporters Association (AGEXPORT), and USAID hosted the second annual New World Handicrafts Fair in Antigua, Guatemala City. The event invited local handicraft producer groups, mostly from indigenous communities badly affected by the 2005 Tropical Storm Stan, to present and sell high quality handicraft products to international buyers.
 
Last year, the trade show generated more than $200,000 in sales. At this year's fair, sales revenue increased nearly five-fold, benefitting approximately 5,000 artisans, of which an estimated 70% are women.
 
Artisans and exporters from Guatemala and Central America presented their products and established business contacts with 59 buyers from the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Several artisans who presented their products at the fair have received previous technical assistance from Counterpart and AGEXPORT in order to improve their designs and technical characteristics of their products.
 
One of these small businesses, Maya Works, helps Guatemalan women improve their technique and designs in order to produce high end textiles. Through Counterpart's support, Maya Works produced a collection of baby accessories in collaboration with world renowned designer Mimi Robinson. The collection was a great success at this year's New World Crafts Fair, and it will also be promoted at other international events. 
 
This year, the Fair was expanded to all Central American artisans, exhibiting their wares at 89 stands. An international expert panel also informed attendees on current market tendencies and upcoming color and fashion trends.
 
Counterpart supports 18 handicraft producing groups and associations through activities such as technical assessment and assistance from international and national designers in order to evaluate current materials and techniques used, assess market trends and propose new designs based on market trends or specific market niches. Counterpart offers assistance with quality control and a necessary marketing link for local artisans. With Counterpart's support, artisans can strategically showcase their newly produced designs at specialized trade shows and through market outlets based on niche market focus.

Photos: © Counterpart International.