Knitwear Designer Edel MacBride from Convoy with Tanaiste Mary
Coughlan at Showcase 2010.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan officially opened Showcase, Ireland’s Creative Expo, at the RDS today where 400 of Ireland’s leading designers and craftspeople will generate up to €22 million in sales orders over the next four days at their most important sales event of the year.

Despite the current economic challenges, more than 5,000 buyers from the domestic and 50 overseas markets, including North America, continental Europe and Japan have pre-registered to attend Showcase – with pre-registered buyers already up 30% on last year. This reflects the current global trend of consumers to seek out more authentic and sustainable products to counteract the extent of mass-produced importing and high-tech living, according to organisers. The event is organised on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. The big draw for buyers to this year’s show is Creative Island, an exclusive new hotspot of beautifully-crafted products imagined, designed and made in Ireland. Located at the main entrance to the show, Creative Island puts Irish creativity at centre stage. The 58 designers and makers in Creative Island were successfully selected by an independent retail jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. They include: Colm de Rís Irish Pottery; Cushendale Woollen Mills; Inti Leathers; knitwear designer Edel MacBride; Moth to a Flame candles; Anna Nielsen Prints and jeweller Alan Ardiff. Several county & city enterprise boards including South Cork, Laois, Sligo, Westmeath and Louth are participating with special County Enterprise Stands, where buyers can view the designs of many first-time exhibitors. For the first time at Showcase, an Artisan Food Area features quality Irish food producers exhibiting giftable food products. Tomorrow’s Showcase Awards will bestow honours for best craftsmanship, creativity and new product development as well as the inaugural Exporter of the Year Award to recognise excellence in customer service from Irish companies trading overseas. A special Seminar Programme offering presentations and free clinics by a panel of senior retail executives is focusing on branding, business development, merchandising and trends forecasting. “Innovation is the key to success in any market economy and it is heartening to see such creativity married with commercial awareness amongst Ireland’s designers and craftspeople. The craft sector is a key component of Ireland’s creative industries and with buyers from 16 different countries at Showcase, this event provides a great opportunity to increase exports within the sector”, said Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. “As Ireland’s largest international trade fair, Showcase is the most important annual event for the Irish craft and gift sector. This year more than ever, retailers are seeking out innovative designs to grow their sales and there is a buzz of excitement here as Ireland’s most talented and exciting craftspeople unveil their new work. We are looking forward to a very busy show and I would encourage all retailers to come along and see this fantastic offering of unique Irish products.” said Úna Parsons, CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland. Showcase takes place in the RDS (Main Hall), Dublin from Sunday 24th January to Wednesday 27th January, 2009. Further details are available on http://showcaseireland.com About Showcase Ireland Showcase Ireland is the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors trade fair featuring quality design products from Ireland’s leading craft makers and designers. The initiative attracts up to 350 exhibitors and 5,000 buyers from around the world. Showcase Ireland is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. For all the latest Press Releases click here: http://www.ccoi.ie/press/index.php

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