New World Crafts presents the essence of Guatemala transformed into handmade products – Publinews – 2024-03-07 15:42:25

For the last 16 years, the New World Crafts (NWC) fair of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters of (Agexport) has been a key platform for the export of Guatemalan artisan products and other Central American countries, acting as a link between the crafts of Central America and international markets. This is how the Handmade Commission carries out this new edition open to the public, at the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, in La Antigua Guatemala, from March 5 to 6.

“The fair includes the participation of artisans from various regions of Guatemala, promoting the cultural and artistic diversity of the country, as well as the representation of Central America. Through New World Crafts, Guatemalan and Central American artisans are connected with international buyers, opening doors to new markets and business opportunities,” said Lucrecia de González, president of the Organizing Committee of the New World Crafts fair.

He added that “the fair is a key space for generating employment in the craft sector, providing opportunities to thousands of artisans and workers who dedicate themselves to making handmade products.”

From that account, the fair directly impacts around five thousand artisan families residing in different departments of the country.

What exhibitors offer

Blown glass, home decoration and handmade fashion products, collections of handmade bags for all tastes, natural fiber baskets, jewelry, is part of the more than 80 new collections presented by nearly 50 exhibitors in the fashion and accessories segments. personal items, home decoration products, souvenirs, gifts and logistics providers are present at NWC.

“It is impressive that articles derived from textiles represent one of the most popular types of handmade products worldwide. For this reason, the exhibitors of these items have had several business meetings during this fair,” explained de González.

Ten groups of entrepreneurial women from the West impact NWC

As a way to demonstrate their commitment to economic empowerment for women, the Agexport Handmade Commission and the Tejiendo Paz project (funded by USAID and led by Creative) provided support for ten groups of women entrepreneurs from the departments of Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quiché and Totonicapán, exhibit their products in this activity.

Among the exportable offer they present to buyers are: Handmade products, clay crafts, collection of baskets with natural fibers, designs for home decoration and clothing.

Recognized store chains, distributors and design experts worldwide

Customers searching for handmade products globally range from retailers to online stores, wholesalers, department stores, boutiques, museums and specialty stores. From this account and with a focus on national pride and artisanal tradition, New World Crafts becomes the meeting point for more than 40 international buyers who come from the United States, Canada, Europe and Central America. Likewise, national buyers are expected as representatives of restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, interior designers, among others.

Among the notable buyers, representatives of well-known retail chains, distributors and design experts are: LOOM Imports; Maria Luisa Boutique; Smitten GmbH; La Piskucha; TerraKlay/Desktop; Tree of Life Imports; Porter; Zee Bee Market LLC; Archive New York; GIRAFFE; SFMOMA Museum Store, Banana Republic (home) and much more.