Latest news with #VivianWang
South China Morning Post
20-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian durian sales surge in China amid growing demand for naturally ripened fruit
Malaysian durian growers are expected to expand their market share in China this year, buoyed by local consumers' growing appetite for fresh, naturally ripened fruit. Advertisement The Southeast Asian nation's durian exports to China have surged this year as a result of a steady supply and improved logistics, food processors and traders said on Friday. 'Fresh durians, which are transported to China by air within 48 hours of pickup, are well-received by affluent Chinese consumers,' said Guo Min, deputy marketing director with fresh fruit distributor Joy Wing Mau's China operations. 'Our Malaysian suppliers are able to increase exports of the fruit by 30 per cent this year, which has largely boosted our confidence in propelling sales here.' Vivian Wang, marketing director at Dole Asia Holdings, echoed the sentiment. 'Fresh durians were among the fastest-growing fruits imported to China,' she said. 'It creates big opportunities for growers in Malaysia.' Fruits from the Philippines are displayed during a matchmaking meeting organised by the CIIE Bureau in Shanghai on April 18. Photo: Daniel Ren Unlike Thailand and Vietnam, where pre-cutting methods are common, Malaysian durians are typically allowed to ripen naturally on the tree before they fall and are collected by farmers.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trade Show Organizers Brace for Geopolitical Headwinds
Five years ago, during the deadliest days of the pandemic, the future of trade shows was uncertain. With travel and in-person meetings on hold, the denim industry began to question the necessity of gathering multiple times a year in distant locations. As a result, digital programming surged, online fabric libraries started to replace physical samples and collaborations formed over Zoom. However, the appeal of long-distance business relationships eventually faded. By 2021, in regions where travel restrictions had lifted, professionals were once again boarding flights—face masks on and negative Covid test results in hand—to attend trade shows. 'The landscape of business communications has shifted significantly with the rise of digital tools; however, I firmly believe that trade exhibitions will still hold a crucial role in our marketing approach. These events provide unique opportunities for face-to-face engagement, which is instrumental in building and nurturing trust within our long-term relationships,' said Mostafiz Uddin, the founder and CEO of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and Bangladesh Denim Expo. 'Even in an increasingly interconnected world, nothing quite compares to the personal connections that can be forged at trade shows. They allow us to not only showcase our products and services but also to interact directly with clients and potential partners in a meaningful way.' More from Sourcing Journal Hong Kong's NEXT@Fashion InStyle Event Brings Global Next-Gen Materials to Life Hong Kong's Fashion InStyle Show to Highlight Global Innovation Kingpins Show Elevates Vivian Wang to CEO The purpose of B2B events, along with expectations regarding their size and attendance, has evolved since the pandemic. Fabio Adami Dalla Val, show manager for Denim Première Vision, said attendance at the Milan events in 2024 has been shaped by a variety of factors, reflecting both broader industry trends and shifting global dynamics. 'We have seen a progressive return to in-person events after the pandemic, with a renewed appreciation for physical interactions. However, the focus has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with companies prioritizing meaningful engagements over sheer volume,' he said. 'At the same time, the denim market itself is evolving, with key players consolidating and becoming more selective about where they invest their presence.' Denimandjeans, which hosts shows in Bangladesh, India, Japan and Vietnam, restarted its events in 2023. Since then, Sandeep Agarwal, its founder, said the organizers have 'more or less sustained' interest. Panos Sofianos, the denim curator for Munich-based Bluezone, said 2024 was a challenging year. 'However, against the backdrop of economic challenges, we were very happy with the overall result. 2025 started with a good and strong show that recorded a slight increase in visitor numbers which makes us confident for the next months to come,' he said. Uddin said Bangladesh Denim Expo had 'an incredible turnout with over 5,543 visitors from 56 different countries' attend the last Dhaka event in November. In the past, the success of an event was often measured by its attendance. While the metric continues to be a way to gauge interest, exhibitors and attendees are increasingly using the events for education and networking. 'Trade shows are no longer just about networking; they must offer real strategic value to justify participation,' Adami Dalla Val said. Though the show started in NYC 20 years ago, Kingpins Amsterdam has become the organizer's second home. The Dutch event, which will take place this year on April 16-17 and Oct. 15-16, is widely consider the industry's kick-off event for each season. 'Kingpins operates more as a platform than a traditional trade show. Of course, we organize events where the denim suppliers and buyers can review the latest collections and place orders. But we also are a place for the global denim community to meet, get inspired and share ideas. The mechanics of what we do has not changed fundamentally. But it appears more and more important to provide a place to encourage business, as well as the exchange of ideas,' said Vivian Wang, the newly appointed CEO of Kingpins Show. While Kingpins has experimented with bringing a consumer element to their events, its strength is in education and fostering connections between industry stalwarts and the next generation of designers, wash experts and sustainability experts. 'Education has always been central to Kingpins and that will continue going forward. We want to keep bringing new ideas and innovations—and innovators, as well—to our shows. That is what keeps our industry moving forward and has propelled the development of new sustainable products and practices,' Wang said. Despite a polar vortex that had temperatures drop below freezing during Kingpins New York in January, retailers and brands showed up. 'It is typically the smaller of our two shows in New York and we found that our attendance was in line with previous January shows,' Wang said. Adami Dalla Val feels a responsibility to create experiences that sparks creativity and facilitates meaningful and high-level interactions between exhibitors and buyers. 'What sets Denim Première Vision apart is its unique format, blending exhibition spaces, artistic installations, and exclusive content to foster dialogue and discovery,' he said. 'It is more than a marketplace; it is an experience—a space where the boundaries of denim are constantly pushed, embracing cross-industry contamination with the lifestyle sector, technology, art, and craftsmanship. The event celebrates denim's evolution beyond its classic definition, acknowledging its role as a cultural and creative force that intersects with multiple industries.' Sofianos described Bluezone's programing strategy as 'edu-tainment,' adding that a diverse range of expert talks, keynotes, panel discussions and trend forecasting is working very well. The addition of Keyhouse, a curation of sustainability and tech-focused market disruptors, brings a unique perspective to the show as well. 'There is still a platform to launch and present novelties, however the focus is shifting toward networking, education, collaboration and implementing technology. Building and strengthening relationships within the industry is easier when you meet in person. Getting educated in seminars, workshops or trend forecasting sessions is possible on a broader scale when industry players with different expertise meet at one place. Establishing new collaborations on existing challenges is being enabled when you address the problem and concrete action points within the network of a trade show and its experts from different fields of competence,' he said. Balancing the needs of exhibitors and visitors is a juggling act, but Agarwal said Denimandjeans succeeds because it delivers value and efficiency to both parties. 'The exhibitors should be able to reach out to the buyers they want, and visitors should be able to find the products, knowledge and networking they are looking for. If we [can] give them that value, I think the shows work,' he said. While shows are no longer battling covid, they're being faced with new issues beyond their control. Geopolitical disturbances that complicate travel and 'general instability' in key sourcing regions are among the challenges that Agarwal sees for 2025. On top of it, he said they're happening more frequently now. 'We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that some of these conflicts will come to an end. Such conflicts affect not only denim but each industry and there is big hope that positive news will flow which will boost up the markets,' he said. Sofianos pointed out how ongoing global economic uncertainties as well as price discussions in the textile industry complicate planning events accordingly ahead in time. Besides that, he said difficulties like deciding on the right date for an event and the quantity of denim events for the industry persists. In addition to B2B denim events being very competitive now, Uddin said its crucial for organizers to consider the implications of the ongoing trade wars and various socio-political conflicts currently unfolding around the globe. 'The denim industry, like many other sectors, is likely to feel the effects of these external challenges in several ways. Trade tariffs may increase costs for manufacturers, possibly leading to higher prices for consumers. Additionally, we might see a shift in sourcing strategies as companies seek to navigate these complexities, to maintain competitiveness and profitability,' he said. Moreover, the participation of denim brands in global events could also be impacted, forcing trade show organizers to revisit old pandemic alternatives. 'We could see a change in which countries are able to showcase their collections due to restrictions or diplomatic tensions,' Uddin said. 'Events may need to adapt to these realities and perhaps focus more on localized markets or virtual presentations.' Despite the challenges being felt across the B2B network, Wang is optimistic for 2025. 'There is a lot of uncertainty affecting all businesses right now,' she said. 'We are keeping an eye on current events, but our aim is to continue to be a place that connects the denim industry and to put together programs that inform and inspire and encourage collaboration.' This article is published in SJ Denim's spring issue. Click here to read more. Sign in to access your portfolio
South China Morning Post
23-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Chinese queuing to shop at Tiffany and Cartier rival Laopu Gold, the ‘Hermès of gold'
Vivian Wang bought a gold medallion decorated with a carved dragon from Laopu Gold, a Beijing-based jeweller known for its handmade accessories, nearly a decade ago, but forgot about the brand until last year, when it appeared all over her social media feeds. Advertisement Swiping through post after post about Laopu Gold , the sales and marketing professional from Shanghai came across her dragon medallion, which was now selling for 220,000 yuan (US$30,370), double what she paid. Wang decided to brave the queues outside Laopu's Shanghai store in tourist hub Yu Garden to make another purchase, this time an intricate jewellery box constructed from thinly woven gold strands with a dragon and phoenix on the lid. Wang said she would like to pass it on to her eight-year-old daughter one day. After the [Covid-19] pandemic, people want to pursue something more elevated that offers some spiritual sustenance Vivian Wang, shopper at Laopu Gold in Shanghai 'I'm a jewellery lover. Tiffany, Cartier or Bulgari, these are all brands I have bought,' Wang says, citing rival retail chains owned by LVMH and Richemont.
Reuters
20-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
China's 'Hermes of gold' shines despite lacklustre demand for high-end goods
BEIJING, March 20 (Reuters) - Vivian Wang bought a gold medallion decorated with a carved dragon from Laopu Gold ( opens new tab nearly a decade ago, but forgot about the brand until last year when it appeared all over her social media feeds. Swiping through post after post about Laopu Gold, the sales and marketing professional from Shanghai came across her dragon medallion, which was now selling for double what she paid at 220,000 yuan ($30,440.14). Wang decided to brave the lines outside Laopu's Shanghai store in tourist hub Yu Garden to make another purchase, this time an intricate jewellery box constructed from thinly woven gold strands with a dragon and phoenix on the lid. Wang said she would like to pass it on to her 8-year-old daughter one day. "I'm a jewellery lover, Tiffany, Cartier or Bulgari, these are all brands I have bought," Wang said, citing rival retail chains owned by LVMH ( opens new tab and Richemont (CFR.S), opens new tab. "I have diamonds and gemstone jewellery but ... long-term it's gold that offers the best way to preserve value." "After the pandemic, people want to pursue something more elevated that offers some spiritual sustenance ... this traditional dragon and phoenix box has an auspicious meaning; it also offers this kind of spiritual sustenance." Laopu Gold is a notable outlier in China's luxury goods market, which has been hammered by an extended consumer malaise due to concerns over job and wage security and a prolonged property slump. The company has blended Chinese cultural elements within contemporary designs to emerge as a uniquely homegrown luxury brand. The strategy has been fortified by its use of gold, considered a safe investment by Chinese consumers during periods of instability. Laopu Gold did not respond to interview requests from Reuters. But a source with direct knowledge of Laopu's business said its annual sales approached 10 billion yuan in 2024, up from 3.18 billion in the previous year. "Laopu's average store revenue is nearly 300 million yuan, compared to the average single-store revenue of most international jewellery brands in China, which generate around 100 to 200 million annually," the source said. Investors have been paying attention. Since its Hong Kong IPO in June 2024, Laopu's share price has surged ten-fold, from HK$40.50 to HK$725 ($93.30). A NEW LUXURY CONTENDER The company has come a long way since founder Xu Gaoming, a former fisheries clerk, started his first gold jewellery business in 2009 and established the brand Laopu Gold - which translates to "old store" - in 2016. With prices for most of its popular products ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan, Laopu now competes more directly with Western luxury brands such as Tiffany and Cartier. Its exclusivity is drawn in part from a strategy pulled from the playbook of its Western competitors. As rising gold prices in 2024 pushed investors toward bullion and coins and gold jewellery sales in China fell 24.69% to 532.02 tonnes, Laopu twice raised prices on its designer jewellery and trinkets. It again upped prices by 5-12% last month. Laopu has also eschewed the spot price for gold to which other domestic competitors peg their selling rates, charging a premium for design and branding. Its best-selling gourd-shaped pendant — a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture — contains 24.4 grams of gold but sells for over 29,000 yuan, nearly 1,200 yuan per gram. Other brands might sell similarly weighted products for 900 yuan per gram in line with the 700 yuan per gram price of gold. And while gold-focussed brands including Chow Tai Fook ( opens new tab and Lao Feng Xiang ( opens new tab each have store networks in the thousands, Laopu has chosen to keep its retail experience exclusive. It has just 37 stores across greater China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and now plans to enter the international market with an upcoming Singapore store. Chinese consumers have dubbed Laopu the "Hermes of Gold". While Chinese brands have stolen market share from Nike (NKE.N), opens new tab in sportswear and L'Oreal ( opens new tab in beauty, they have struggled to threaten global luxury players which charge a premium for storytelling, heritage and design. High-profile entrants in this space, such as clothing and furniture maker Shang Xia (co-founded by Hermes but since sold to Ferrari-owner Exor) and the Kering-owned jewellery brand Qeelin, have found a niche audience for products that attempt to balance Chinese and Western luxury elements. But analysts say Laopu is a contender to fully break through the luxury glass ceiling. "It's not an imminent threat to global luxury groups because to build a luxury brand takes a long time. You need a story, you need a history, you need the craftsmanship, but it's possible," said Jonathan Yan, a principal at consultancy Roland Berger in Shanghai. "If you have the best-in-class design, good quality, good service, it's possible." ($1 = 7.2273 Chinese yuan renminbi) ($1 = 7.7706 Hong Kong dollars)
