Middle East Buyers Strong at Third Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair
January 31, 12
(IDEX Online News) – Seventy Antwerp diamond firms have taken part in the third edition of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair (ADTF) at the Antwerp Diamond Bourse and the Diamond Club of Antwerp. The fair, which was attended by visitors from Europe, India, Thailand, the Middle East and Turkey, opened on Sunday and ends today (Tuesday).
The Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair
Reports from the show indicate that it was successful for both buyers and exhibitors. Phillipe Ringer, sales manager of the Antwerp-based DTC Sightholder Trau Brothers, said the company was pleased to see a sizable delegation of Middle Eastern buyers. He explained that countries such as Saudi Arabia and Lebanon are increasingly important target markets for Antwerp diamond firms.
“These countries are showing a strong demand for high-end goods, both for large loose diamonds and for unique, high-quality diamond jewelry creations. To cater to these buyers, we are presenting both single stones as well as some extraordinary jewelry items," said Ringer.
Suzanne Eid, general manager of Collection, a Beirut-based jewelry publication, who coordinated the visit of the Saudi and Lebanese buyers' delegation, said that while Antwerp was already a regular destination for many of the buyers, the fair allowed them to increase their sourcing for goods.
"Gauging the reactions of the delegation's members, I think the ADTF's format and platform is a great fit for jewelers who seek access, and often first time access, to Antwerp's diamond market. I have no doubt that many of them will be back soon," she said.
"This third edition of the fair is the proof that we are up to the challenge of organizing an international trade fair here in Antwerp," said Raphael Rubin, a member of the ADTF's organizing committee at the Antwerp World Diamond Centre-sponsored Gala Dinner. He also revealed that buyers from North America, China and South-East Asia would be invited to take part in next year’s ADTF.