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INTERNATIONAL FUR TRADE FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE, MAY 22, 2003
Demand for Fur on the Increase as Sales Continue to Rise
Annual results announced today by the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) show global retail sales of fur garments have increased by 10.8%, to a figure approaching US$11 billion.
This significant growth reflects the growing consumer demand for fur that has been apparent for the past four years since IFTF started to compile the annual results.
IFTF Chairman Andreas Lenhart said, "The last couple of years have been tough, with major economic turbulence following the events of September 11th and the burst bubble of the internet economy. Taking this into consideration, the fur trade has done remarkably well.
"New design techniques mean that fur is light and versatile and can be worn as a wide variety of styles and colours - either as full fur or as a combination garment. Fur remains big with international designers and is set to continue as an integral part of fashion.
"As a profession, we continue to respond to consumer needs. As part of this, we have recently agreed upon a new European labelling scheme that will help the customer to know exactly what type of fur they are buying at the point of purchase."
GLOBAL RETAIL SALES 1998/9 - 2001/2 (US$)
1998 / 1999 8.185 billion
1999 / 2000 9.143 billion
2000 / 2001 9.838 billion
2001 / 2002 10.905 billion
Notes to editors:
1. IFTF figures cover retail sales through traditional fur retail outlets. They do not include fur sold through fashion houses.
2. IFTF is an independent federation of 33 national fur trade associations and organisations representing 27 countries. For further information, visit www.iftf.com.
See also:
For further information visit www.iftf.com, or contact: Tanya Baird, International Fur Trade Federation, PO Box 495, Weybridge, KT13 8WD, U.K.; pressoffice@iftf.com; Fax: +44-1932-850033.