Buyers from 26 countries set to visit Showcase

“The Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase opens up a whole world of opportunity for our Local Enterprise Office clients,” Kieran Comerford, Local Enterprise Offices

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 20th to Wednesday, 23rd January 2019.

Now in its 43rd year, Showcase is one of Ireland’s most important international trade fairs and will welcome trade buyers from 2,580 retail businesses from 26 countries worldwide. In 2018, attending buyers placed B2B sales orders of €23.9 million over the four days, an increase of 12.7% on the previous year, equating to annual revenues of €152.5 million for the exhibitors. The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), which organises Showcase each year, is optimistic that the fair will enjoy strong growth again in 2019 despite international headwinds.

Trade buyers of fashion, jewellery and home & giftware attend Showcase at the RDS to source new and exciting products designed and made in Ireland, many of which are unique to the show. This year there will be over 400 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople participating, including 70 companies who will be exhibiting at Showcase for the first time.

Showcase 2019 sees the premiere of the fashion film, Fí, directed by celebrated filmmaker Perry Ogden and styled by Paula Hughes. The word Fí means to weave a fabric or a story, and it was also used in old Irish to describe interlacing and closely knit communities.

The film was commissioned by Showcase to highlight the breadth of creative and manufacturing talent in Ireland’s fashion and textile sector, which designs and creates the finest quality products that last, positively contributing to the idea of a circular economy while sustaining regional and rural communities all across Ireland.

Fí features the work of over 20 designers and will be shown twice daily in the Minerva Suite at the RDS.

The Design Ireland area, presented by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), in the Main Hall features over 70 leading Irish makers chosen by an independent selection panel of retailers for their innovation, craftsmanship and export potential. Ones to watch in Design Ireland this year include Dublin-based knitwear designer Pearl Reddington, Simon Barber Jewellery from County Cork, design studio 31 Chapel Lane from Limerick and candle and gift producer Brookfield Farm, based in Co. Tipperary.

Specially curated category displays throughout the show present the Best Product Award winners along with an edited selection of the most interesting and innovative products at Showcase, designed to make sourcing easier for attending buyers.

Showcase is presented on behalf of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, commented: “Supporting client companies in the domestic market and building the international reputation and commercial potential of the Irish design and craft sector are central to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s strategy. Showcase is instrumental in delivering on this ambition, creating opportunities for hundreds of Irish designers and makers to meet and do business with domestic and international buyers, and to potentially grow and scale up to reach more markets. We work in partnership with the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in providing ongoing support and guidance to client companies to ensure they continue to grow, innovate and successfully compete at home and abroad, and in addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit. We are looking forward to another busy show this year and wish all those participating every success.”

Through its network of 33 overseas offices, Enterprise Ireland’s international teams promote Showcase to buyers world-wide. Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Irish design is renowned internationally and Irish products hold a special appeal for an unrivalled quality that is earthed in tradition and unique heritage. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish companies with global ambition and we bring hundreds of international buyers and media year after year to Showcase from markets all over the world to source quality Irish knitwear, textiles, craft, jewellery and giftware. Working closely with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, we are looking forward to another busy and successful year for Irish businesses at Showcase, reflecting the demand worldwide for the design, quality and story that is the signature of Irish products.”

The Local Enterprise Showcase, which will once again fully occupy the balcony of the Main Hall at the RDS, will feature some of the newest and exciting emerging makers from around the country. Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Exhibitions Committee, said: “The Local Enterprise Showcase opens up a whole world of opportunity for our Local Enterprise Office clients. Not only do they have the chance to sell to thousands of Irish and international buyers but the process they go through to get here and the work we do with them puts them in the very best place to market and sell their business internationally. With over 80 clients there we may have the future stars of international craft and design at the Local Enterprise Showcase. This event shows the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage.”

Attendees looking to network, expand their knowledge and learn more about global trends can participate in an extensive retail seminar programme over the four days of the show which will feature top international industry speakers delivering inspiring workshops and daily seminars.

Showcase 2019 runs from Sunday, 20th to Wednesday, to 23rd January 2019 and is for trade attendance only.