High-end leather producer has tremendous potential to develop leather exports and the Government has given priority to the sector and wants to move the country's production up the value chain from the 'wet blue' stage to 'crust' leather and finally to finished leather and leather goods.
Under a partnership agreement among the 12 companies in the cooperative, profits are shared with a percentage reinvested to develop the new collections.
They are producing leather bags and other accessories aiming at one of the most difficult markets-high-end luxury fashion.
Taytu a new brand created has already gained attention and its first collection will be ready at the beginning of 2007.
It was showcased at Première Classe, the prime accessories trade show in Paris, in September 2006.
Big fashion retailers in London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo and New York have placed preliminary orders.
The decorative, colorful accessories include leather handbags, wraps, sandals; shoes and jewelry are a unique blend of ethnic and sophisticated modern design.
The wealthy people are interested in quality, beauty and exclusivity first and are willing to pay for them but they also want products created by a fair process.
Many consumers are more aware of global, ethical issues and want a product to communicate involvement, activism and hope for a brighter future.
The project partners set up a quality testing facility at the Leather and Leather Products Technology Institute and are looking into creating a design school, in partnership with an established international luxury brand.
ITC's contribution to the Made in Ethiopia project is a continuation of its efforts to develop the leather sector in Africa.
It launched its ongoing Integrated Leather Sector Export Development Programme for Africa in 1997.
World trade in leather and leather products was worth more than US $60 billion in 2004 and is expected to grow.
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