Corticeira Amorim : Amorim and Kyaia groups join forces to expand the flip-flops brand, ASPORTUGUESAS
May 29, 2017 at 07:25 pm IST
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Portugal29/5/2017
The leading Portuguese footwear firm, Kyaia, has decided to joins forces with the world's leading cork producer, Amorim, and entrepreneur Pedro Abrantes to boost the growth of the flip-flops brand, ASPORTUGUESAS
Ecochic - a startup created by Pedro Abrantes with Amorim Cork Ventures, that owns the world's first cork flip flops brand - will now benefit from an important investment from the Kyaia group - the leading Portuguese footwear firm, based in Guimarães. The entry of this new partner - which has now been concretised - is of great importance for the brand's international growth, due to the increased expertise that the Kyaia group will contribute to the production, logistics and distribution network of the ASPORTUGUESAS flip-flops, which were launched in the market just over one year ago.
As part of this partnership, the 2018 collection, to be launched by the end of the year, is already being developed by Pedro Abrantes in close collaboration with both business groups, while simultaneously analysing possible entrance into new markets, in particular the UK and USA - the Kyaia group's main export markets.
According to Fortunato Frederico, chairman of the Kyaia group, 'The ASPORTUGUESAS brand involves a new concept of flip-flops. Once we were given the opportunity to become partners in this project, we didn't hesitate. Our company has a long business track record and know-how in the footwear business, but this agreement will enable us to enter the flip-flops segment for the first time, with a product that we consider has tremendous potential. '
Pedro Abrantes, CEO of Ecochic explains that 'It's an honour to combine in the same project the world's leading cork producer and the leader of the Portuguese footwear sector. After the support of Corticeira Amorim, whose R&D strengths were fundamental to enable us to attain maturity in terms of product development, Kyaia's support will now accelerate the international growth process of ASPORTUGUESAS, which will benefit from this partner's vast expertise and commercial network'.
With 40 years of business activity, the Kyaia Group has 11 companies and participates in the entire footwear value chain. Today, it is Portugal's largest footwear manufacturer, and its portfolio includes the well-known Fly London brand and associated shops, as well as the Foreva shoe chain, where ASPORTUGUESAS will be retailed.
Ecochic is a startup from the Amorim Cork Ventures business incubator. It produces cork flip flops under the ASPORTUGUESAS brand, and is currently launching its third collection in the market. The main benefits of the brand - which uses cork as its main raw material and differentiating element - include comfort, an ergonomic strap, greater resistance in the connection between the strap and sole, and extra grip on wet floors.
Corticeira Amorim SGPS SA published this content on 29 May 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 29 May 2017 13:55:18 UTC.
Original documenthttp://www.amorim.com/en/whats-new/news/Amorim-and-Kyaia-groups-join-forces-to-expand-the-flip-flops-brand-ASPORTUGUESAS/1576/
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Tracing its roots back to the 19th century, Corticeira Amorim, SGPS, S.A. has become the world's largest cork and cork-derived company in the world, generating more than EUR 985.5 million in sales to more than 100 countries through a network of dozens of fully owned subsidiaries. With a multi-million Euro R&D investment per year, Corticeira Amorim, SGPS, S.A. has applied its specialist knowledge to this centuries-old traditional culture, developing a vast portfolio of products, solutions and materials that are used by blue-chip clients in industries as diverse and demanding as wines & spirits, aerospace, automotive, construction, sports, architecture and design.
Net sales by business unit break down between Cork Stoppers (75.9%), Composite Cork (12%), Floor and Wall Coverings (9.1), Insulation Cork (1.6%) and Raw Materials (1.4%).
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: Portugal 6.8%), EU excluding Portugal (61.8%), Other European countries (2%), the United States (16.4%), America excluding the United States (6.5%), Australasia (5.1%) and Africa (1.4%).
Corticeira Amorim, SGPS, S.A.'s responsible approach to raw materials and sustainable production illustrates the remarkable interdependence between industry and a vital ecosystem - one of the world's most balanced examples of social, economic and environmental development.