The managing committee of the Project has approved the work plan for the coming year

In order to do an accounting of the actions carried out in 2012, to evaluate the main results achieved, and to present the planning of the initiatives scheduled for the coming year, the managing committee of the Brazilian Furniture Project met last October 3, in São Paulo.

Six guidelines marked the work done by the Project team, this year: structuring and consolidating the market intelligence base, structuring service packages for stimulating the adoption of distinctive and innovative export strategies, developing the website and the new logo, generating distinctively different success stories, and pursuing a new position on the international market for Brazilian furniture.

“This was undoubtedly a year of many victories. We produced and distributed monthly market intelligence reports, introduced inverted rounds of business negotiations in such markets as Angola, where mobility problems can be a hindrance to finalizing business dealings; and we successfully supported the participation of our members in special events, via customized projects,” points out João Araújo Pinto Neto, Manager of Brazilian Furniture.

In 2012, the commercial intelligence team produced two market prospecting studies—Chile (April) and Peru (May)—and made a prospection visit to the Milano Automobile Show.

Potential international buyers were invited to take part in four Buyers Projects for a series of one-to-one contacts with Brazilian business people in the furniture sector during Movelsul, Movinter, Mercomóveis, and meetings in Arapongas—in June and August.

During the second semester, Angola and Mexico were the targets of the Sellers Projects successfully organized by Brazilian Furniture for the purpose of stimulating the volume of business in strategic markets.

The Project also supported the outstanding participation of Brazilian companies in HD Boutique Miami and in Index Dubai, which are two important interior design and decoration shows.

According to João Araújo, in 2013 the idea is to replicate the successful experiments, significantly expand the export base and the sales volume abroad of the participating companies, as well as initiating the construction of a distinctive image for Brazilian furniture on the international market. Within this strategy, two subjects shall be given special attention: sustainability and design. The question of the importance of design to furniture makers shall be the theme, including a road show that will travel to the country’s main furniture centers.

“Today, we are recognized as a qualified supplier of products for the intermediate segment. But, by 2016, our goal is to position ourselves globally as a competent, strategic, and innovative design player,” concluded João Araújo.