The 34th International Fur Fair of Kastoria will be held on 7-10 May 2009 at the Exhibition – Auction Center of Kastoria, Chloi Area. The Kastorian Fur Association is the official union of furring entrepreneurs in Kastoria. It was founded in 1915 and has been maintained its seat in the city, with 362 registered furriers-members.
The goal of the Association is to maintain and promote common financial, vocational and social interests of its members, while serving the general public, in a spirit of solidarity and fellowship among its members.
From 1976 onwards, every spring, the Kastorian Fur Association organizes the Annual International Fur Exhibition, always held in the city. Due to the international prestige and global interest it attracts, the Exhibition is deservedly considered the greatest trade event not only in Western Macedonia, but in the whole of Greece. With great joy we experienced a superfluous attendance in the 2006 Annual Fur Exhibition and we hope the interest in Greek Fur remains high.
With 98% of total Greek fur production being exported, Germany, France, Spain and Italy have comprised the traditional markets for Greek Furring products, while until the late '80s, these countries absorbed nearly the whole of production. Towards the late '80s, productivity fell to virtually zero, because of the economic recession, the change in consumer standards and ecological campaigns, while consumption faced a crisis.
The export scene changed in the '90s, when Germany, the USA and Russia became the most important clients for Greek furring enterprises. In 1997, the sector contributed to the region an income exceeding 84 billion drachmas, i.e. 10.24% of the region's GDP, while 8 years later (January-November 2005), exports of furs and fur products guaranteed an income of €218,453,326, attracting the interest of 43 countries and selling over 1,188,000 fur items.
Why does fur have such a dynamic presence in the modern world?
•Economic conditions are more favourable for luxury product consumption thanks to the recovery of Western Countries' economies.
•There are new and unexploited market opportunities, mainly in Eastern Countries.
•Fur has made a triumphant return to fashion, it is affordable and has been adopted by various styles, thus comprising an unreserved "must" for everyone's wardrobe.
Kastorian Fur Association