2010: Why China?
Aug 17 2009
Retail Wrap >>

A variety of rucksack and belt adornments, cords for whistles and lapel pins - bearing the words "Made in China" - are on sale in South Africa by Global Brands, a Fifa licence holder. Trade union Cosatu responded furiously and called on Fifa and the local organising committee to find South African manufacturers that could sell similar-quality products for the same or even better prices. 

"The World Cup soccer tournament is an opportunity to celebrate South Africa's best and promote South African goods," Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven protested.

"As a community we have to do everything possible to retain jobs and create new ones. The World Cup soccer tournament offers opportunities to do so, but these opportunities will be lost if souvenirs are imported."

Eric de Jager, head of Tourvest's retail division, which includes tourist shops at destinations like the OR Tambo Airport and Kirstenbosch, says where a company buys its wares depends on its philosophy. He points out that Tourvest, which will be handling more than 50 000 guests - mostly Fifa sponsors - during the tournament, supports South African products. Tourvest, he explains, has conducted research and found that souvenirs sold during the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament in Germany were not manufactured in Germany. He claims that China manufactures such huge volumes of certain types of souvenirs that local businesses cannot compete.

In response to the enquiry, Fifa said that Global Brands has goods manufactured worldwide for all markets, and not only for South Africa. Quality, capacity, price and service determine where a product will be sourced. Smaller products such as these are apparently produced globally, such as in China, India (leather goods), France (glassware) and Germany (paper plates, serviettes, etc). Vuvuzelas, makarapas (headgear) and items of clothing are produced locally. Fifa apparently encourages its licence holders to use local manufacturers where possible and "Global Brands Group has so far met this requirement". Fifa, the local organising committee and host cities are seemingly trying to involve local artists and businesses in functions in and around the stadiums and the fan parks.

Source: www.fin24.com, 16 August 2009