VISITORS to the Australian section of Leather Fair '93 will receive an out-of-the-ordinary education about the merits of kangaroo and emu leather. The Australian Trade Commission is confident these products will succeed on the international market. Thirty-four Australian companies are participating in this year's fair. Two major Australian organisations, the Federation of Tanners and the Exporters' Association of Australia, will also be attending to meet potential buyers. Australia's size, combined with its low population density, provides an ideal environment in which to produce premium leather. The Australian exhibitors taking part in the fair represent the country's leading leather producers and industry suppliers. The stand embraces an essentially Australian atmosphere, combining the sounds of the outback with a video display featuring urban and rural images. Trade Commission marketing officer Mr Peter Wan said the leather fair was especially important to the Australian leather industry. ''It is a chance for Australian companies to display their goods in the international arena and, hopefully, generate some interest in the market,'' he said. New Australian products include Merino leather, which is recognised as a fashionable alternative to standard leather. Herdsman Leather is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of kangaroo leather to the East and Southeast Asian region. Newly developed kangaroo leather products include suede shoes, golf gloves and garments. The company's development of emu leather and emu leg skins will also be on display.
