PIRMA AFRICA launches 2010 world cup socccer limited range.

1 July 2009, marks the launch of PIRMA AFRICA 2010 exotic leather soccer range. This is a limited range and will run till 2010 Soccer World Cup (or until stocks last).

The Gladiator II, ostrich leather turf boot will be the flagship for the launch. The concept was to use ostrich leather which is indigenous to South Africa, the hosts of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Available to purchase on Bid or Buy for ZAR400.00,

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/item/Item.jsp?Trade_TradeId=14085231

Crocodile soup

 Crocodile soup is a centuries old Chinese cure for asthma and respiratory problems.

Producing avian flu antigens in ostrich eggs

"A Japanese ostrich flock is the source for flu mask ingredients.

TOKYO -- Prevention of swine flu may soon come from a surprising source: ostriches.

Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a professor of veterinary science at Kyoto Prefectural University, keeps a herd of 500 ostriches on a farm in Western Japan.

He isn't breeding the birds for their meat, skins or feathers, but for their melon-sized eggs -- which he doesn't eat.

He instead injects the ostriches with avian flu antigens (weakened viruses), then harvests the antibodies they produce in their eggs."

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/06/ostrich-japan-flu-healthcare-business-swine.html

Is swine flu good for crocodile meat ?

"The Australian crocodile industry is hoping swine flu may result in a boom in crocodile meat sales.
Keith Cook, from Australian Crocodile Traders, says the crocodile meat industry received a sales boost from mad cow disease, and if swine flu gathers momentum, the industry should benefit again.
He says crocodile meat is the prefect white meat alternative for consumers who have been turned off eating pork.
"It wouldn't be too far from the truth to be able to say it is the closest simile to pork that you're likely to get," he says.
"Taste-wise, texture-wise, the colour, the fat content, it's very, very similar."

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200904/s2555817.htm

Cocodrilo del Nilo

Cada artículo de este cuero es único, ninguna creación se parece a otra y esa es una de las razones por las que siempre ha fascinado a diseñadores y los ha inspirado. El producto cocodrilo del Nilo es salvaje e igualmente elegante. La piel incomparable cocodrilo del Nilo refleja su propio brillo y esa belleza natural es reforzada mas allá por nuestra curtiembre resultando colores profundos y reflexivos. Cocodrilo del Nilo siempre ha sido considerado el diamante del cuero, su versatilidad para hacer maletines, cinturones, las famosas botas no es igualada por otro tipo de cuero. Cocodrilo del Nilo es uno de los más valiosos cueros exóticos del mundo y su historia de éxito de conservación es un ejemplo clásico de dirección de la fauna moderna. Estas pieles estan disponibles en hornback y belly.

Ostrich leather versus Crocodile Leather

There are over 22 exotic leathers that compete with each other in the footwear and clothing industry. Their changing pricing relationships and demand make interesting economics.

The seasonal fashion, the chosen design of shoe, changing textures and new tanning finishes have strong influence on the choice of exotic leather to be used. This cycle may be as short lived as 4-6 months at a time.

Presently the alligator and nile crocodile are top crocodile leathers on the market, but how can these exotic leathers effect and influence ostrich leather ?

Certain exotic leathers are preferred on certain products i.e. crocodile leather belly on smaller items (watch straps, purses and shoes) and ostrich leather on a larger items (handbags, boots and garments). This has also partly to do with the size of the skins and available cutting area of the skin.

It is not uncommon that the crocodile leather may be the “flavour” of the season for handbags and results in direct competition with ostrich leather. This is provided that costing and pricing is attractive for manufacturer, retailer and buyer.

Ostrich leather price in present global economy.

The global leather industry has been influenced in the last four months by payment and credit issues. The textiles, leather machinery and leather industry is ambling on with hope of an improving U.S. and UK economies. The ostrich leather outlook is characterised by conservative and calculated purchasing from ostrich leather buyers.

The leather prices are under strain since Christmas sales have been lower. Ostrich leather sellers are now moving to new economies like Russia, Far East and China to assist with present market conditions.