New products from nine of Cork’s most exciting craft producers featured strongly at Showcase in the RDS, Dublin from January 22nd to 25th. The Cork section formed part of the Enterprise Zone, a new initiative organised by the County and City Enterprise Boards to highlight new producers and products. Exhibitors at Showcase displayed their products for more than 5,500 buyers from more than 17 countries. Buyers could choose from jewellery, sculptural pieces, ceramics, fashion accessories and an array of household goods. Now in its 36th year, Showcase, organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland is seen by industry experts as one of the most important trade events for the craft sector.

Michael Hanley, of the County and City Enterprise Boards said; “We provided the opportunity for new and first time producers to display in the Enterprise Zone in order to make it more accessible and affordable. The producers received mentoring and support to make the very most of the fact that there is a recognised buoyancy in the craft sector and an appreciation of quality work. Irish people in particular are looking to quality Irish goods when choosing gifts and the recent Christmas reflected this trend. Showcase is a very important opportunity for Irish designers and makers to connect with buyers from all over the world who are very keen to unearth new and relevant products for their stores.” Exhibitors reported excellent sales and interest at the event. For many it represented a year’s worth of orders and an extremely positive beginning to 2012. For the Cork producers involved, all reported excellent reaction and real orders to work on for the year ahead.