You took your products to the 2013 PGA Golf Show in Orlando, the biggest merchandise exhibition in the sport. What was the reaction from industry retailers?
Amazement! Everybody whanted to feel the smoothness of the material and everybody asked if it was waterproof. When you present something that is truly innovative it can be hard - there is always someone who thinks we’re nuts! But the acceptance was huge and it was an intense week, with discussions with several potential partners.
Where are your products sold?
We are starting to expand beyond Europe. Our strategy was to begin with Portugal with an online store and then enter markets in northern Europe, especially those which are more conscious of environmental issues and which have a great appetite for everything that represents design and difference. Now, the next stage is Asia and the Middle East, were we believe there is a need for something different from the mainstream.
What have been your most popular products?
Golf bags and golf headcovers. We also do other products that not golf related - wine bags for example - by request.
What’s next for you?
We are in the final stage of producing golf putter grips made out of genuine cork leather. We have some tour players testing the grips and we are receiving and working upon their feedback. After that we will adjust our offering to meet the needs of each player. We are going to introduce different shapes and sizes.
I can’t tell you yet who these players are but all of them support the product. The feeling of cork leather is really good, which is why they’re endorsing it. Having an Asian Tour player using our products is another goal of ours. Having golfers in Asia playing with eco-friendly and fashionable cork products would be great. It will make a difference.
The Cork Tree’s products are available for purchase through the HK Golfer Online Store.
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