Handcrafted mixed-media ornaments from the Philippines on the rise

Philippine holiday decor suppliers are creating unique, handcrafted pieces through the combination of indigenous natural materials with metal, glass and other synthetic inputs. A number of companies are also releasing mixed-media designs that feature recycled or sustainable materials amid the growing social awareness among consumers.

Suppliers are offering mixed-media ornaments not only for Christmas but also for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween. Most are positioning their models as midrange or high-end models to avoid direct price competition with suppliers in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and other production centers.

Manufacturers consider the US and the EU as their main markets, but several companies are expanding their reach to include Canada and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the domestic market. In line with this, a number are participating in international trade shows such as Maison&Objet in Paris and Christmasworld in Germany to promote their products. Many companies have also invested in creating and maintaining websites where they can showcase in-house designs.

Competitive advantages

Among the factors supporting the Philippine holiday decor industry’s focus on the midrange and high-end segments is the variety of raw materials that can be sourced domestically.

Abaca and rattan, for example, can be found in various parts of the country. The top source of abaca is the Bicol region in Luzon. Palawan province in Luzon and Agusan del Sur in Mindanao, meanwhile, are among the major producers of split and unsplit rattan.

Another advantage of holiday decor suppliers in the Philippines is their access to a large pool of skilled workers. The majority of Filipinos have some proficiency in the English language, facilitating communication between companies and their clients. The country’s workforce also includes creative and resourceful designers, as well as weavers, carvers and other artisans.

Government support is also an advantage that the Philippine holiday decor industry enjoys. In terms of marketing support, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), organizes the biannual trade show Manila FAME. Products showcased in Manila FAME include furniture, home furnishings, holiday gifts and decor, and fashion accessories.

Through the Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) Plus program, the government provides potential exporters capability building trainings and information on markets and trends. The program is jointly implemented by the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the DTI's Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.