Guatemala. Guatemala’s artisan sector has more than one million craftsmen, of whom more than 700,000 are women. Over time, the AGEXPORT Handmade Commission has worked to intertwine the talent of designers and manufacturers, transforming the supply of handmade products that can be exported from Guatemala, co-creating luxury ancestral art.

“We are passionate about sustainable and enduring fashion, we tell stories and conscious living cultural experiences in promoting the development and empowerment of artisan communities. Namely, the AGEXPORT Handcraft Commission and this fair, New World Crafts, which celebrates cultural diversity and talent, become the bridge that empowers artisans, retailers, designers and brands to sell their products in international markets.” AGEXPORT Handmade Commission President, Emma Gutiérrez, assures.

The Handmade sector has been working hard since the pandemic, since being hit hard, but also growing in business models, e-platforms and entering new niches such as sustainable and purposeful decoration. As of December 2022, the sector exported approximately $93,572.99, representing a growth of 4% over the previous year and, AGEXPORT Handcraft Commission projects growth of 20% during 2023, exceeding $100 million in 2024.

“This sector is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, but at the same time it is a trigger for the digital transformation of SMEs, as well as an accelerator for entry into the world of e-commerce and digital platforms. In the last three years, we created a virtual New World Crafts, but we had to meet again with friends who are looking for Guatemala as a supplier of handmade products. It is especially for the craftsmen’s organizations that find in this Exhibition the opportunity to tie up short and medium term businesses, and that can only be achieved directly because handmade products transmit energy through their designs, colors, materials, shapes and so on. feel, appreciate and even smell it”. Says Lucrecia de González, president of the AGEXPORT New World Craft Fair.

Designers and craftspeople from different parts of the country are present at New World Crafts 2023

The trend of handmade products for 2023 is encapsulated in more sustainable products with added value, therefore the New World Crafts exhibition presents new fashion collections such as nahuales bags, hand painted ceramic tableware, lamps with looms, scented candles and more Again. It has become the launching pad for young designers entering the world of handcraft, with avant-garde collections that represent Guatemalan culture.

In addition, it is an opportunity for artisans from different parts of the country to present their collections to international buyers. For example, one of the value chains supported by the Pro-Resilience Program, conducted in partnership with the European Union (EU)-financed World Food Program (WFP), is handicrafts made from natural fibers indigenous to the zone. It is embroidery implemented with techniques passed down from generation to generation made by women in Guatemala’s dry corridors. Apart from being trained in new product techniques and designs, they have succeeded in increasing the country’s export supply, through new products and other nostalgic nature, which they present in this edition of New World Crafts.

Another group of artisans present is from the Prosperous Adjacency Zone Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by AGEXPORT, which produces new supplies that can be exported using raw materials from the Adjacency Zone. We are pleased that within the fair NWC framework already linked with export companies to win new business.

There are also producer groups supported by the Ministry of Economy, others from UNDP and TFO Canada. The full exportable offering can be found at https://nwc.export.com.gt/exhibitors

“Since Monday the 27th we have been touring with international buyers, for them to live and experience ancestral techniques such as glass, jade carving, ceramics and waist looms. Our thanks go out to the entrepreneurs and artists who have been key players in making this tour a success. We are very pleased that we received almost 100 buyers from Canada, United States, Mexico, Chile, United Kingdom, and Central America, among others. Everyone comes looking for unique, unrepeatable and high value products to fill specialty stores such as museums, boutiques, hotels, restaurants and other commercial spaces. All these efforts are aimed at increasing exports in the sector, which we expect to be 20% higher than what was achieved in 2020”. Said Lucrecia de González.

González commented that there were more than 90 SMEs present in issue no. 16 of the New World Crafts 2023, and that they have prepared a collection of accessories, footwear, clothing, jewelry, interior decoration, items for the home and a new range of products that makes us proud, because they represent the heart of our culture, talent and history, through Guatemalan designs made 100% by Guatemalan hands in an innovative way.

In addition, exhibitors from Central America, pavilions from El Salvador and entrepreneurs from Honduras attended.

International experts and allies are present at this edition of the NWC

This year there are expert speakers such as: Sabrina Iken, a consultant with international experience in the UK, USA and Latin America with the theme “Global trends 2023 in home decor in the handmade sector”; Kessa Laxton is a goal-driven product designer and developer and will be presenting “Product Design and Development, Perfecting Your Creative Process”; Claudia Rosales is Country Project Manager for Women’s Empowerment for Central America WE4CA MEDA implementing project, economist, MBA and PhD candidate from UNINI and will participate as leader of a Panel with other excellent business leaders called “The Importance of Inclusive and Innovative Financing” ; Carmen Gerea is the founder of FREED, a specialist in ecommerce and user experience (UX), the topic is “Designing e-commerce shopping journeys, omnichannel content to position brands” and Lorena Moreno, international fashion business consultant, will participate with the conference “Mexico, ally for exporting Handmade”. In addition, there will also be discussions on “International Exhibitions relevant to the Handmade Sector” with the support of TFO CANADA.

This New World Craft Edition has the support of sponsors Banco Industrial, PAYSEND, UTZ BOX, and PROACTIVOS. As well as strategic allies such as the Ministry of Economy and INGUAT, from the field of international cooperation to MEDA Canada, the European Union Delegation in Guatemala and Swisscontact, and through their programs they have a positive and long-term impact on MSMEs in the handmade sector and the NWC commercial platform.

Water fountain. agexport