This week whilst in the Algarve I have been looking for items that are produced in the region that you cannot find anywhere else. I have seen a few items in the past made from cork, but had no idea how adaptable cork was. Above is a cork hand bag I bought for my daughter and a sports cap which I think I will keep for myself. I am not a cap guy, but I actually like this one.
Cork is very light, strong and it is also water proof so they have items like shoes, sandals, umbrellas, The cork how it is being farmed and used is unique to Portugal and I think this is actually quite cool to see.
Why are these products not available elsewhere considering these are environmentally friendly. They are literally using the bark from a tree so you are not going to find an item greener than this. I know if this was being sold in a retail outlet anywhere else in the world these products would sell very well because they are so different and are quality well made items.
Another item I found being a leather belt is actually not made here, but from Morocco and is made from Camel hide. I have been trying to find genuine leather products for years with no luck as everything seems to be fake these days. I know most locals in South Africa have lost the art of making things and imports are flooding into the country replacing leather items.
I bought a "genuine leather" belt in June last year and it may last 3 more months before being thrown away due to the fake leather splitting. That belt cost around 40 Euros or R600 and the Camel leather belt cost 12 Euros. Guaranteed the not so genuine leather belt is coming from China and quality wise does not come close to the Moroccan Camel belt.
I am seriously tempted to do a trip to Morocco in the future to see what else they have. The 12 Euro Camel belt would cost in the 4-5 Euro price range and possibly cheaper in bulk. I have been looking for online items that would be easy to ship items and this would be perfect.
I have looked at Morocco before with the Olive wood cooking utensils, chopping boards and bowls which are all impressive. These cost a fortune in retail outlets ,but are not expensive at source and should be readily available everywhere at less than half the retail prices. Greed is what has killed local industry letting the Chinese fill the vacuum and now there is no local industry so we are to blame for this.
For now I have too much on my plate already, but that does not stop me looking and spinning the numbers around as I enjoy doing this exercise for fun. I know if we move to Portugal there will have to be more than one business and multiple income streams would make things far easer whilst I concentrate on the main business.