This year’s Spring Fair (which is currently taking place at Birmingham’s NEC) saw Italian balloon companies Grabo and Gemar teaming up as they prepare to take the UK market by storm.
Based in Hall 5, the two companies – which are completely separate from one another – shared a stand which allowed them both to showcase their latest lines to the UK market while also keeping costs down.
“We are two Italian companies and we are both well-established, family businesses,” stated Gemar’s global brand and sales director Gloria Veta. “We both make balloons, but we make latex and Grabos make foil, so it’s a wonderfully complimentary combination and we both start with G so why not!”
Spring Fair 2020 was Gemar’s first time at the show and it has been a successful trip for the brand, which is already looking to come back next year. “We’ve had really good feedback,” said Gloria, “and people are interested in what we are doing, so it is wonderful being here.”
Grabo managing director Jonathan Grassi was also pleased with how well the partnership had gone. “We are just helping some friends out!” he said. “It’s a company that we get along with really well and our businesses compliment each other, so why not. It’s been hard work to break into the UK market and we still have lots to learn but we are doing our best and having fun!”
This was the first time that the two companies have worked together and it has worked well. “In markets where either one or the other of us is new, then it is certainly something we would try again in the future,” added Gloria.
