Mayo skincare company exhibits to global audience at Showcase Ireland

A MAYO company is hoping to make a big impression on retail buyers later this month.

Hawthorn Handmade Skincare, based in Partry, Claremorris, will feature at Showcase Ireland, Ireland’s creative expo, which will pivot to a new innovative virtual showroom format from January 25 to 29, in response to the limitations imposed by Covid-19.

The project is organised by Showcase Ireland Crafts & Design Fair CLG, a subsidiary of Design & Crafts Ireland. It is supported by DCCI, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, including Local Enterprise Office Mayo.

Showcase is one of the industry’s largest international trade fairs where designers and craft makers provide a choice of contemporary and heritage collections, offering innovation, quality, sustainability and a distinctive point of difference to retail buyers from across the globe.

Hoping to make a big impression on retail buyers is Elaine Kennedy's Hawthorn Handmade Skincare, who produce a range of handmade skincare products using 100% natural ingredients. The business was set up in 2018.

Elaine Moyles, acting head of enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Mayo, which supports Showcase every year, said: “Pivoting to virtual showrooms in virtual marketplaces has become an essential part of doing business in the last year, especially for small businesses who would have relied heavily on large-scale trade and consumer events for sales. Thanks to this year’s virtual showrooms at Showcase, Local Enterprise Office clients can launch new collections and arrange meetings with buyers from around the globe, direct from their studio or workshop.”

She added: “We will continue to work closely with local companies, like Hawthorn Handmade Skincare, to help them make the most from virtual marketplace opportunities throughout 2021.”

Sean Davis, regional director, North America, at Enterprise Ireland, commented: “Now in its 45th year, Showcase curates an inspirational display of consumer and lifestyle products that reflects Ireland’s distinguished global reputation for excellence in design and creativity. Internationally recognised Irish brands alongside upcoming designers and makers from Ireland are exhibiting on our virtual platform this year. They are already attracting new and returning buyers looking for the next big trend, innovative design and quality products using traditional skills.

“Through its network of 40 offices, Enterprise Ireland’s international teams promote Showcase to buyers worldwide. This year the virtual platform will enable Enterprise Ireland to host buyers and journalists from markets all over the world, who are keen to source unique products and the best of Irish design. 2020 has seen seismic changes for the retail industry, from the exponential growth of e-commerce to an increased focus on sustainability. As the world embraces digitalisation, the virtual landscape of Showcase this year acknowledges the rapid changes taking place on a global scale for this sector.

We look forward to working with Showcase Ireland on this special event and look forward to a successful Showcase for Irish businesses.”

The digital catalogue for the Showcase Virtual Showrooms is available to view at https://www.showcaseireland.com/news/showcase-virtual-showrooms-digital-catalogue/