NOR T H A ME RIC A N F UR AUC T IONS
NAFA NEWS AUCTION EDITION President's Message
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Auction overview
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Great Gatsby
june 2012
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NAFA around the world page 5 Animal Rights Extremism
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Black NAFA Limited Edition Coverage
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NAFA's 2013 Preliminary Auction Schedule page 8 Auction Report page 9 Top Lots page 11
" nafa sold 1.3 million more mink this year "
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65 Skyway Ave. Toronto, ON M9W 6C7 Canada | tel: +1.416.675.9320 | fax: +1.416.675.6865 | www.nafa.ca
President's messa ge Dear Rancher, An exciting auction season has now wrapped up and significant milestones have once again been reached and in most cases, exceeded. From high mink prices to the incredible increase in our offering, along with our record distribution of profit sharing dividends – this year will go down in history as an extraordinary one. NAFA’s experienced and knowledgeable staff, along with our understanding of the fur trade, helped us obtain the highest prices for mink in both our February and May auctions. Overall, NAFA obtained the highest averages of the year in most categories. It is also important to note that NAFA sold 1.3 million more mink this year than last, which represents a 25 percent increase. To put that in perspective, worldwide production increased by approximately 1.5 million this past season and NAFA successfully took in an astonishing 1.3 million of that increase. This season, we sold 6.35 million mink. NAFA also achieved $585 million in turnover, up from $ 400 million in 2011, which is close to a 45% percent increase in 12 short months. Further, our season began in spectacular fashion with a record distribution of $6.7 million in profit sharing dividends to our loyal shippers. As a consignor, you should be proud of these accomplishments. NAFA was only able to obtain these objectives because of you - our loyal shippers. Without you and your hard work, none of these achievements could have been possible. Looking ahead, work has already begun for the 2012-13 season. Our marketing team has begun its work on photo shoots, which will produce professional images that will form the basis of our marketing campaign. The stage is also being set to work with the international fashion media and others to garner attention for our coveted Black NAFA label. Our international agents are also beginning to put together their plans for following up on new leads and solidifying relationships with their existing roster of buyers. Over the course of the summer, NAFA will be strategically planning for the next season to ensure we remain on this successful path. We would like to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer and thank you for your loyalty, support and hard work over the course of the year.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Mengar, President & CEO
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May 2012 Auct ion O ve rview the sale NAFA’s May auction began with a substantial offering of over one million Section lll Mink and as soon as the bidding was opened, prices began to climb. By day’s end, historically high prices had been achieved and expectations were high for the rest of the auction. Day two of the sale continued with 500,000 breeders, which sold at firm to advancing prices compared to recent levels. The sale of Black NAFA Males then sold, which produced the highest averages of the year. The final day of the sale saw Black Females achieve the highest overall average prices of the year. When all was said and done, NAFA had completed another extremely successful auction and buyers commended NAFA for putting together a quality, diverse and strong assortment. International buying attendance was impressive as more than 500 buyers were present. The largest contingent came from Hong Kong/China, followed by Korea, Greece, Russia, Europe and U.S.
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GREAT GATSBY it ’s another nafa photo shoot Each year NAFA undertakes a photo shoot to produce images for the brochures that feature Black NAFA, NAFA Mink, NAFA Fox and NAFA Northern Wild Fur. The popularity and success of this project has provided for more creativity and expansion this season. The theme of NAFA’s 2012/13 campaign is “The Great Gatsby” and was inspired by the 1925 award-winning novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Portraying the American lifestyle of the early 1920s, the mood is one of beauty and sophistication set against a backdrop of a turn of the century mansion in upstate New York and the glamour of New York City. To recreate this mood, NAFA’s photo shoot was done on location at Toronto’s Graydon Manor Estate and the newly opened Trump Towers in the city center. Three separate shoots were completed working with two of the city’s top photographers and models from New York, Paris and London.
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Stunning Black NAFA creations by Gianfranco Ferre, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Guy Laroche and other international designers were included in the Trump Tower setting along with NAFA’s signature garment of the year by Natalia Valevskaya. This renowned Russian designer created a Black NAFA cocktail dress, lavishly trimmed with mink tassels that was reminiscent of the 1920s. As part of a buyer co-op and support program, NAFA also included many garments from leading fur manufacturers. Manufacturers have expressed their thanks as this allows them to be a part of a strong international campaign that offers individual brand awareness.
international editors flock to toronto In addition to the special NAFA brochure photo shoots, several international fashion magazines have again taken the opportunity to do their own editorial fur fashion photo shoots in Toronto with NAFA. These include China Elle, Korean and China Noblesse, Russian Marie Claire and Aeroflot Style. Images from “The Great Gatsby” photo shoots and other exclusive NAFA photo shoots will debut in August and be seen throughout the year in top fashion magazines, on billboards and as part of a digital advertising campaign. Page 4
NAFA around the World Each year, the talented and dedicated staff from NAFA’s marketing department embarks upon a formidable task – to promote NAFA’s superior product around the world. Our achievements in this area are enviable as the NAFA brand labels have become internationally revered. This year, we created even more hype with our sponsored fashion shows, workshops, design competitions and more. NAFA was visible in all of the important fur markets this year and our stunning product took center stage and garnered rave reviews wherever it was showcased.
beijing This year’s quest to gather international media attention and buyer support began at the Beijing Fur Fair in January as over 300 exhibitors gathered for this significant yearly event. NAFA’s booth was prominent and busy; our diverse range of quality furs were exhibited to an enthusiastic crowd of buyers from major international fur markets. A spectacular fashion show, featuring models adorned in luxurious NAFA furs was a highlight of the event. International media organizations in attendance showered NAFA with praise in their editorials and coverage of the show.
hong kong NAFA was also well represented at the Hong Kong Fur Fair in February. This Fair is considered to be pivotal as it sets the stage for the upcoming season. Orders were placed from day one and, by the end of the fair, over 7,600 buyers registered and participated. NAFA’s booth was crowded and the attention given to our product was enviable. The 31st annual Hong Kong Fur Fair was a definite success.
milan The 17th annual Mifur exhibition was held in Milan, Italy in March. Sales were good, particularly at the high fashion and quality end of the market. Garment manufacturers at the more commercial level didn’t fare as well. Attendance eased a bit this year but visitors from Russia and other former Soviet countries did increase as did the number of registered buyers from Asia and some European countries. Most pelt dealers were satisfied with the results of this exhibition.
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athens In March, the success of the Black NAFA label was on display by exhibitors at the “Fur Excellence in Athens” Fur Fair. The growing popularity of the Black NAFA label among Russian consumers prompted a record number of exhibitors to highlight this NAFA label to enhance their image and sales. This was only the second Athens exhibition and attendance was up over 50% from last year and sales were reflective of this increase.
kastoria In May, NAFA participated in the 37th annual Kastoria Fur Fair, home to over 100 fur manufacturers well known in the international fur industry. NAFA’s presence was felt throughout the fair with many of the leading manufacturers and pelt dealers proudly displaying the Black NAFA logo in their booths. The highlight of the exhibition was the gala fur fashion show which was sponsored by NAFA.
montreal The 30th annual NAFFEM Fur Fair was held in late April-early May in Montreal, Canada. Although the number of exhibitors was down from last year, many buyers had a positive feel about the atmosphere. There was more creativity in design and the collections offered greater choices. NAFA paid tribute to NAFFEM’s 30th anniversary with a video salute prior to a lunchtime show on the second day.
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Animal Rights Extremism Reminder Animal rights extremism is on the rise as a result of the popularity of fur and its resurgence on international catwalks. In order to help ranchers be prepared for possible increased scrutiny and media attention, NAFA has put together a crisis communication brochure to help ranchers think about how to deal with a break-in or mink release. It is important to remember the following points: • Be prepared – establish a network of supporters – from law enforcement to fellow ranchers and others in the agricultural sector • Speaking with the media isn’t recommended and calls should be forwarded to the associations you belong to • An experienced media relations professional is the best person to deal with the media • If suddenly confronted by the media, remain calm and deliver short messages and direct them to your associations • Do not let independent film makers or reporters onto your farm • If confronted by animal rights extremists, do not engage them in conversation. Calmly tell them they are on private property and withdraw from the conversation to call law enforcement Please let NAFA know if you are interested in obtaining a copy of our crisis communication brochure.
black nafa limited edition coverage Outstanding coverage of the enhanced Black NAFA label, featuring the names of our prized producers also garnered international accolades this year. In Russia for example, the Black NAFA Limited Edition launch received over 50 full pages of editorial support in the top 12 Russian fashion publications. In Korea, the enhanced label was featured in top fashion magazines and the prestigious membership magazines of major Korean department stores. The coverage in China was exceptional as word of our enhanced label reached millions through extended TV and editorial coverage.
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NAFA 2013 PRELIMINARY AUCTION SCHEDULE
September auction announced
February 17 – 23, 2013
(on show Feb. 12)
May 28 – June 4, 2013
(on show May 24)
September 4 & 5, 2013
(on show TBD)
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9 | International Tr apper FALL 2011
65 Skyway Ave, Toronto, ON, M9W 6C7
205 Industrial Circle, Stoughton, WI, 53589
567 Henry Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 0T8
t.1.416.675.9320 f.1.416.675.6865
t.1.608.205.9200 f.1.608.205.9210
t.1.204.774.1705 f.1.204.943.2941
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Top Lot Page Black NAFA - Male was purchased by Klondike
Mahogany Mink - Female was purchased by
International Furs for Tian Zhi Furs, of Dalian,
Abel Furs Trading LLC, of Dubai, UAE. Produced
China. Produced by Patrick Fur Farm.
by Walt Brown.
Black NAFA - Female was purchased by
Pastel Mink - Male was purchased by China Animal
Y. Ninomiya, Ltd. for Manzari Luxury Furs, of
By-Products Auction, Ltd. for IED Furs, of Haining,
Dubai, UAE. Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
China. Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
Blue Iris Mink - Male was purchased by
Pastel Mink - Female was purchased by Klondike
Alvin Glickman for Di Cara - Karatzas S.A., of
International Furs for Tian Zhi Furs, of Dalian,
Kastoria, Greece. Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
China. Produced by Zimbal Minkery. Sapphire Mink - Male was purchased by Abel
Blue Iris Mink - Female was purchased by Dino
Furs Trading LLC, of Dubai, UAE. Produced
Salagiannis for EGO, of Kastoria,
by Zimbal Minkery.
Greece. Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
Sapphire Mink - Female was purchased by
Demi/Wild Type Mink - Male was purchased
Stergios Papagiannis for Obsession Furs, of
by L.W. Commissions, Ltd. for Hebei Bodan
Kastoria, Greece. Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
Fur Co., Ltd., of Suning, China. Produced by Dean Moyle-Dittrich.
White Mink - Male was purchased by Dino Salagiannis for EGO, of Kastoria, Greece.
Demi/Wild Mink - Female was purchased by
Produced by Zimbal Minkery.
Philippe Debourcieu for MSV Italia SRL, of Milan, Italy. Produced by Dean Moyle-Dittrich. Mahogany Mink - Male was purchased by Soulis Furs S.A., of Kastoria, Greece. Produced by Walt Brown.
White Mink - Female was purchased by China Animal By-Products Auction Ltd. for Beijing Meiyinuojin Trade Co., Ltd., of Beijing, China. Produced by David
NAFA NEWS is published by
North American Fur Auctions 65 Skyway Avenue, Toronto, ON, M9W 6C7, Canada www.nafa.ca
Dittrich-Erickson & Sons.
Toronto, ON Tel : 1.416.675.9320 Toll Free : 1.800.745.0693 Fax : 1.416.675.6865
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