Ventile, the renowned fabric manufacturer, has experienced a remarkable 94.5% increase in sales to the Asian market, bolstered by its strategic partnership with South Korean distributor Grimm International. The collaboration, formed in June last year, has propelled the demand for Ventile’s natural, all-weather textile, with the Ventile Twill 225 fabric leading the surge in orders. Consequently, the company has witnessed substantial revenue growth, particularly evident in the first quarter of 2023, where sales soared by 64.36% compared to the same period in 2022 within the Asian territory.
Notably, Ventile has also witnessed a surge in demand for fabrics from its ECO and Organic ranges within the region, accounting for an impressive 10% of all orders. This trend can be attributed to the expanding presence of conscious consumers, as well as manufacturers and distributors actively seeking more sustainable textile alternatives.
Brand director Daniel Odermatt expressed his satisfaction with Ventile’s progress in the Asian market, stating, “For over a decade, Ventile has successfully traded in the Asian market. In 2022, we made the decision to link up with Grimm International to support our growth in this location, and the sales figures from the first year of our partnership have surpassed our expectations. Working with regional leaders such as Grimm International is key to our expansion, allowing us to reach and engage with customers across South Korea and beyond. We are thrilled to see such significant growth and are excited about the future opportunities this market holds.”
Grimm International chairman Allan Cho also commented on the success of Ventile in the South Korean market, stating, “Ventile has proven a huge draw for the South Korean market. The excellent quality of the product and its rich heritage have quickly made it one of Grimm International’s premier brands.”
Ventile sets itself apart by championing fabrics with enhanced sustainable credentials. The company collaborates with the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) to support Egyptian farmers in implementing biodynamic cotton farming methods, further emphasizing their commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
The history of Ventile dates back to its development in England in 1943, originally designed for pilots flying over the Atlantic during World War II. The fabric showcased exceptional properties, providing pilots with a cool and comfortable experience in the cockpit while offering warmth and impenetrability in water, effectively increasing survival times tenfold. Ventile suits continue to be worn by pilots from various air forces worldwide. Moreover, Ventile fabric has adorned the summits of renowned peaks such as Everest and Annapurna, and has been utilized by adventurers for years. One notable feat includes Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ use of Ventile fabric during his Antarctic crossing.
As Ventile continues to forge ahead in the Asian market, its innovative and sustainable textiles are expected to resonate with a growing number of consumers, cementing the company’s position as a leader in the industry.