ERIBÉ Knitwear export success
A Galashiels-based knitwear design house and manufacturer has been named Scottish Export Team of the Year at the BQ Scottish Export Awards.
Over the past five years, ERIBÉ Knitwear export sales have increased by 154 per cent and in the last year exports have increased by 6.7 per cent.
ERIBÉ Knitwear currently exports to 15 countries across the globe, including Japan, Germany, South Korea and Australia.
In the last year they have exported 28 per cent of their products to Japan and 19 per cent of their total sales were exported to Germany. In the coming year, the company has ambitions to target the export markets in USA, Canada and Scandinavia.
This international success has resulted in a number of high profile customers including La Rinascente’s 11 department stores in Italy, Le Bon Marche department store in Paris and Illum department store in Copenhagen as well as Monty Don, star of Gardeners' World, and an ERIBÉ knitwear scarf has also featured in US TV show Smash.
ERIBÉ Knitwear, is one of the largest hand-knitting companies in Europe, employing 12 people in the local area and working with 240 hand-knitters throughout Scotland and England.
Visiting the company’s headquarters in Galashiels ahead of the Scottish Government’s Cabinet meeting in Selkirk, John Swinney said: “Scotland has produced many recognised and respected brands across a range of sectors, ERIBÉ Knitwear is a great example of a thriving Scottish export business. I’m delighted to be here today to congratulate the team on their recent award, which is a result of all their hard work.
“Exports are a hugely important part of the economy and allow Scottish companies to compete on the international stage while showcasing new ideas and technologies.
“Encouraging exports and strengthening Scotland’s manufacturing base is a key part of our vision to improve the country’s economic performance and to create new jobs.
“The Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to support export businesses and that is why we are working with Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to help companies reach new markets.”
Rosemary Eribé, Managing Director and Founder of ERIBÉ Knitwear said: “ERIBÉ is a Scottish Enterprise success story, with their support of training and grants we have managed to double our turnover in a few years. Now, we have top agents in eight countries and sell to the most beautiful stores worldwide. The training has helped to create a fantastic team and positive culture to pave the way for continued future success.”
Scottish Enterprise Head of Textiles Cathy Black said: "Supporting more companies to open up new markets overseas and increase trade in traditional markets are key priorities for us in helping to grow Scotland's textiles sector and achieve its ambitious export targets.
"ERIBÉ is a great example of how this happens in practice – the company has achieved an impressive year on year increase in both turnover and exports by being globally ambitious and tapping into support available in leadership development, innovation and market intelligence.”