António Moreira Gonçalves
Used to working for the fashion industry, Crivedi is now producing 12 thousand masks per day and launched the brand Happö, with its own online store, where more than 50 patterns are available, for men, women and children. They also work under the private label regime, and export to Germany and Spain. Belgium is next on the list.
“We wanted to deconstruct that image of the disposable surgical mask. We are a fashion company, so we tried to create a colourful mask, vibrant, a fashion accessory. Since its use has become required, the idea is to choose our mask to match our clothes”, summarizes António Archer, General Manager of Crivedi textiles.
Every mask is certified by CITEVE up to five washing cycles and “until now the results are uplifting. In our online store we have been also selling plenty to Spain, practically half of the orders originate there”, shares the man-in-charge of the company.
Besides its own brand, Crivedi is reaching new markets through its private label projects. “We also export to Germany and Spain. And we are in ongoing negotiations for a project in Belgium. In terms of sales volume, with our own brand and private label, we export roughly 60% of our mask production”, explains António Archer, who estimates that Crivedi’s productive capacity is around 12 thousand masks per day.
The project has led to the return of part of the furloughed staff – Crivedi currently employs 35 people – and the adaptation of the production processes.
Specialized in fashion production for big international brands – Bimba y Lola, Adolfo Dominguez, Purificacion García and Carolina Herrera are some of its clients – Crivedi will continue to invest in this business until fashion bounces back. Not having any production units, Crivedi works with a network of about 20 manufacturers. On average, it generates an annual business volume close to 7 million euro.