Foreign Correspondent: Stefan Hermann, md of Taurus-Kunstkarte shares his views on the German card market.

It is oft said that the UK leads the world on greeting cards, but with so much changing on the global front, what does this supremacy mean if the overseas markets they are destined for are hampered or if Brexit creates insurmountable challenges for exporting.

Stefan Hermann, managing director of German-based Taurus-Kunstkarte, which distributes Belly Button, Laura Darrington and Louise Mulgrew shares his views on Brexit as well as a summary of the German card market.

 

Above: One of the designs in Belly Button’s new BEE range.
Above: One of the designs in Belly Button’s new BEE range.

How do you feel Brexit will affect your trade with UK card publishers: “I cannot believe what is going on and find it hard to summarise the consequences for all of us Europeans. But I believe if there was a referendum in Germany lots of people might have voted for it too.

At the moment it seems Plan B becomes Plan A and we here at Taurus are expecting a hard Brexit. And in the best case for this ‘worst case scenario’ importing goods from the UK will involve more paperwork and longer shipments. We do not want to think beyond this right now! However, in the interim we will fill the shelves before 29 March, close our eyes and hope for the best.”

 

How’s the greeting card business in Germany?: “I have recently returned from our first fair in Munich (January 3-5). Although we had heavy snowfall, up to 40cm, which resulted in many customers not making it, we are satisfied with the results so far.

Above: Taurus-Kunstkarte’s promoted Christmas cards on Instagram by featuring a different person with an appropriate design every day in the run up.
Above: Taurus-Kunstkarte’s promoted Christmas cards on Instagram by featuring a different person with an appropriate design every day in the run up.

It is interesting to read how the environment is high on the agenda in the UK card market. I think here in Germany we are a year behind the discussions that you have been having in the UK on the environmental front. We still sell our cards cellowrapped. Some book publishers started to sell unwrapped books last year but we do not expect this to become the norm for cards. We are however speaking with all suppliers in the printing chain about the newest developments in this area.

Above: A new design from Louise Mulgrew.
Above: A new design from Louise Mulgrew.

Our packaging law states that all manufacturers, sellers and importers have to declare their waste and pay a licence for the packaging material they bring into the consumer market. There is an open website (www.verpackungsregister.org) meaning everyone can check company names on this platform. If a company is not registered they are not allowed to operate. The aim is to bring more transparency and to highlight those companies that bring less waste onto the market or change to organic material or more recyclable packaging.”

Taurus-Kunstkarte will be exhibiting at Paperworld, the major stationery exhibition which takes place at Meese Frankfurt (January 26-29).

Above: It will be all action at Messe Frankfurt this weekend when Paperworld kicks off on Sunday.
Above: It will be all action at Messe Frankfurt this weekend when Paperworld kicks off on Sunday.

 

Top: Stefan with a trio of cards that Taurus supplies.

MORE NEWS
Abroad stamps Feature Image
 
Posting from abroad cheaper than UK first class, as latest moves on Royal Mail takeover revealed...
Greetings charity Feature Image
 
Cardfactory, Scribbler, Cards Direct, Post Office, and Redback all step up...
Moonpig ads Feature Image
 
Online retailer’s iconic porker trots out seasonal twist on brand’s story...
Papier Posters Feature Image
 
Stationery and card brand’s guerrilla ad campaign hits London streets...
GCA college Feature Image
 
Creative students hear details of joys of working in greetings industry...
BIRA high street Feature Image
 
Love your High Street!...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.