Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-07-01 / 11-12. szám
HEREND PORCELAIN IN THE CARRIBEAN REGION In the cold of the winter it is a double joy to visit the Caribbean Islands. On one hand it is warm, on the other hand it is rich with the site of nature. Americans take the opportunity to spend time there. For the Hungarians it is a bit more complicated because of distance and money. Though it is not a problem for Hungarian products. The shops in the tourist areas are more then willing to carry the world famous Hungarian porcellan, the Herend. The Herend products conquered the affluent shores of Florida, then it went to the islands. Here is a report on one of the islands. “Saint Thomas, which belongs to the American Virgin Islands in the heart of the Caribbean is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. This island is an American territory, but also a tax haven. With an annual average temperature of 80 degrees, it is little wonder that it has become a truly popular tourist paradise. It is expected that this year, nearly three million visitors will visit the 13 km long St Thomas, two thirds of whom will arrive on luxury cruise liners. It is much loved by shoppers. The shops here are full of leading brands from all over the world. Three branches of Crystal Shoppe, which is the premiere retailer of porcelain and crystal goods, can be found in the shopping district. Herend porcelain has also played an important role in the successes of Crystal Shoppe. Herend services take center stage in the beautifully fashioned 'Porcelain hall'. There, visitors from all comers of the globe can marvel at the finest hand painted Herend services and chose those they desire. All three of the Saint Thomas island Crystal Shoppes offer customers a wide range of Herend porcelain figures - among them the scaled animal figures which have now become a symbol. The favorite of collector are the special pieces designed exclusively for the 'Carribean Collection', which are only sold in this region: among them the dolphin, sea turtle, angel shark and whale with blue painted scales, placed upon a beautiful porcelain box plinth.” In a publication from the Bahamas we leam more about Herend. “For instance, Hungary's oldest porcelain company, Herend, has started the Herend Aquatic Fund to help preserve the Caribbean marine environment. These exquisite little boxes are created and sold only in the Caribbean, and inspired by the creatures that live within it. The Dolphin, Whale, Sea Turtle and Reef Fish ornamental boxes are the first of many Caribbean Sea Collections, and these are labeled "First Edition" on the base. With every purchase. Solomon's Mines, the exclusive retail stores in the Bahamas, will contribute $5 of each sale to the Herend Aquatic Fund and Herend guarantees that 100% of the funds goes directly to preserving the Caribbean marine environment. Herend also create figurines that represent other marine life,such as starfish and seahorses which delight visitors to the islands.Celebrating the beauty of the Caribbean's diverse sea creatures is another way to raise awareness about the area.” Page 2
