Next stop Weihai for treble award-winner Ockert

After a successful Angling International LIVE – during which it won three awards – German tackle supplier and OEM business Ockert is focusing on another important event on the other side of the world.

The company will be heading to the CGC Weihai Expo later this month – one of the largest fishing trade events of its kind – where it will have a large booth presenting an array of new lines and leaders for the carp, predator/lure and catfish sectors. “Angling International LIVE marked the start of the B2B shows and gave us an opportunity to see people from predominantly Europe. The Chinese event will widen that scope globally,” said Jan Willenbruch (below left), Managing Director of Ockert. “We are looking forward to seeing customers, interested parties and partners from across the world.”

The company’s strong line-up of brands – Sportex, CLIMAX and Kryston – all visited the winner’s podium in Budapest following what Willenbruch described as a ‘great reaction’ from visitors to its new products. “They commentated very positively on the quality of the items. And with Ockert, they found all the OEM lines that they were looking for.

“It is not the reason for going to such a show, but it is great to win an award – three is even better. I do believe that it makes a statement about the quality of visitors who commented on the products and the brand awareness of Sportex, CLIMAX and Kryston. We presented a lot of new items for the coming season with mainlines, leaders and rods – it was great to achieve such good feedback.”

Willenbruch added that Ockert has enjoyed a ‘very active’ 2024 and as a result has enjoyed a very positive period despite the economic situations experienced in many countries. “We would have loved to see a more positive year as a whole, but the feedback and results enjoyed by our brands strengthens our strategy and we are looking forward to 2025.

“The challenges facing the trade are much the same as last year – overstock paired with generally lower demand and cautious consumption during the uncertain economic and political situation – not the best cocktail before dinner!

“Nevertheless we have a plan for our brands and OEM business. We believe it will take a few months, but I am confident we will see a positive development from Spring 2025 onwards.”