Show merger good for industry says EFTTEX regular

A major UK-based supplier of fishing flies has welcomed the merger between EFTTEX and Angling International LIVE which will deliver one show for the European tackle industry.

Terry Clease (main picture), owner of Dragon Tackle International and a long-time exhibitor at EFTTEX, said: “I am glad to see common sense prevail following the decision of Angling international to partner with EFTTEX. Two shows would have split the trade and neither would have performed to its full potential.”

In Brussels in September, Dragon is offering retailers across Europe delivery from its warehouse in Poland, cutting out cross-border complexities that have beset the trade following BREXIT.

Dragon Tackle Europe (DTE) has been set up by Clease to supply its customers across Europe. He said: “We see plenty of expansion in the European market. Being able to supply fly orders from Poland in central Europe makes them Duty-Free and dispenses with the need for customs clearance. Freight charges are also greatly reduced. We have opened several new accounts already this year because it is easier to trade again.”

Clease said that Dragon Tackle International has just emerged from what he describes as the ‘worst’ two years he can remember in 40 years of trading. However, he added that since the New Year, he has seen a big increase in orders from OEM customers which suggests a lot more positivity in the trade.

“It’s too early to tell whether the retail trade feels to same way, but I have confidence that 2025 will be a much better year for business.”

The business will be showcasing a number of new products that will include the Anti-Tangle Bombarda set complete with flies, tiny tungsten micro nymphs, articulated game-changer flies plus predator weighted spinning lures. These will be alongside some new POS options that are currently under development.

UK T:  +44 7736 614174 terry@dragontackle.com
EU T: +48 533 242 411 flies@dragontackle.com
www.grando.fishing