Sources inform ''Globes'' that Hazorfim Ltd., owned by the Merdinger family, has sold 180 candlesticks and Hannukah menorahs to customers from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Syria. At an exhibition in Milan in September, Hazorfim displayed dozens of new products designed by its Israeli artists, and made €500,000 in sales, including €200,000 to buyers from the three Arab countries.
Hazorfim general manager Haim Doshnik said the buyers were merchants and businessmen. “Although they knew these were Israeli products of Jewish religious character, they bought them, and placed orders for cutlery, serving utensils, and chandeliers. The products will be sold through our branch in Italy.”
Doshnik said the Arab buyers bought Hazorfim’s Judaica products because, “candlesticks are not necessarily a Jewish product. A candlestick can hold any candle. Hazorfim’s store in Italy mostly sells to non-Jews, and 60% of its sales are candlesticks. The Hannukah menorahs are perceived as unique candelabras suitable for walls niches. The buyers know that the manufacturer is Israeli, and the products have a Jewish religious character, but they don’t care.”
Founded in 1952, Hazorfim manufactures and markets exclusive silverware and Judaica. The company has 120 employees at its twelve stores and another 60 employees at its factory in Kfar Daniel. It also has a store in Florence, Italy, and a silverware factory in Turkey. Annual sales are $20 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 19, 2005