Amorim and Kyaia groups join forces to expand the flip-flops brand, ASPORTUGUESAS

Ecochic - a startup created by Pedro Abrantes with Amorim Cork Ventures, that owns the world's first cork flip flops brand – will now benefit from an important investment from the Kyaia group - the leading Portuguese footwear firm, based in Guimarães. The entry of this new partner - which has now been concretised - is of great importance for the brand’s international growth, due to the increased expertise that the Kyaia group will contribute to the production, logistics and distribution network of the ASPORTUGUESAS flip-flops, which were launched in the market just over one year ago.

As part of this partnership, the 2018 collection, to be launched by the end of the year, is already being developed by Pedro Abrantes in close collaboration with both business groups, while simultaneously analysing possible entrance into new markets, in particular the UK and USA - the Kyaia group’s main export markets.

According to Fortunato Frederico, chairman of the Kyaia group, "The ASPORTUGUESAS brand involves a new concept of flip-flops. Once we were given the opportunity to become partners in this project, we didn’t hesitate. Our company has a long business track record and know-how in the footwear business, but this agreement will enable us to enter the flip-flops segment for the first time, with a product that we consider has tremendous potential. "

Pedro Abrantes, CEO of Ecochic explains that "It’s an honour to combine in the same project the world’s leading cork producer and the leader of the Portuguese footwear sector. After the support of Corticeira Amorim, whose R&D strengths were fundamental to enable us to attain maturity in terms of product development, Kyaia's support will now accelerate the international growth process of ASPORTUGUESAS, which will benefit from this partner’s vast expertise and commercial network".

With 40 years of business activity, the Kyaia Group has 11 companies and participates in the entire footwear value chain. Today, it is Portugal’s largest footwear manufacturer, and its portfolio includes the well-known Fly London brand and associated shops, as well as the Foreva shoe chain, where ASPORTUGUESAS will be retailed.

Ecochic is a startup from the Amorim Cork Ventures business incubator. It produces cork flip flops under the ASPORTUGUESAS brand, and is currently launching its third collection in the market. The main benefits of the brand - which uses cork as its main raw material and differentiating element – include comfort, an ergonomic strap, greater resistance in the connection between the strap and sole, and extra grip on wet floors.