We talked about the Turkish natural stone sector with Alvin and Abygail Tan, the duo behind Futar Stone, the leader of Singapore’s natural stone sector…
We are visiting the stands at the Verona Fair. Then we come across two familiar faces. We see Alvin and Abygail Tan, the two smiling faces of Futar Stone, one of the most important business partners of the Turkish natural stone sector in Singapore, and greet them. We wonder how the sector is seen from outside Turkey, and we start a short conversation. Abygail Tan has been working at Futar since 2014, which was established in 1971, selling only Japanese stones in its early years, then expanding its product range and becoming Singapore’s largest natural stone supplier… It has been 9 years since she left the interior architecture sector and chose to take part in Futar with her father.
‘THE STORY STARTED WITH CREMA ROSALIA’
We first ask father Alvin Tan about the crossing of paths between Futar and the Turkish natural stone sector. He smiles and says, “Our relationship with Turkey started in the early 2000s when we imported Crema Rosalia. Since then, it has continued to grow stronger. We have very good relations with many companies from Turkey. Apart from commercial relations, the fact that Turks are the best people to communicate with is an added value for us.”
‘TURKS SHOULD ALSO TOUCH THE END CONSUMER’
So how do they view the Turkish natural stone sector? What are its advantages compared to competitors? Father and daughter underline the production capacity and product diversity here, and continue: “From a geographical point of view, Turkey is a very rich country in terms of natural stone resources. There are not many countries in the global market that can be compared with Turkey’s productivity and diversity. Unlike countries with mostly similar or familiar-looking stones, Turkey offers new surprises to the natural stone world with its vibrant colours, dramatic vein structure and patterns from each new quarry. In addition, the ability to produce large volumes of stone in a short period of time is a big plus for Turkey. If we look at what needs to be improved, Turkish companies should try to touch the end consumer a little more. This could be the right step to increase their value in the design world.”
‘DIVERSIFICATION OF THE MARKET IS A MUST’
It is of course very nice to hear praise about the Turkish natural stone sector. However, the way to development is to listen to criticism. We remind Flavio Marabelli’s statement that “Turkish stones should be sold more valuable in the global market” and ask how they view this issue. Alvin Tan, as if agreeing with Marabelli, says: “The Turkish natural stone sector can only reach the maturity to compete with its global competitors by exploring better production alternatives, custom-made and value-added products when the value of its stone increases. However, Turkey’s natural stone exports are largely dependent on China. Turkish companies need to enter more diverse markets and find better buyers willing to pay the value of the quality purchased,” he says.
‘NATURAL STONE IS LIKE A WORK OF ART’
Finally, we try to look from a broader perspective and come to the competition of natural stone with artificial products. Abygail Tan emphasises the uniqueness of natural stone despite the recent popularity of artificial products and says the following: “Yes, artificial products seem to be gaining popularity recently. However, the source of inspiration for most designs is what Mother Earth naturally produces for us. Those who appreciate originality never think of artificial products. Using natural stone is like buying a work of art. You know that there can never be another person with the same stone as you. As for artificial products. The supply is endless and their moulds are generic. They do not gain value over time, but natural stone increases its value over time. Take a look at all the historical buildings and landmarks in the world. You will see that they are all built of stone. Natural stone is indispensable.
Unrivalled beauty: Invisible Grey
We ask Alvin and Abygail Tan, the sympathetic duo of Futar, about the most attractive Turkish gemstones to them. Abygail emphasises a single stone as if her eyes are shining: “Invisible Grey… It is one of the stones that I cannot take my eyes off. It has a unique beauty. I don’t think there is a stone that comes close to the look of Invisible Grey.”
