Our top export?

Vuvuzela “trumpets” global success

Not only are vuvuzelas speading out around the globe, having been bought as souvenirs and gifts by 2010 World Cup fans in South Africa, but importers from the US, UK and as far as China are making a killing selling the “icon of 2010”.

With some fans describing them as irritating or inappropriate at soccer matches, many thousands more around the world have taken to the South African phenomena, and sales have gone through the roof. Customised versions have taken off, with a Russian businessman paying almost £20 000 to have a R25 vuvuzela covered in white gold and encrusted with precious stones. The vuvuzela was modified by a Linz-based jeweller for his football mad Russian client. Other vuvuzelas have been specially painted or adorned with intricate beadwork.

China Daily reports that vuvuzelas have become one of the top sellers on China’s biggest online shopping platform, Taobao.com. Many shop owners reported sales way beyond what they had expected. Sky News meanwhile reports that Sainsburys had sold more than 40 000 vuvuzelas by June 16 and expected at least another 35 000 to fly off the shelves by the end of the World Cup.

Interestingly, the Spanish city of Pamplona felt the need to ban vuvuzelas for the recent running of the bulls. The “trumpet” was also banned for the first Tri-Nations Test between the All Blacks and South Africa at Eden Park. Talk about a worldwide phenomenon. – Ridge Corresepondent