The average supply of raw materials has been falling in Europe for decades, the quality advantages are perceptibly waning. Leather from European hides in the upper price bracket now require careful selection and total final control of each individual hide. This is the only way that perfect manufacture of high-end products can be guaranteed for the customer’s high-priced goods. The minimum requirements for branded manufacturers’ high-end goods are fine grains, strength, excellent grading and no brand marks.