Argentine footwear returns to international fair
With the support of the CIC -Chamber of the Footwear Industry of Buenos Aires- Argentine footwear manufacturers participated in the 101st edition of EXPO RIVA SCHUH AND GARDABAGS, held in Riva del Garda, Italy, from June 15 to 18, 2024.
The event is one of the most important internationally, dedicated to footwear, leather goods, and accessories, characterized by a high volume of business and a strong international profile, represented by exhibitors and buyers from various regions of the world. Producers and brands from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Türkiye, India, and Brazil, among others, exhibited alongside exhibitors from the East, especially China, which made up 35% of the total.
EXPO RIVA SCHUH includes participation from companies in 41 countries and visitors from 100 nations.
For the Argentine delegation, this event marked a return to an important international showcase, allowing them to promote their products and establish contacts and potential business with buyers from various origins. The collections from Argentine brands stood out for their high-quality materials and manufacturing, as well as innovative designs.
The participating companies were: GRAVAGNA-FANGIO SHOES, FAUSTO MILANO, GIORGIO BENETI, and SYNDICATE ARGENTINA.
The presence of these brands at EXPO RIVA SCHUH AND GARDABAGS not only highlighted the competitive capability of Argentine footwear on a global level but also confirmed the CIC's commitment to promoting and developing the industry in the global arena.
The opinions of the Argentine exhibitors highlighted the fair’s high international profile and excellent organization. They noted the competitiveness of the products exhibited in terms of quality and design, although they acknowledged that there is still work to be done to improve costs. They were visited by buyers from various countries, with the potential for direct business or through representatives. The exhibited footwear received recognition from all visitors. Future plans include continued participation in international fairs to achieve greater positioning and reliability in the international market. Overall, “it was a very positive experience with promising prospects for opening new markets,” they added.
“The fair was excellent and among the quality products offered, ours were among the best. For this reason, prices were 20-30% higher than the average in this segment. Nevertheless, buyers recognized this difference, and we made very good contacts with encouraging prospects. The footwear market is highly competitive depending on its origin. As a reference, there are Indian leather shoes with synthetic soles for US$ 8; Portuguese shoes with leather uppers and soles between US$ 27 and US$ 28, or Chinese leather women's shoes ranging from US$ 6 to US$ 15. Our prices were higher, and we know we need to improve them. Based on this experience, we will continue working, without losing sight of continuity, to be present at future fairs for greater recognition of our products.”
This comment was shared with Luis Milani of FAUSTO MILANO, a high-quality footwear producer. Buenos Aires
“The exhibition was large and well-organized, with exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. Our products were well-received, but we need to be more competitive in terms of prices. Our location at the fair did not favor us, and in future editions, we will have a better spot. Nonetheless, we made interesting contacts that generated good future prospects. We must return to this fair, which gives us visibility in the international market.”
“We left excited, with plans to return to MICAM (Italy) next September. Our presentation at Expo Riva Schuh was driven by the contraction of the Argentine market, aiming to achieve foreign sales. We made important contacts and left numerous samples with those interested in representing us in the European market. We know it is a long-term effort if we want to participate. Our products are based on a vulcanized sneaker, with a great diversity of designs, and were very well received by potential buyers.”
“I believe this is the most attractive fair for marketing footwear in the international market. From my extensive experience visiting foreign fairs, it is the one with the greatest diversity in products and exhibitors. There are shoes from different lines and companies from all over the world, of various sizes, both large and small, with artisanal and high-production industrial products. The Argentine exhibitors made important contacts with potential sales opportunities. Visitors and fair organizers recognized the high quality of Argentine footwear and promised a better central location for our products in future editions. We must continue attending future international fairs to place Argentine products on the foreign buyer's agenda.”
“The fair was excellent, with a record number of stands and visitors. To highlight, is the diversity of origins of the exhibitors, from India, China, Romania, Poland, Portugal, Türkiye, Spain, Brazil, and more than 40 countries. The Argentine stand had a good setup, and the products exhibited were of high quality. They were highly recognized by buyers, and there was interest from a major Spanish retail chain. Noteworthy was the visit of many buyers from Latin America, including Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile. The Argentine exhibitors were satisfied with the contacts made and decided to participate in future events.”
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