EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS: renewed exhibition, good business and expansion plans
The 103rd edition of EXPO RIVA SCHUH y GARDABAGS took place from June 14 to 17, 2025, in Riva del Garda, Trento, Italy, marking the beginning of the international calendar for the Spring/Summer 2026 season.
This time, over 1,100 exhibitors, brands, and represented companies took part in the events, occupying a combined area of 51,400 square meters, distributed across 11 halls and 4 hotels.
Among the participating countries, China was represented by around 400 companies; Italy by about 200 firms from its main manufacturing hubs; Turkey with 104; Spain with 48; and Brazil with 42 brands. A Mexican manufacturer returned to exhibit, and exhibitors from Hungary, Singapore, and Ukraine made their debut.
Additionally, the participation of 202 companies exhibiting for the first time enhanced the diversity of offerings, creating a dynamic contrast with traditional firms and increasing the attractiveness of the events for buyers.
In total, companies from 41 countries participated, with a geographic split of 40% European exhibitors and 60% from other regions.
Visitor attendance reached 8,000 from more than 100 countries. There was an increase in the number of buyers from Poland (+15%) and the United Kingdom (+5%). Attendance from Germany remained stable, while local turnout saw a slight decrease.
Outside the EU, the number of visitors from India rose by 13.6%, while the United States and African countries both saw a 10% increase.
Moreover, for the first time, 165 hosted buyers from 28 countries attended. According to the fair’s organizers, these guests -representing retail chains, e-commerce platforms, and independent distributors- showed particular interest in the expanded range of travel goods, bags, and accessories.
GARDABAGS established its position as an independent event, though still in synergy with EXPO RIVA SCHUH.
This edition covered 1,500 square meters, doubling both its floor space and the number of exhibitors, and tripled the interaction areas between brands and buyers.
Halls A2 and B2 were divided into three categories: Gardabags Sourcing, for mass-market manufacturers and distributors; Gardabags Sourcing4Bridge, for customized developments and private labels; and Gardabags Brands, for companies with their own collections and products.
Roberto Pellegrini, president of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, confirmed the start of an expansion project for the exhibition center, adding 20,000 square meters. Construction will take place over the next three years and include new halls.
He explained that this expansion responds to growing space demands from exhibitors wishing to enlarge their stands or join the event. The estimated investment is € 50 million and aims to further strengthen the event’s international reach and diversity.
The upcoming edition of EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS is scheduled for January 10–13, 2026, once again in Riva del Garda, Trento, Italy.
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