EXPO RIVA SCHUH: Record number of participants and widespread satisfaction
Roberto Pellegrini, president of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, stated, “Over the past few days, we have seen a widespread and overall sense of satisfaction." This statement summarized the celebration of EXPO RIVA SCHUH AND GARDABAGS, which held its 101st edition from June 15 to 18, 2024, in Riva del Garda, Trento province, northern Italy.
The fair, focused on volume-produced footwear, leather goods, and accessories, was held throughout the city, including 4 hotels and 11 exhibition center pavilions, covering a total of 50,000 square meters of exhibition space.
This time, 1,300 brands, exhibitors, and companies participated in EXPO RIVA SCHUH, showcasing trends for the Spring/Summer 2025 season.
The representation spanned 40 countries, with China accounting for around 35% of the total, local companies 20%, and Türkiye and India 11%. Among the Latin American exhibitors were various brands from Brazil and Argentina, taking advantage of the four-day event to present their proposals.
GARDABAGS, focusing on handbags, bags, and leather goods, featured 47 brands from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, China, India, Türkiye, Poland, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
In terms of attendance, the fair recorded over 9,000 visitors from 100 countries, a higher figure than the last two editions. “In particular, I think it is important to highlight the increase in visitors from Latin America and Europe, and especially the significant return of buyers from Germany and Italy, up from June 2023,” said Pellegrini.
Additionally, the post-pandemic return of Rwanda, Suriname, Uzbekistan, and Eritrea was significant, along with the presence of 150 buyers and journalists invited by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), according to the fair's promoters.
The complementary program included Market Focuses, which in this edition centered on the markets of Asia, America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Highlights Area presented 20 samples from exhibitors reflecting current trends, along with talks with specialists and workshops on footwear and leather goods.
Innovation was showcased in the Innovation Village Retail, featuring 10 international startups dedicated to sector-related technology.
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