Month: November 2023

The first edition of the footwear fair Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, which brought together 137 brands at the Event Center FIERGS, in Porto Alegre/RS, raised the bar for the trade fair sector in the country. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, the show, which focused on transparency, business and opportunities for companies of all locals productions forms, size and market niches, received visitors from the country and around the world over the three days of the event, generating many businesses - which will be computed and announced soon - and others were agreed upon in the coming months.   

The executive president of Abicalçados, Haroldo Ferreira, points out that the fair had a “kick start” that surprised even the greatest optimists. “BFSHOW is a fair organized by the for the market, which listens to all the players in this important link in the productive chain of the sector and which is already in the process of restoring the prestige of national footwear fairs”. According to him, the fact that it is a trade fair focused on business and has received more than 150 international buyers from 30 countries, as well as businessmen from all over the country, generated not only immediate business, but also sales prospects for the rest of the season. “Many sales, which were not closed on the spot have already been agreed. Apart from the expressive attendance, especially in the first days, the fair was effective, as a business event should be”, he concludes.   

The structure of the BFSHOW, which was organized by the German organizer, with an office in Brazil, NürnbergMesse, was also highly praised. “We promote fairs in various economic segments, and it is the first time we have organized a footwear show. We are delighted with the result of the partnership with Abicalçados and to can combine our expertise with an entity that has been dedicated to the development of the footwear industry in Brazil for more than four decades”, commented the CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo. Highlights, for both exhibitors and visitors, include the structure and reception of the trade fair in one location with ample paved parking, easy access to Salgado Filho International Airport, options for restaurants and snack bars, high quality wifi connection and much more.     

Exhibitors 

The Marketing Manager of Ramarim (Nova Hartz/RS), Nelson Magagnin, points out that the first edition of BFSHOW fulfilled its goal. “We've had a good number of visitors, especially in the first few days. We've opened new markets and welcomed customers for business relations. I think the highlight of the fair in the capital was the structure and logistics that made the event possible”, he evaluates. 

The director of Cactus (Jaú / SP), Renato Denardo, considers that the highlight of the fair was its internationalization. After starting to export last year, the company explored new markets during BFSHOW, especially with South American countries. “BFSHOW is a trade fair with great growth potential. In São Paulo, in May, the fair will be even bigger, and Jaú's collective stand should double the number of companies (from 6 to 12)”, that exhibit.  

The opinion is shared with Maurício Wendling, director of Calçados Wirth (Dois Irmãos/RS). According to him, BFSHOW is already born internationalized, having received buyers from more than 100 groups from 30 countries on all continents. “The first edition of BFSHOW is the most internationalized that we have participated in Brazil in recent years”, he evaluates. During the three days of the fair, the footwear company received buyers from the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and other countries.   

Savelli (Franca/SP) participated in an “impeccable” trade fair, according to its director Marcel Mendes. He points out that, despite the Brazilian and global economic situation, the results were positive. "Trade fairs are places of relationships, where many deals are made or planned for the future. We received clients from Brazil, but above all from all over the world, from the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America”, he points out.   

Charles Werb, Export Coordinator of Itapuã (Cachoeiro De Itapemirim/ES), also highlights the quality of the contacts provided by the fair. “We've had a lot of potential business with international buyers. The efforts made to promote the trade fair were essential for this result”, he evaluates.  

"Regained the relevance of fairs” 

As a B2B (business to business) event that generates business, the main aim of the trade fair is to generate good connections and business for the supply of national and international trade. And at this point, BFSHOW has also stood out in this regard. The first edition of the fair, attended by thousands of shop owners of all sizes and parts of Brazil, made buyers eager for the next edition in May next year, this time in São Paulo/SP. Store owner Silvia Léia Terno Ribeiro do Val, from Léia Calçados (Andradina/SP) highlights the quality of the structure offered by the fair, which provided comfort and agility for work. "We closed deals, in a differentiated show” she says. According to her, despite digitization and large networks, tradition and eye-to-eye contact still grant a key role to trade fairs.   

The store owner Maria Bethania Cavalcante from Econis (Alagoinhas/BA), a chain with more than 50 stores in the Northeast, emphasized: “BFSHOW has restored the glamor and relevance of shoe fairs”. Delighted with the structure and reception offered, the buyer says that the group did good business with exhibitors from different segments. "We not only made purchases, but also selected products for future purchases. BFSHOW has not only given us the opportunity to do business, but also the assembly of our Autumn/Winter collection, thanks to the quantity and quality of the novelties presented”, she concludes.   

International quality 

New Zealand buyer Glen Maher from Maher Shoes points out that he was pleasantly surprised by the trade fair. “I didn't expect to see so many brands and segments here. We came to buy men's shoes and ended up taking women's too,” he says. And he goes even further: “The stands are more eye-catching and beautiful than Micam's". Thanks to the international standard, the BFSHOW has “incredible" growth potential for the coming years.   

Marcelo Maurer, buyer of MP Imports from Paraguay, also highlights the organization and facilities of an event designed for the comfort of the exhibitor and buyers. "In addition to business, we were delighted with the hospitality and treatment. It was clear that every detail was taken care of to provide an excellent experience”, he evaluates, stressing that he will return for the next editions.  

Union 

BFSHOW is a fair held by Abicalçados, organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil and sponsored by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The official partnership is the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil). The support is from the unions of the footwear industries of Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Paraíba, Estância Velha, Sapiranga, Birigui, Campo Bom, Dois Irmãos, Jaú, Fortaleza, Farroupilha, Parobé, Franca, Igrejinha, Nova Serrana and Novo Hamburgo. Learn more about the fair on the website www.bfshow.com.br.  

About Abicalçados 

Abicalçados represents the Brazilian footwear industry, fifth largest in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Founded in 1983, Abicalçados is based in Novo Hamburgo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, and its members are companies of all sizes accounting for more than 65 percent of the footwear produced in the country. The entity represents an industry that employs more than 300,000 people. Its mission is to represent, defend, develop, and promote Brazil’s footwear industry with respect, excellency, and results. 

About the organizers 

NürnbergMesse Brasil is a subsidiary of the NürnbergMesse Group, one of the 15 largest fair organizers in the world. The group’s portfolio includes more than 120 international fairs and congresses (14 of them in Brazil) and more than 40 pavilions. Every year, more than 30,000 expositors and more than 1,5 million visitors meet in events hosted by NürnbergMesse, which also has subsidiaries in China, United States, Brazil, Greece, Italy, and India, The group also established a network with sone 50 representatives operating in more than 116 countries. 

After a 1.1% drop in footwear production in 2023, to 839.3 million pairs, the national footwear industry expects a growth of 2.2% next year, reaching 857.8 million pairs produced in the country. The projections were released at the press conference of the Brazilian Footwear Show – BFSHOW, held on the morning of the 22nd, at the Event Center FIERGS, in Porto Alegre/RS. The first edition of the footwear show, which brings together 138 of the main Brazilian footwear brands, takes place until the 23rd.  

On the occasion, the executive chairman of Abicalçados, Haroldo Ferreira, began by emphasizing that, although the data are not so positive, Abicalçados is a class entity committed to facts and discloses real numbers that guide the more than 4,000 Brazilian footwear industries in their plans and strategies. "Brazil is a country with great potential, but unfortunately some conditions of competitiveness are compromised. We have high production costs, a de-heated market, both here and abroad and fierce, unfair competition from international platforms that are now exempt from any import tax on shipments of up to US$ 50,” he said.  

The CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo, pointed out that the first edition of BFSHOW points to a promising horizon for the footwear sector. “It is our first trade fair in the footwear sector and we are very satisfied with what we see. Certainly, the union of the sector with ApexBrasil, industry association and footwear unions will be an important boost to make BFSHOW the largest Brazilian fair in the footwear industry,” he said. The CEO also emphasized that the feedback to the first edition is being very positive, especially for the infrastructure of the FIERGS pavilions. “Our business is based on the satisfaction of our customers and the hospitality we offer with good service and comfort in the facilities,” he said.  

The official partner in the organization of BFSHOW, the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), was also represented at the press conference, represented by its industry and services manager Maria Paula Velloso. On the occasion, the manager stressed the joint efforts to attract more than 150 international buyers from 30 countries, which resulted in lively business traffic at the event.  

Return  
Resuming participation in footwear fairs, one of the largest footwear industries in the country, Vulcabras, was represented by its CEO, Pedro Bartelle. "Participating in this historic moment for the sector, which is to have a fair held by its highest-class entity, Abicalçados, is important to show the full potential of our industry and discuss the relevant agendas for our activity. We have a productive Brazil, but it lacks competitive conditions. Not only do we struggle with high production costs, but today we also suffer greatly from unfair competition from platforms. These are issues that should be debated and brought to the public through Abicalçados. Events such as BFSHOW allow us to have important debates. We are very happy to be here, to present our technologies and to support the sector”, he mentioned.  

The press conference was also attended by entrepreneurs Sérgio Bocayuva (Usaflex), Carlos Mestriner (Klin), Ronaldo Lacerda (Lynd) and Marcelo Paludetto (Democrata), as well as Daniela Machado, Fashion Project Articulation Analyst at Sebrae RS.  

Union  
BFSHOW is a trade fair held by Abicalçados, organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil and sponsored by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The official partner is the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil). Support comes from the footwear unions industries of Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Paraíba, Estância Velha, Sapiranga, Birigui, Campo Bom, Dois Irmãos, Jaú, Fortaleza, Farroupilha, Parobé, Franca, Igrejinha, Nova Serrana and Novo Hamburgo. Learn more about the fair on the website www.bfshow.com.br.  

About Abicalçados  
Abicalçados represents the Brazilian footwear industry, fifth largest in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Founded in 1983, Abicalçados is based in Novo Hamburgo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, and its members are companies of all sizes accounting for more than 65 percent of the footwear produced in the country. The entity represents an industry that employs more than 300,000 people. Its mission is to represent, defend, develop, and promote Brazil’s footwear industry with respect, excellency, and results.  
   
About the organizers  
NürnbergMesse Brasil is a subsidiary of the NürnbergMesse Group, one of the 15 largest fair organizers in the world. The group’s portfolio includes more than 120 international fairs and congresses (14 of them in Brazil) and more than 40 pavilions. Every year, more than 30,000 expositors and more than 1,5 million visitors meet in events hosted by NürnbergMesse, which also has subsidiaries in China, United States, Brazil, Greece, Italy, and India, The group also established a network with sone 50 representatives operating in more than 116 countries. 

The first edition of the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, which started today (21st) and runs until the 23rd, at the Events Center FIERGS, in Porto Alegre/RS, confirmed the success of the newest Brazilian footwear fair. Promoted by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil, the fair brings together 137 Brazilian footwear brands, 123 of them exclusive.

The organizer’s CEO, João Paulo Picolo, points out that the event exceeded expectations on this first day. “We are very optimistic about receiving national buyers and importers and, moreover, doing good business on the first day of the event. It is an indication that a great footwear show is being born here in Porto Alegre”, he evaluates. According to him, the union of Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil contributes to the promotion and development of this important industry in the country. "The focus on business, with transparency and maximum respect for the vision of entrepreneurs who are the real owners of BFSHOW, are the essence of the fair, which has great potential and the prospect of exponential growth in Brazil, as it can be internationalized”, he adds.

The BFSHOW, which was already well attended on the first day, has much more to present in two full days of business, with novelties and new releases of the more than 130 brands that are presenting their collections and trends.

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The most sustainable footwear industry in the world and the only one to have an ESG certification for the production chain at an international level could not have a trade fair with guidelines other than those of sustainability. The 1st edition of the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, a show held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil between November 21st and 23rd, at the FIERGS Events Center, will have a series of initiatives that will put the theme at the center of the debates. Another highlight of the event will be the trend surveys presented in partnerships with INSPIRAMAIS and the Fashion Directions bureau. 
  

Abicalçados' CEO, Haroldo Ferreira, points out that the mission of BFSHOW, in addition to generating business and transforming the model of fairs in the country, with transparency and cost optimization, is to help raise awareness in the sector about the importance of sustainable practices. "That's why BFSHOW is committed to supporting sustainable initiatives, incorporating sustainable practices and conducting the event cleanly and with as little impact as possible," he says. 
  

According to the leader, the fair wants to unite the Brazilian footwear sector to the sustainability ecosystem. Among the ESG initiatives is the commitment to recycling and reuse of materials used in the assembly and organization of the exhibition, which will be controlled, managed, reused in future events, or sent correctly for recycling. “Our priority is to make as little impact on the environment as possible and to direct our use and our exhibitors in the same way. In addition, the organization of garbage for visitors is also carried out to raise awareness and support the separation of waste,” explains Ferreira. 
  

Social 
Aware of its social responsibility, BFSHOW has as part of its commitment the mandatory hiring of at least 10% of the workforce from minority groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, people with physical disabilities, among others. The CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo, points out that the measure not only strengthens and promotes social inclusion, but also boosts the local economy, offering tangible opportunities for people who face social barriers in the labor market”. The executive highlights that the achievement is a practical example of how to combine business generation and social responsibility. 
  

Sustainability Arena 
BFSHOW will also have content and exhibition to demonstrate in a practical way the sustainability applied in the Brazilian footwear sector. In the Sustainability Arena, visitors will be able to check out two spaces. One of them is the Sustainable Origin, where the ESG certification for the footwear production chain and its certified companies will be presented. The other space is BFSHOW - Sustainable Footwear, which will feature an exhibition of ten exhibiting companies that will present their footwear models made from sustainable materials. 
  

Fashion 
Going into the subject of trends that will be presented, sustainability could not be left out. A partnership with INSPIRAMAIS, a trend-setting salon in materials and inputs for the footwear production chain, will present the latest sustainable inputs launched at the event. In the space, materials from the Homo Faber research can be found, guided by the coordinator of the Design and Research Center of the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal), the stylist Walter Rodrigues. 
  

Another differential of BFSHOW will be the presentation of the Fashion Directions trend research. Studio located in Milan / Italy, the bureau is a trend portal specializing in women's, men's and children's shoes, bags and accessories. Managed by a Brazilian duo, Luana Lanzini and Luana Savadintzky, fashion consultants, Fashion Directions compiles in a directional way the trends and products of the moment. “For BFSHOW, thinking precisely about replicating our directional research style for the shopkeeper, we created a shopping guide, clearly summarizing the main trends and products that we believe are key for winter 2024”, says Luana Lanzini. In addition, the bureau will provide on time coverage of the fair, linking and confirming trends with the collections presented. 
  

Union 
FSHOW is a fair held by Abicalçados, organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil and sponsored by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The official partnership is the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil). The support is from the unions of the footwear industries of Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Paraíba, Estância Velha, Sapiranga, Birigui, Campo Bom, Dois Irmãos, Jaú, Fortaleza, Farroupilha, Parobé, Franca, Igrejinha, Nova Serrana and Novo Hamburgo. 
  

Floor Plan 
The BFSHOW floor plan, which closed with 137 of the main footwear brands in Brazil, 123 of them exclusive at the event, was all designed for a segmented visit, which facilitates and optimizes business. BFSHOW's numbers are all audited. Check here. 

The first edition of the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, a fair held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil between November 21st and 23rd, at the FIERGS Exhibition & Convention Centre, in Porto Alegre/Brazil, will move the Brazilian footwear sector. With 138 footwear brands from all segments, niches and footwear poles in Brazil, 124 of them exclusive to the event, the fair should receive more than 10 thousand visitors, including at least 150 importers from 30 countries.  

The fair, which promises to transform the business model of trade shows in Brazil, was organized in accordance with the main event trends in the world. Who is at the forefront of the process is promoter NürnbergMesse Brasil, a subsidiary of the German NürnbergMesse Group, one of the 15 largest international event organizing companies in the world. Among the differentials of BFSHOW is the segmented visitation experience. In a pavilion with more than 14 thousand square meters, the brands will be distributed by segment and niche. In addition, the show will feature fashion content, through presentation of materials for the footwear industry launched at INSPIRAMAIS and the dissemination of the trend research of Fashion Directions, a studio located in Milan / Italy that brings trends' content in women's, men's and children's shoes, bags and accessories in the form of a guide to guide purchases. 

International 

The first edition of BFSHOW, in addition to buyers from the main consumer centers of the country, will receive significant visitation from importers. Partnering with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil enabled the presence of more than 150 buyers from 100 international groups from 30 countries. They are importers from all continents, which were chosen together with exhibitors, taking into account the potential for purchases and pulverization. In addition to these, other importers will come on their own to the event. 

Buyers from Argentina, South Africa, Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ecuador, Guatemala, Reunion Islands, Kuwait, Libya, Mozambique, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States, Tanzania and Uruguay are confirmed at BFSHOW. 

In addition to buyers, Brazilian Footwear, a program carried out by Abicalçados in partnership with ApexBrasil, will bring seven journalists and five international influencers to Brazil. Guests from Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Italy come to Porto Alegre through the Imagem and influencers projects.   

Sustainability 

Among BFSHOW's ESG initiatives are the commitment to recycling and reuse of materials used in the assembly and organization of the exhibition, which will be controlled, managed, reused in future events, or sent correctly for recycling. The priority is to make the least possible impact on the environment. In addition, the organization of garbage for visitors is also carried out to raise awareness and support the separation of waste. 

BFSHOW will also have content and exhibition to demonstrate in a practical way the sustainability applied in the Brazilian footwear sector. In the Sustainability Arena, visitors will be able to check out two spaces. One of them is the Sustainable Origin, where the ESG certification for the footwear production chain and its certified companies will be presented. The other space is BFSHOW - Sustainable Footwear, which will feature an exhibition of ten exhibiting companies that will present their footwear models made from sustainable materials. 

Union 

FSHOW is a fair held by Abicalçados, organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil and sponsored by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The official partnership is the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil). The support is from the unions of the footwear industries of Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Paraíba, Estância Velha, Sapiranga, Birigui, Campo Bom, Dois Irmãos, Jaú, Fortaleza, Farroupilha, Parobé, Franca, Igrejinha, Nova Serrana and Novo Hamburgo. 

More information and accreditation on the website www.bfshow.com.br. 

Check out the BFSHOW schedule 

21/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates  

5:30 PM - Walk with authorities at the fair 

7 PM - Closing of the gates  

22/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates 

11 AM - National and international press conference 

7 PM - Closing of the gates  

23/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates 

5 PM - Closing of the gates 

About Abicalçados 

Abicalçados represents the Brazilian footwear industry, fifth largest in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Founded in 1983, Abicalçados is based in Novo Hamburgo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, and its members are companies of all sizes accounting for more than 65 percent of the footwear produced in the country. The entity represents an industry that employs more than 300,000 people. Its mission is to represent, defend, develop, and promote Brazil’s footwear industry with respect, excellency, and results. 

About the organizers 

NürnbergMesse Brasil is a subsidiary of the NürnbergMesse Group, one of the 15 largest fair organizers in the world. The group’s portfolio includes more than 120 international fairs and congresses (14 of them in Brazil) and more than 40 pavilions. Every year, more than 30,000 expositors and more than 1,5 million visitors meet in events hosted by NürnbergMesse, which also has subsidiaries in China, United States, Brazil, Greece, Italy, and India, The group also established a network with sone 50 representatives operating in more than 116 countries.