Brazil's leading footwear trade show, BFSHOW, is expected to confirm the optimistic projections for the sector in 2024 and lay the groundwork for continued growth in the coming year. This is the expectation shared by event promoters and confirmed exhibitors, such as Democrata, Via Marte, and Di Valentini. The 3rd edition of the show, which will take place from November 11th to 13th at the Anhembi District in São Paulo/SP, is organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil.
With production growth projected to exceed 2%, reaching over 870 million pairs, the national footwear industry views the trade show as a "thermometer" that will confirm these positive expectations. "The need to restock for the end of the year, given the retail growth throughout 2024, allows us to make a positive business forecast for BFSHOW," says Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados.
The event's location is another key attraction, as the trade show remains in São Paulo, now at a permanent venue—the newly renovated Anhembi District. This venue offers easy access for visitors from the capital, other regions of São Paulo, other Brazilian states, and international guests. "BFSHOW is the only footwear trade show held in the economic capital of Latin America, which alone consumes more than 40% of the footwear produced by the national industry. In addition, the logistical advantages, with proximity to both Guarulhos International Airport and Congonhas, further attract visitors from major consumption hubs in Brazil and abroad," points out João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil.
The optimistic outlook is echoed by the exhibitors already confirmed—currently over 270 of the leading Brazilian footwear brands. One such brand is Democrata, based in Franca/SP, a traditional producer of men's footwear that recently launched its first line of women's shoes. The company's Commercial Director, Marcelo Paludetto, emphasizes the highly positive outlook. "2024 has been a great year for Democrata, both in the domestic and international markets, with an expected 16% growth. BFSHOW will help solidify this and set the stage for about 15% growth in 2025, considering both domestic sales and especially the company's exports," he predicts.
Industry Thermometer
For Daniel Gewehr, Director of Via Marte, one of Brazil's leading producers of women's footwear, the expectation for BFSHOW is positive, particularly regarding the presence of retailers from São Paulo and the Northeast of Brazil. "BFSHOW's location will be key in attracting these visitors, as well as importers, due to the convenient access provided by the proximity to an international airport," Gewehr points out, adding that the company aims to increase its export share from 12% to 17% in 2025. According to him, the company's performance at the show will serve as a thermometer, with an estimated production growth of 5% to 8% by the end of 2024.
Di Valentini, a women's footwear producer based in São João Batista/SC, sees BFSHOW as an opportunity to confirm a 5% production growth for 2024, followed by an 8% increase next year. "We will be at the show in full force with our entire sales team and the complete Winter 2025 collection. I'm confident that BFSHOW will be a key step in achieving our growth targets," forecasts José Osterno Filho, the brand's Director.
Trade Show Growth
In its third edition, BFSHOW has already become the largest footwear trade show in Brazil, featuring over 11,000 square meters of exhibition space—double the size of last November's edition—at the modern Anhembi District in São Paulo. The November event is expected to attract over 10,000 national and international buyers, with importers being brought in through a joint effort by Abicalçados, NürnbergMesse Brasil, and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).
SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Location: Anhembi District - Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1,209, Parque Anhembi, São Paulo/Brazil
Date: November 11 to 13, 2024 (Monday to Wednesday)
