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Arena BFSHOW debuts with influential names in trends and business

The 4th edition of BFSHOW, the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, will not only generate business but also, for the first time, host talks focused on trends and business insights. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, the event will feature 353 exhibiting brands from May 19 to 21 at the Anhembi District in São Paulo/ Brazil

All presentations will take place at the Arena BFSHOW. On May 19, the program kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with Luana Lanzini and Luana Savadintzky, founders of the fashion and research platform Fashion Directions. Titled “Trends & Colors That Sell,” the talk will explore key trends and color palettes set to define the upcoming season, along with practical strategies for applying them to attract new customers. The second presentation of the day, scheduled for 6 p.m., will be led by Richard Stad, CEO of Aramis. Invited by the Sugar Shoes Group, the executive will speak under the theme “The Power of Restlessness,” sharing his leadership journey and the strategy that enabled the brand to double its revenue.

On the second day, May 20, Fashion Directions returns to the Arena BFSHOW for a presentation on “Key Products for the Upcoming Season.” Starting at 5:30 p.m., retailers will get an overview of the most sought-after items for the next fashion cycle.Later that day, at 6 p.m., the focus shifts to “The Power of Content to Drive Sales,” a session led by Isabella Aredes, content manager at the platform Steal The Look. In her talk, Isabella will explore how to turn trends and digital behavior into narratives that connect, engage, and sell—combining data, creativity, and authenticity.

The day of presentations wraps up at 6:30 p.m. with the panel “Influencer Marketing: Content, Creators, and Relevance,” featuring Isabella Aredes (Steal The Look), Bruna Olivo (Lança Perfume), and Luciana Wozdik (Arezzo&Co). The discussion promises valuable insights into the real impact of influencer marketing on the fashion industry.

The final day of BFSHOW (May 21) begins earlier, at 10:30 a.m. On this occasion, Caito Maia, founder of Chilli Beans, will take the stage with the talk “Building a Successful Brand.” Known for his bold style and forward-thinking approach, Maia—invited by Ramarim—will share how he built Chilli Beans by combining technology, purpose, and branding. He will also reveal, firsthand, a new development in the sneaker segment.

Immediately after, at 11:30 a.m., the talk “Sportiness on the Rise in Retail” will be presented by the “Luanas” from Fashion Directions. The specialists will discuss how the sporty aesthetic is reshaping retail—and how brands can tap into this trend to develop collections that are both modern and commercially appealing.

Check out the full schedule on the website. link.

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4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19-21 - from 9 AM to 7 PM on May 19-20, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on May 21
Location: Distrito Anhembi (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana, São Paulo, Brazil)

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Buyer Project to bring more than 680 national and international buyers to BFSHOW

With 353 Brazilian brands already confirmed, the 4th edition of BFSHOW will host 681 buyers, including 175 international guests. As the biggest footwear trade show in Latin America, the event will take place from May 19 to 21 at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo/SP. More than 10,000 retailers and importers are expected over the three-day event — including guests selected in partnership with the exhibitors. The trade show is an initiative by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and is organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil.

Letícia Sperb Masselli, Relationship and Business Manager at Abicalçados, explains that the national and international guests were selected based on recommendations from the exhibitors. The invitations were extended by Abicalçados, through the Brazilian Footwear program — an export promotion initiative carried out in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) — as well as by the trade show itself. “Because BFSHOW was created by the footwear industry and is led by it, the event takes a collaborative and democratic approach, with decisions made alongside the exhibitors,” she says. The show is expected to receive more than 10,000 buyers, including 1,200 international guests from every continent. “Most domestic retailers and international importers attend independently, drawn by the largest footwear showcase in Latin America gathered in one place,” Letícia concludes.

30% growth in floor space
This edition of BFSHOW has grown by 30% in exhibition area, reaching over 32,000 square meters at Distrito Anhembi — making it the largest footwear trade show in Latin America. “At the fair, we bring together all footwear hubs, company sizes, segments, and niches,” says Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil, emphasizing that the event marks the resurgence of large-scale footwear trade shows in Brazil.

Local buyers
One of the confirmed local buyers at BFSHOW is Alexya Nogueira, from Grupo Oscar — one of the leading retail groups in Brazil, with more than 180 physical stores across five states: São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Pernambuco. “We’re looking for variety and new women’s footwear collections, and BFSHOW delivers a very complete experience, combining fashion, trends, and fresh launches,” she emphasizes.

Meirielle Cajueiro de Oliveira Torres, buyer at W&M, based in Recife/PE, has been sourcing footwear and accessories at BFSHOW for the past two years. “The trade show is a valuable opportunity to connect with suppliers, buyers, and potential partners,” she says.

International buyers
One of the confirmed international buyers is David Benzikry, CEO of Spring Footwear Corp., from the United States. Already working with Brazilian brands, he says this will be his first time attending BFSHOW. “We import more than US$50 million in footwear annually and are the largest national footwear distribution chain in the U.S. Brazilian footwear is a blend of fashion, functionality, and feeling,” he says. According to Benzikry, the company plans to establish new contacts at BFSHOW. “The tariffs between China and the U.S. are playing a key role in driving our search for new partners in Brazil,” he adds.

Nina Di Matteo, buyer at H & B Links Pty, from Australia, imports between 3,000 and 5,000 pairs of Brazilian shoes annually. “We want to increase that volume, as both of our stores sell exclusively Brazilian products. At the trade show, we’re looking for new suppliers of leather footwear,” she says.

Buyer Palath Veettil Muhammed Saheer, from Jamjoom Fashion in the United Arab Emirates, also plans to expand his selection of Brazilian products through new business at BFSHOW. “We already import Brazilian footwear for our 60 stores and want to continue strengthening this partnership,” he says. According to him, Brazilian footwear is in high demand in the Arab market due to its quality and design.

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4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19-21 - from 9 AM to 7 PM on May 19-20, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on May 21
Location: Distrito Anhembi (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana, São Paulo, Brazil)

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BFSHOW will bring together all footwear clusters and segments from Brazil

The biggest footwear trade show in Latin America, BFSHOW brings together all of Brazil’s footwear hubs and serves every product segment. For its 4th edition, the event—hosted by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil—is expected to feature more than 350 Brazilian brands across an area of over 30,000 square meters. The trade show will take place from May 19 to 21 at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo- Brazil, and registration is now open for visitors from both the domestic and international markets at www.bfshow.com.br.

The industry’s projected growth in production for 2025 sets an optimistic tone for BFSHOW, which will showcase Spring/Summer collections—typically the most profitable season for Brazil’s footwear sector—during its May edition. “BFSHOW will serve as a barometer likely to confirm our forecast of around 2% growth in footwear production throughout 2025,” says Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados. According to him, while the global outlook remains uncertain—particularly due to the ongoing trade war—there is strong domestic demand and rising interest from international buyers, especially from the United States. “Since the U.S. announced a 145% tariff on Chinese footwear, we’ve seen growing interest from American buyers looking for alternatives to Chinese suppliers,” he explains. BFSHOW is expected to receive over 10,000 visits, including approximately 1,200 international buyers from every continent.

According to João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, BFSHOW has already established itself as the key meeting point between Brazil’s footwear industry and the global market. “In May, the leading footwear producer in the Western world—offering product diversity, quality, sustainability, and competitive pricing—will be at the trade show. BFSHOW is emerging as the main international sourcing platform for both domestic and international buyers in Latin America. All production hubs, product segments, and niche markets will be represented—from shoemakers to high-end boutiques,” he emphasizes.

Strong presence from Minas Gerais
One of the key footwear hubs featured at BFSHOW is Nova Serrana, located in the state of Minas Gerais, which will be represented by 74 exhibiting brands. Known for its focus on athletic footwear, the Minas Gerais cluster produces over 124 million pairs of shoes per year—accounting for 15% of Brazil’s total footwear output.

One of the confirmed exhibitors is Strike, from Nova Serrana. Producing over 2,000 pairs of sneakers per day for both domestic and international markets—with a focus on South America—the company has high expectations for BFSHOW. “We’re bringing an outstanding collection that will definitely catch buyers’ attention. In addition, we’ll be unveiling exclusive projects during the event,” says Strike’s Marketing Manager, Matheus Henrique Alves. According to him, the trade show serves as a key indicator that helps guide the company’s collection development and short-term commercial strategies. “We’re truly excited and have high hopes of welcoming loyal clients and opening up new markets during the event,” he adds.

According to Cíntia Costa Soares, Commercial and Development Director at Via Vip, participating in BFSHOW is now part of the company’s annual calendar—especially after the event’s move to São Paulo/SP. “We’ve taken part in every edition of BFSHOW, and the results have been excellent. In São Paulo, our company from Nova Serrana has secured more direct business connections and strengthened relationships,” she says. Producing an average of 4,000 pairs per day—ranging from sneakers to boots for both children and adults—Via Vip is optimistic about 2025. “At the trade show, we’re aiming to close sales geared toward Children’s Day, but we’ll also be presenting new collections and gauging retailers’ reactions firsthand. With these new products, we hope to reach every type of customer,” Cíntia adds.

São Paulo embraces BFSHOW
With 96 exhibitors confirmed, the state of São Paulo—responsible for more than 44 million pairs of shoes annually—has fully embraced the trade show organized by Abicalçados. Home to major names such as Alpargatas, maker of the Havaianas brand, São Paulo’s footwear sector will be strongly represented at the event, with new releases from companies of all sizes. One of the regional clusters taking part is Jaú, a city known for its women’s footwear production. For the local manufacturers, BFSHOW is a valuable opportunity to expand business both in Brazil and abroad.

Santa Flor, based in Jaú, has been part of BFSHOW since its second edition—the first one held in São Paulo—and expects a high volume of visitors from both domestic and international markets. “The trade show is essential for the industry, and moving it to São Paulo was a smart decision. It makes it easier for buyers from Brazil and abroad to attend and helps consolidate the calendar around a single, truly national-level footwear event,” says Helder Fernando Rascachi, the company’s Commercial Manager. Santa Flor produces more than 2,000 pairs of women’s shoes per day, 3% of which are exported.

The positive outlook is shared by Giovanna Mott, Director at Mariotta, also based in Jaú. “We’re feeling very optimistic about the upcoming BFSHOW, as the May edition traditionally coincides with a key buying season for retailers—summer collections,” she points out. According to Giovanna, both retailers and importers attend the event looking for products and opportunities tied to the most lucrative time of the year, which, according to Abicalçados, accounts for around 70% of annual footwear sales in Brazil. “At the most recent edition, we saw a strong turnout of both domestic and international buyers, creating excellent business opportunities,” she notes. For Giovanna, the event plays a vital role in showcasing the quality and diversity of Brazilian footwear to the world. Today, Mariotta produces 100,000 pairs of women’s shoes per month, exporting 15% of its output.

Ceará’s strength on display
The state of Ceará will be represented at BFSHOW by 23 exhibiting brands. Accounting for over 26% of Brazil’s total footwear production (around 225 million pairs per year), the Ceará footwear industry focuses primarily on Spring/Summer collections, offering high-quality flip-flops and beach sandals to both the domestic and international markets. With skilled labor, cutting-edge technology, and competitive pricing, Ceará is a major player in the sector.

One of the exhibitors from Ceará at BFSHOW is Tropical Brasil, a producer of flip-flops and beach sandals from Juazeiro do Norte. The company’s director, Ananias Neto, emphasizes that expectations for the trade show are very high. “This will be our second time participating in the event, and at our first edition, we had an extremely positive experience, generating numerous business opportunities both in the domestic and international markets,” he says. "Our participation provided excellent visibility and further solidified Tropical Brasil’s position within the national footwear ecosystem,” says Neto. For him, BFSHOW has become much more than just a business event. “It’s a strategic moment to update footwear fashion trends, strengthen ties with industry partners, and reaffirm the importance and strength of Brazil’s footwear market. It’s a showcase that demonstrates to both Brazil and the world the size, seriousness, and relevance of our sector,” says the director, who expresses his excitement for the upcoming edition. “Our expectation is to open new business opportunities, strengthen relationships with current clients, and resume conversations with international partners,” he concludes. Today, Tropical Brasil produces 240,000 pairs per month, exporting 5% of its output.

The ease of logistics, with the addition of a major national trade show in São Paulo, is highlighted by another exhibitor from the Northeast, Vizzia, a producer of sandals from Juazeiro do Norte. “The move of BFSHOW to São Paulo was very important, as it makes it easier for both national and international buyers to attend, streamlining the overall logistics of the event. We expect BFSHOW to bring back the best moments of the commercial trade shows that used to take place in São Paulo. The summer collection launch period is our key moment for exposure, so expectations are very high, especially in the international market,” says the company’s Export Manager, André Duarte Santos. Today, Vizzia produces an average of 15,000 to 16,000 pairs per day, exporting around 10%.

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4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19-21 - from 9 AM to 7 PM on May 19-20, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on May 21
Location: Distrito Anhembi (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana, São Paulo, Brazil)

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Footwear trade show offers special deals for retail buyers

São Paulo will host the 4th edition of BFSHOW, the biggest footwear trade show in Latin America, from May 19 to 21. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, the event has become one of the industry’s leading business platforms, bringing together brands from every cluster, size, and segment to showcase trends and offer exclusive commercial opportunities.

Offering multiple advantages to visitors is one of BFSHOW’s main draws, making the event even more strategic for driving business across the industry. On the show floor, exhibitors take the opportunity to present special commercial conditions, allowing retailers to purchase exclusive products at competitive prices. In this way, buyers attending the trade show get a first look at new collections while also gaining the chance to negotiate better margins. “BFSHOW is currently the most anticipated footwear trade show in Latin America, as it showcases, firsthand, the full diversity of the Brazilian footwear industry—the largest in the Western world. We have high expectations in terms of business generation, in addition to building valuable connections in both the domestic and international markets. This is the trade show footwear buyers need to attend to discover new products and take advantage of special purchasing terms, including discounts and extended payment deadlines, for the upcoming Summer collections,” says Letícia Sperb Masselli, Business and Relationship Manager at Abicalçados.

Exclusive deals at the trade show
Among the brands offering special purchasing terms is Mariotta Calçados, from Jaú, São Paulo. In addition to unveiling its new collection, the company will offer discounts of up to 10% for retailers placing orders during the event. With international buyers in mind, Klin, based in Birigui, São Paulo, is also launching its latest collection at BFSHOW and will provide exclusive conditions for attendees. For instance, orders of over one thousand pairs destined for North America or Europe will qualify for free shipping.

Retailers placing orders with Kidy, also based in Birigui, São Paulo, will benefit from special delivery terms, receiving products ahead of schedule. The brand will unveil its new Children's Day collection exclusively at BFSHOW. According to Rafael Menezes, Kidy’s Domestic Market Manager, the trade show “presents the latest fashion trends, and it’s essential to stay ahead and be among the first to receive these new releases, while also gaining insight into where the market is headed.”

With free admission and exclusive access for industry professionals, BFSHOW is expected to bring together around 350 brands and welcome over 10,000 Brazilian retailers and international buyers— all on the lookout for opportunities like these and more. Humberto Costa, a buyer representing Grupo Planeta Jeans from Paraná, has attended previous editions and emphasizes the event’s relevance for the retail sector: “BFSHOW gives us the chance to discover the latest releases firsthand. That way, we can receive products in advance and bring new arrivals to our customers as quickly as possible.”

According to Ricardo Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil, “BFSHOW is the leading trade show in the segment and an excellent opportunity for retailers to expand their network, secure advantageous deals, and keep a close eye on the trends that will drive the industry in the coming months.”

Event Details
4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19–21 Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – Santana, São Paulo/Brazil)

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Rising Exports Boost Footwear Industry’s Optimism for BFSHOW

The surge in Brazilian footwear exports during the first two months of the year—more than 21 million pairs shipped, a 14.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024—is fueling optimism among footwear manufacturers ahead of the fourth edition of BFSHOW. Recognized as the biggest footwear trade show in Latin America in terms of both space and number of participating brands, the event will take place from May 19 to 21 at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo, Brazil.

Abicalçados’ Relationship and Business Manager, Letícia Sperb Masselli, emphasizes that the trade show has been attracting both domestic and, especially, international buyers seeking the excellence of Brazilian footwear. “Brazil is the leading footwear supplier outside Asia, combining quality and competitive pricing, particularly given the current exchange rate,” she explains. According to her, BFSHOW has already become an international reference for Brazilian footwear. “Since its first edition, the trade show has stood out for the opportunities and business generated for the international market. BFSHOW is the right place to win over international clients without leaving Brazil,” she adds.

Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil, highlights the strong potential of the buyers registering for the event. “We already have confirmed buyers from key international markets, and we are seeing growing interest from the United States, Argentina, and European countries such as Spain, which in 2025 became the third-largest destination for Brazilian footwear abroad,” he notes. The organizer projects that the event will welcome more than 1,200 international buyers from all continents.

The prospect of boosting exports—or even kickstarting them—is one of the key reasons hundreds of companies participate in BFSHOW. Among them is Crep, a children's footwear manufacturer from São José dos Campos, São Paulo. The company’s CFO, Carla Crepaldi, shares that in November 2024, the brand secured its first international client at BFSHOW. “Since the second edition, we had been in talks with a major Peruvian wholesaler, but we had not yet formalized the export deal. Last November, we made our first international sale, and from now on, we plan to strengthen our presence in this market,” she says.

United States Sets Its Sights on Brazil
One of the confirmed international buyers is David Benzikry, CEO of Spring Footwear Corp., from the United States. Already working with Brazilian brands, he says this will be his first time attending BFSHOW. “We import more than US$50 million in footwear annually and are the largest national footwear distribution chain in the U.S. Brazilian footwear is a blend of fashion, functionality, and feeling,” he says. According to Benzikry, the company plans to establish new contacts at BFSHOW. “The tariffs between China and the U.S. are playing a key role in driving our search for new partners in Brazil,” he adds.

Summer Appeal in Spain
Another confirmed buyer at BFSHOW is Jose Antonio Albero, CEO of Nuez Moscada SL from Spain. With 400 stores across the country, the group already works with several Brazilian footwear companies and imports more than 20,000 pairs of Brazilian shoes annually. “Brazilian footwear is synonymous with vacations, leisure, and summer. For a country like Spain, where tourism is booming and summers are getting longer, Brazil offers the right product, combining competitive pricing with quality,” he says. At BFSHOW, Albero plans to visit existing suppliers and seek new manufacturers in the segment.

With a total area of over 32,000 square meters, the fourth edition of BFSHOW has already sold 93% of its exhibition spaces to Brazilian brands. Exhibitors interested in participating can visit the "QUERO EXPOR" section on the event’s website. Buyers can also use the same site to complete their pre-registration. www.bfshow.com.br. Neste mesmo site, compradores podem realizar o credenciamento antecipado.

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4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19–21
Location: Distrito Anhembi (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana, São Paulo, Brazil)

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With 85% of spaces sold, BFSHOW opens visitor registration

The fourth edition of BFSHOW, the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, has already sold more than 85% of its exhibition spaces. The announcement comes from NürnbergMesse Brasil, the organizer of the event promoted by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados). Showcasing the Spring/Summer collections of the national industry, the event will take place at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo- Brazil, from May 19 to 21. Visitor registration is now open at www.bfshow.com.br. www.bfshow.com.br

Expected to feature more than 350 leading Brazilian footwear brands from all production hubs and market segments, BFSHOW is set to welcome over 10,000 visitors from across Brazil and five continents over its three-day run. Letícia Sperb Masselli, Abicalçados' Relationship and Business Manager, emphasizes that the event kicks off the most important sales season for the Brazilian industry: Spring/Summer. “Brazil, being a tropical country, is internationally recognized for its summer footwear production, which accounts for more than 70% of the sector’s sales—around 630 million pairs out of the nearly 900 million produced annually,” says Letícia. She also highlights that the projected 2% growth in footwear production for 2025 is closely linked to BFSHOW’s performance. 

Growth

Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil, underscores BFSHOW’s rapid growth, as the event, now in its fourth edition, has already become the largest business trade show for the sector in Latin America. “The Brazilian footwear industry leads production in the Western world for a reason. In just over a year and a half, BFSHOW has become one of the flagship events in our portfolio and continues to expand,” says Azeredo, noting that the trade show will occupy approximately 32,000 square meters at Distrito Anhembi. According to him, the decision to establish the event permanently in São Paulo has contributed significantly to its success. 

For more information, visit www.bfshow.com.br. www.bfshow.com.br.

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Domestic Demand Growth Drives Footwear Production Increase

The rising domestic demand for footwear fueled the industry’s production growth in 2024. Data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), based on IBGE indexes, show that production grew by 3.5% compared to 2023. In total, 896.8 million pairs were produced, with 97.4 million destined for export.


Abicalçados’ executive president, Haroldo Ferreira, explains that production growth could have been even higher if not for the surge in imported footwear, particularly from Asia. Last year, imports increased by 26% compared to 2023, with about 90% of these imports coming from Asian countries, mainly Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. “Today, over 85% of our production is absorbed by the domestic market, which remained strong throughout 2024, with apparent consumption growing by 7.7%. However, a significant share of this positive domestic performance was captured by imports,” says Ferreira.

Close to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The 896.8 million pairs produced in 2024 nearly matched the volume recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, when production reached 898.8 million pairs—just 0.2% higher than last year. Looking ahead to 2025, despite ongoing challenges, particularly in the international market, the sector is expected to recover losses caused by the global pandemic crisis. “2025 will be a challenging year, but we remain optimistic. In May, with BFSHOW—the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, held in São Paulo—we will have a clearer gauge of market trends,” Ferreira projects.

BFSHOW
BFSHOW is set to host more than 350 Brazilian footwear brands, welcoming retailers and importers from around the world. Taking place from May 19 to 21 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the event will showcase Summer collections, which account for over 70% of the domestic footwear industry's sales. More information is available at www.bfshow.com.br. www.bfshow.com.br.

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BFSHOW Footwear Trade Show to Be 30% Bigger in May

The leading footwear trade show in Latin America, BFSHOW, will be 30% bigger in its fourth edition. Taking place from May 19 to 21 at the Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the event will cover a total area of 31,900 square meters, up from 22,500 square meters in May 2024. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, the upcoming edition has already sold over 80% of its available spaces.

Abicalçados’ Executive President, Haroldo Ferreira, points out that despite an uncertain scenario, especially in international markets, expectations for the trade show remain strong. “The Summer collections to be showcased at BFSHOW account for more than 70% of the Brazilian footwear industry’s annual sales. Both exhibitors and buyers recognize that this is the ideal moment to stock up for a year in which we anticipate a 2% increase in production, driven primarily by the domestic market,” says Ferreira.

Latin America’s Leading Trade Show
João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, highlights the event’s growth, as it solidifies its position as the region’s most important business platform for the footwear industry in both scale and exhibitor quality. “BFSHOW brings together all the leading Brazilian footwear brands, attracting a significant number of buyers from across the country and five continents,” says Picolo. The upcoming edition is expected to feature more than 350 Brazilian footwear brands, representing all industry segments and production hubs.

A Democratic Space
BFSHOW is an exclusive platform for showcasing Brazilian footwear manufacturers, whether or not they are Abicalçados members. Exhibit spaces are still available—companies can apply by filling out the form at the link https://bfshow.com.br/expositor/.

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BFSHOW consolidates its position as the biggest footwear trade show in Latin America

With the conclusion of its third edition, BFSHOW—organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil—has established itself as the leading trade show dedicated to the footwear sector in Latin America. The event stood out for its strong industry representation, international reach, and impressive results. It was held at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo/Brazil, from November 11 to 13.

In November, the trade show brought together 330 brands and 238 exhibitors, covering 11,611 square meters of exhibition space within a total area of 25,000 square meters. Buyers from 51 countries—including Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Israel, Kuwait, Libya, Mozambique, Botswana, Portugal, Switzerland, and Slovenia—were in attendance, contributing to a total of 10,495 visitors over three days, 1,130 of whom were international. These numbers reflect BFSHOW’s growing reach and prestige. “BFSHOW reinforced the Brazilian footwear sector’s projections for more than 3% growth in 2024 and an additional 2% in 2025. It was a showcase of Brazilian footwear to the world and will continue to serve as a key indicator of an industry that is so relevant to Brazil,” says Letícia Sperb Masselli, Abicalçados’ Business and Relationship Manager.

Another highlight of the event was the Buyer Program, a partnership between Abicalçados, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), and NürnbergMesse Brasil, which brought in 638 buyers—478 from Brazil and 160 from international markets. “These figures speak volumes about the market’s potential. The trade show is still young, now in its third edition, with two of them already held in São Paulo. Moving the event to São Paulo was a strategic decision to further boost business opportunities and facilitate access for exhibitors and visitors alike,” adds Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil. Beyond its strong numbers, BFSHOW has gained recognition for presenting the latest developments in the Brazilian footwear industry, reinforcing its role as a key hub for business, innovation, and strategic connections across the Latin American market.
Além dos números significativos, a BFSHOW tem se destacado por trazer o que há de mais atual na indústria calçadista brasileira, consolidando seu papel como referência para negócios, inovações e conexões estratégicas no setor latino-americano.

The next edition of the event will take place from May 19 to 21, 2025, at Distrito Anhembi. For more information, visit bfshow.com.br.

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BFSHOW registers record visitation and many deals

The 3rd edition of BFSHOW, footwear fair that brought together more than 330 brands between November 11 and 13, in the Anhembi District, in São Paulo/SP, registered record visitation and business. According to the organization, over the three days more than 10.4 thousand buyers passed through the pavilions of the event, which is twice as many as in November 2023. According to the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), the deals took place in important volumes, which will be tabulated in the coming days.

The CEO of Abicalçados, Haroldo Ferreira, points out that BFSHOW will be decisive for the positive expectations of the sector. For 2024, the forecast for growth in production exceeds 3%, to more than 890 million pairs. By 2025, growth will be around 2%, causing the sector to recover losses from the pandemic and reach more than 900 million pairs produced. “We have here a great showcase of Brazilian footwear for the world. We gathered, in these three days, the main brands of the country and buyers from more than 60 countries”, evaluates the director, stressing that at the fair, significant business took place both in the domestic and international markets. "To attract buyers from abroad, BFSHOW worked together with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). With these projects alone, 160 importers and five international journalists were invited to promote our product abroad”, Ferreira lists.

According to the CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo, with each edition, BFSHOW demonstrates its growth and, therefore, has consolidated itself so quickly as the main event of the Brazilian footwear sector. “The fair is already an indispensable meeting point for professionals and the partnership of NürnbergMesse Brasil with Abicalçados has been fundamental to this success”, he comments. The CEO also says that the results of the third edition exceeded all expectations. “We are confident that BFSHOW will continue to evolve and strengthen the national footwear market. No wonder it is already among the main events in the company's portfolio. For the next edition, in May 2025, we expect a growth of 20% when compared to the number of exhibitors and visitors”, he evaluates.

"Right place and right time”
For Marcos Huff, director of Killana, from Três Coroas / RS, BFSHOW is a consolidated fair as the main one in the Brazilian calendar. According to him, during the three days, the exhibition received national and international clients focused on business. “BFSHOW is in the right place and at the right time, with logistical facilities and a very clear positioning aimed at the business. It is very similar to the main fairs in Europe”, he evaluates. Huff also points out that the company, in addition to receiving traditional customers, has opened new markets in Latin America, North America and Europe. “We had much better results than the fair held in May. For the May 2025 edition, we are even more optimistic, " he adds. Currently, Killana has a production of about 13 thousand pairs per month, of which it exports 60%.

The fair was also very positive for Crep, children's footwear industry of São José dos Campos / SP. The company's financial director, Carla Crepaldi, says the company opened its first international client at BFSHOW. "Since the second edition, we've been talking to a large wholesaler from Peru, but we had not yet formalized the export. In this edition, we made our first international sale, a market that we will work harder on from now on”, she celebrates. With a production of 600 pairs per day, the company sees BFSHOW as an important sales and relationship platform with the national and international markets and has confirmed their presence for the May 2025 edition.

With a visitation “much higher than last May”, Di Valentini, from São João Batista/SC, was quite satisfied with BFSHOW. According to the director of the company, José Osterno Filho, the fair had customers focused on business. “We have acquired new clients both domestically and internationally – in Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, England and Guatemala,” he says. Producing 6.5 thousand pairs per day, Di Valentini exports about 12% of its production, mainly to South American markets.

Fidelis Ferreira, from the sales department at Calçados Maria Isabel, from Conceição do Coité/BA, says that he did good business at the event and left some others agreed upon for the post-fair. “I believe that we will have a growth between 20% and 30% in the business carried out here, in relation to the November 2023 fair, contact domestic and international market, from where we had visits from Canada and Argentina”, projects the shoemaker.

International
For the first time at BFSHOW, Arise buyer from Mozambique, Thembumenzi Souto, said that she has been buying premium Brazilian shoes since 2009, when she decided to exchange suppliers from Bulgaria for suppliers from Brazil. “When I met the Brazilian products, I realized that they had a much higher quality and variety. Currently, we work with seven brands from Brazil and BFSHOW is giving us the opportunity to expand our product mix here”, says the importer, stressing that the partnership of her network with the Brazilian footwear industry is very important for the company's growth.

National
Brazilian buyers were also positively surprised by the structure of the pavilions that hosted BFSHOW in the Anhembi District. Nostalgic for a time when large trade fairs took place on the site, before the renovation opened this year, shopkeepers stressed the quality of the renovation and the organization of the event. “I really liked the structure, with easy access and good distribution by segments”, evaluates the shopkeeper Vinícius Liessi dos Santos, from Calçado Franca, from Maringá/PR. According to him, the network closed deals and left many others agreed upon for the coming months.

The next edition of the BFSHOW will also take place in the Anhembi District, in São Paulo/SP, between May 19th and 21st, 2025.