Category: News

Brazilians are increasingly taking up sports, evident in the recent boom in road running, athletic training services, and sports like padel and beach tennis. The “health generation” is trending, with the number of people joining the movement expected to rise. According to data from the Primary Healthcare Observatory by Umane, an association supporting public health promotion, 2023 saw the highest rate of active individuals since 2016, with an 8% increase. Young adults aged 18 to 24 lead this trend, being the most active demographic in the country.

The impact of this rise in sports participation is evident at BFSHOW, Brazil’s premier footwear trade show, held from November 11 to 13 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo. Diego Guinzelli, Head of Topper and Rainha, noted that both brands have seen a surge in demand for athletic shoes: “Both brands have experienced strong growth across our ‘Movement’ line for lighter sports and high-performance products. The demand is especially growing for performance-focused items, indicating a consumer shift toward serious sports practice,” he explains. movement, de calçados para esportes mais leves, como a de alta performance. A demanda tem aumentado principalmente entre os produtos mais performáticos, o que indica que o público tem investido mais na prática de esportes”, explica.

Topper is unveiling its latest release at BFSHOW: the Dominator Fuse II, a highly advanced product featuring breathability, cushioning, and heat transfer to help prevent injuries. Other highlights from the event, showcasing key market trends, include the Corre Supra by Olympikus, Mizuno Wave Rider 10 by Mizuno, and Tribase Reps 2 by Under Armour, all from Vulcabras.

Pedro Bartelle, CEO of Vulcabras, remarked on the growth in demand for athletic footwear over the past year: “Sportswear consumption has risen, particularly post-pandemic, with this new road-running trend. We've seen a significant increase in demand for high-performance products,” he notes.

SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Date: November 11 to 13, 2024 (Monday to Wednesday)
Venue: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – Santana, São Paulo/Brazil)

Recognized as the gateway of Brazilian footwear to the world, BFSHOW, held from November 11-13 at the Anhembi District in São Paulo, has confirmed the participation of 160 importers from 32 countries and 478 domestic buyers. These key players were invited through a collaborative effort by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), and NürnbergMesse Brasil. In addition to the invited attendees, the 3rd edition of the show is expected to attract over 10,000 Brazilian and international buyers who will come to explore the latest offerings from more than 320 confirmed footwear brands.

The 160 buyers, representing 100 international groups, are coming to Brazil through invitations extended by BFSHOW and the Buyer Project, an initiative of Brazilian Footwear in partnership with ApexBrasil. “We are bringing importers from many of the top players in the footwear market across nearly all continents. The business prospects are promising, considering both on-site sales volume and the diversification of our exports,” says Abicalçados’ Relationship and Business Manager, Letícia Sperb Masselli. International participation is anticipated to play a vital role in boosting footwear exports in the year’s final quarter. From January to September, the industry exported more than 71 million pairs of shoes to over 150 countries.

Domestic Market
From the domestic market, Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil are inviting 478 buyers from 290 retail groups across every Brazilian state, together representing more than 3,000 stores. “Between January and August, footwear consumption grew by over 9% in Brazil. This positive trend will be reflected at the event, where retailers are not only seeking the latest seasonal trends but also looking for ready-to-ship products,” comments NürnbergMesse Brasil’s Head of New Business, Rico Azeredo.

São Paulo
This year, BFSHOW is permanently moving to the Anhembi District, located in Latin America’s business capital. The goal is to establish a meeting point between the world and the leading footwear producer in the Western Hemisphere, the Brazilian industry, which is set to manufacture over 890 million pairs this year.

SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Date: November 11 to 13 - Monday and Tuesday (from 9 AM to 7 PM); and Wednesday (from 9 AM to 5 PM);
Location: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 - Santana, São Paulo/SP)

Brazilian Footwear Industry Expected to Produce Over 900 Million Pairs by 2025 The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the Brazilian footwear industry. Traditionally reliant on the domestic market, where more than 85% of produced pairs are sold, the sector saw steep declines due to restrictions on physical retail. In 2019, 898 million pairs were produced, a number that dropped to 746 million in 2020, then gradually rose to 855 million, 886 million, and 865 million in the following years. For 2024, the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) projects a production increase of up to 3.2%, reaching over 890 million pairs. By 2025, the association estimates a full recovery to pre-2019 levels, with a growth of up to 1.9%, resulting in a production of 904 million pairs.

According to Abicalçados, the domestic market, which had been dragging the industry's performance down since 2019, will play a key role in this recovery, supported by declining unemployment rates and rising income among Brazilians. "Between January and September, the association estimates an over 9% increase in domestic footwear consumption, which includes imports," explains Abicalçados’ Executive President Haroldo Ferreira. To meet this heightened demand, the 3rd edition of BFSHOW, Brazil’s largest footwear trade show with over 290 confirmed brands, will be held in November. “Retailers need to stock up, especially with the year-end holidays approaching, which are historically significant for our industry. Expectations for the show are the most positive yet,” Ferreira adds. Besides showcasing the latest Fall-Winter collections, the event will feature exhibitors with ready-to-ship inventory to supply Brazilian retailers and international buyers.

BFSHOW
João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, organizer of BFSHOW, shared that they anticipate more than 10,000 Brazilian and international buyers from all continents. BFSHOW will take place from November 11 to 13 at Anhembi District in São Paulo/ Brazil, bringing together footwear manufacturers across all segments, regions, and sizes. “It’s the only event in the country where retailers can find everything from major manufacturers to small-scale industries catering to specific boutique niches,” Picolo emphasizes.

Retailers can register for BFSHOW at www.bfshow.com.br.

BFSHOW, the leading footwear trade show in Brazil, will debut at the Anhembi District in São Paulo, Brazil on November 11, 12, and 13, with a strong environmental commitment. The 3rd edition of the event aims to increase the recycling rate of waste generated inside the venue by 30% compared to previous editions. The focus is on making the trade show increasingly sustainable, and this increase represents significant progress in proper waste disposal efforts.

Additionally, the event, organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, has been encouraging exhibitors to join the movement. “We offer the Nürnberg Shared Responsibility Seal, encouraging partners to offset their carbon emissions, an initiative that can also be included in their ESG reports,” says Caroline Guedes, ESG Operations Coordinator at NürnbergMesse Brasil.

NürnbergMesse Brasil was a pioneer in Brazil, promoting proper waste disposal at its business fairs even before it became law in the state of São Paulo. The project, launched in 2023, has already directed 946 tons of waste to recycling, all originating from events organized by the company, including BFSHOW.

Another priority for the 3rd edition of the trade show is social inclusion. In November, 10% of the job positions in the event’s organization will once again be allocated to social labor, in partnership with Apae Brasil. “With an estimated audience of thousands of visitors and over 290 participating brands, BFSHOW remains a reference not only in innovation within the footwear sector but also as a model event committed to sustainability and social responsibility,” explains Cristian Schlindwein, Marketing and Strategy Manager at Abicalçados.

Sustainability Arena
At the trade show, visitors will be able to explore the Sustainability Arena, located at the event's entrance. In addition to showcasing the sustainability practices of the show and the Sustainable Origin certification, the space will feature the BFSHOW Sustainable Footwear exhibit. This area will display footwear models from exhibitors who use sustainable materials and prioritize reducing the environmental impact of their activities. “Sustainability is a core value for the Brazilian footwear sector, Abicalçados, and BFSHOW, which is why it will be prominently showcased at the entrance of the event,” concludes Schlindwein.

SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Date: November 11 to 13 – Monday and Tuesday (9 AM to 7 PM); Wednesday (9 AM to 5 PM);
Venue: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – Santana, São Paulo/Brazil)
More information: www.bfshow.com.br www.bfshow.com.br

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The 3rd edition of BFSHOW, a trade fair held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil, is supported by 16 footwear industry unions from all over Brazil. The event, which takes place from November 11th to 13th at the Anhembi District, in São Paulo/SP, already has more than 290 brands confirmed in an exhibition area of more than 11,000 square meters, double the size of last November's edition.

One of the supporting unions is the Footwear Industry Union of Franca (Sindifranca), which represents the sector in the city considered to be the capital of men's footwear in Brazil. The union, with the support of Franca City Hall, is taking part in the next edition of BFSHOW with the Franca Fashion Space. In this edition, there will be 15 companies in an area of around 220 square meters. “Business is expected to be very good, and we expect results to be higher than those achieved at the last show, which was R$800,000 in sales, not to mention relevant international contacts,” said the organization's president, José Carlos Brigagão do Couto, noting that BFSHOW is now a benchmark for trade fairs in the sector. “There was so much interest in taking part in the fair that the Espaço Moda Franca even had a waiting list. This proves that BFSHOW showed what it was here for and met the expectations of exhibitors and shopkeepers,” he concluded.

Also from São Paulo, representing the women's footwear segment, the Jaú cluster has been present since the first edition of BFSHOW. In this edition, the local industries will be present at a collective stand supported by the Jaú Footwear Industries Union (Sindicalçados Jaú) with a total of 12 exhibitors and 19 brands. “The fair provides a unique opportunity to boost business both for companies that are just starting to exhibit and for those that already trade significant volumes at the event. Since the first edition, there has been a significant increase in the volume of business and, as such, we expect a significant increase in November”, comments the union's president, Luis Felipe Rodomonte.

Representing Brazil's main children's footwear producing hub, the Birigui Footwear and Clothing Industry Union (Sinbi) will be at BFSHOW supporting 12 brands. “Of the supported brands, ten are certified with the Indication of Origin Seal, a guarantee of quality, comfort, creativity and sustainability that guide children's footwear. Taking part in events of great importance, such as BFSHOW, is essential for strengthening the brands in our cluster and increasing their visibility on both the national and international markets,” says the organization's executive director, Silvia Mestriner. According to her, the 3rd edition of the fair should exceed expectations in terms of visitors and results compared to the first shows. “With the constant dedication of the companies in our cluster, we are ready to present the most modern and innovative products, translating this into excellent business,” she said.

Largest state delegation
Nova Serrana, a footwear hub in Minas Gerais that is known for producing sports shoes, will be at BFSHOW with 59 brands, not just sneakers, but from other segments, the largest delegation from the state with a collective stand at the show. “And there's a chance that this number will increase next month,” warns the president of the Nova Serrana Intermunicipal Footwear Industry Union (Sindinova), Ronaldo Lacerda. “BFSHOW helps companies better define their plans for next year. Our expectations are very positive,” he said.

In addition to the unions listed, BFSHOW has the support of the footwear industry unions of Rio Grande do Sul (Sicergs), Campo Bom/RS, Dois Irmãos/RS, Estância Velha/RS (Sicev), Farroupilha/RS (Sindicalfar), Igrejinha/RS (Sindigrejinha), Novo Hamburgo/RS (Sic), Parobé/RS (Sindicap), Sapiranga/RS (Sics), Bahia, Fortaleza (Sindicalf) and Paraíba (Sindicalçados Paraíba).

The footwear sector is one of the industries with the highest concentration of SMEs in Brazil: out of 53,000 companies in the country, 92% are small and micro enterprises. When combined with medium-sized businesses, according to RAIS 2022, they account for over 5,000 companies that employ nearly 140,000 people, based on 2023 data from the Ministry of Labor and Employment's. To stand out and strengthen the economy, many brands will participate in the 3rd edition of BFSHOW, the main footwear trade show in Brazil, organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil. The event will take place from November 11 to 13 in São Paulo/SP, bringing together hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of Brazilian retailers and international importers. The second edition of the event, held in May, attracted over 9,000 national and international visitors.

An important market for small, medium, and micro-sized footwear entrepreneurs, BFSHOW provides access to retailers and importers who would otherwise be out of reach for these businesses. "BFSHOW encouraged us to aim higher. We were present at the last edition and will continue participating, seeking new markets outside Brazil, which is one of our main goals. The event is a major and important showcase for the sector," says Cacio Piccoli, director of Tree Shoes, a medium-sized company from Santa Catarina state. Producing around 1,000 pairs per day, Tree Shoes’ strategy focuses on staying away from mass production, betting on product diversification combined with creativity, quality, and comfort. The company operates throughout Brazil and exports to countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay.

"BFSHOW has established itself as a meeting place of opportunities for Brazilian SMEs with retailers and vendors from around the world, increasing the visibility of these brands and, consequently, their sales. We offer the best conditions for them not only to showcase their products but also to grow and expand their presence in both national and international markets," says Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil.

However, being an SME comes with many challenges. Isaque Weber, Commercial Manager of Werner Calçados, lists labor costs, technology, raw materials, bureaucracy, and even inter-state tax issues as the main difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in the sector. “Large groups can negotiate better raw material prices and have greater advertising and marketing investment power, for example. These are challenges that Werner Calçados has faced and overcome throughout its 55-year history, allowing us to stand out in the industry. We offer high-quality shoes with unique designs and comfort, which keeps us strong in the market," he adds.

The medium-sized company from Rio Grande do Sul has a strong presence both in Brazil and abroad, with representatives in 80% of Brazil’s states, as well as an internal team that directly serves retailers in other regions. Internationally, Werner Calçados does business in over 40 countries, with a significant presence in Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Argentina. "BFSHOW provides the opportunity to launch our new products to key national and international players. It streamlines our networking by bringing top buyers from Brazil and abroad to the event, offering us great visibility and allowing us to reach both markets at once."

In the last edition of BFSHOW, 35% of the 318 exhibitors were categorized as micro and small businesses, and 49% as medium-sized companies. Entrepreneurial support institutions organized collective spaces to help these businesses participate in the event. Sebrae-RS brought the Estação Moda RS, a shared space for 18 micro and small businesses affected by the floods in May, to the first edition of the event in São Paulo. During the event, they closed deals exceeding R$ 44 million, selling over 55,000 products to around 500 different buyers, according to Sebrae.

For the November edition, one of the initiatives to promote SME participation comes from the city of Franca. Through a public notice, the city's Development Department will select 15 footwear and accessory manufacturers from the region to participate in the collective stand of the Espaço Moda Franca project. “BFSHOW is a unique opportunity for all players in our sector. For exhibitors, it offers the chance to showcase their products to new buyers, gaining different clients and markets. For retailers, it’s an event that brings together the best and most modern products all in one place at once, saving hours of research and negotiations," concludes Letícia Sperb Masselli, Abicalçados' Relationship and Business Manager.

Registration Open and New Venue

Registration is now open for retailers, importers, and industry professionals through the website bfshow.com.br. In November, the event will move to a new location, taking place at the newly renovated Distrito Anhembi, in the northern part of São Paulo. With 64,000 square meters of exhibition space, a convention center, hotels with over 7,000 rooms within a 5-kilometer radius, a 13,000-square-meter restaurant, and areas for relaxation and nature, Distrito Anhembi represents an important step in making BFSHOW one of the leading trade shows in the world.

SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Date: November 11 to 13, 2024 (Monday to Wednesday)
Venue: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – Santana, São Paulo/Brazil)
For more information and registration

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).

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3rd BFSHOW
Location: Anhembi District - Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1,209, Parque Anhembi, São Paulo/Brazil
Date: November 11 to 13, 2024 (Monday to Wednesday)

Footwear Trade Show BFSHOW Announces Floor Plan with 92% of Space Sold The 3rd edition of the BFSHOW footwear trade show, organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, has already sold 92% of its exhibition spaces. Recognized as the main footwear trade show in Brazil, the event will take place from November 11th to 13th at the Anhembi District in São Paulo, Brazil.

Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados, notes that the growth of the event and the engagement of footwear companies are reflected in the numbers achieved for this third edition. "We have over 11,000 square meters of exhibition space, compared to 5,500 square meters for the corresponding collection show held in 2023. In other words, we’ve doubled the space and will continue to grow, as both the industry and footwear retailers have recognized BFSHOW as the main business platform for the sector in Brazil," emphasizes Ferreira, adding that the previous November event featured 127 brands, while this third edition already has 238 confirmed.

Waitlist for 2025
According to João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, BFSHOW's success is so significant that there is already a waitlist for the Summer edition, set to take place in May 2025. “The forecast for 2024 is a 2% growth in the footwear sector, which will require retail replenishment. Expectations are high for significant deals during and following the event, with negotiations initiated at the show," Picolo predicts.

The list of exhibitors for the November show is available on the BFSHOW website, where visitors can also register for the event. Check the updated floor plan here. aqui.

The 3rd edition of BFSHOW, Brazil’s leading footwear trade show organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, is generating high expectations for the national footwear industry. The event, which will take place from November 11 to 13, will bring together manufacturers responsible for 80% of the country’s production, along with thousands of Brazilian retailers and international buyers from around the world.

Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados, emphasizes the positive moment for the national footwear industry and expects this to be reflected at the trade show. "This year, we expect to produce approximately 870 million pairs, an increase of over 2% compared to 2023, with growth driven by the domestic market. BFSHOW serves as a barometer for the sector and should reflect this favorable moment for domestic consumption," he projects.

Expertise
João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, says that the organizer, in partnership with Abicalçados, is behind the largest footwear trade show in South America, combining the company’s expertise with Abicalçados’ sector knowledge. "NürnbergMesse has brought the experience of major international events to the Brazilian footwear market, establishing the continent’s largest footwear trade show, not only in terms of business volume but also in the quality of exhibitors and buyers, all carefully selected based on recommendations, purchasing potential, and market reach," he explains.

Top retailers confirmed
One of the major brands confirmed for BFSHOW is Constance, which operates more than 280 stores across Brazil and sources its suppliers directly at the trade show through private label agreements.—where the products bear the client’s brand. Alessandra Noronha, the company’s Product Director, emphasizes that the trade show is an opportunity to see and connect with Brazil’s leading footwear and accessory suppliers, "all gathered at an event that breathes fashion, trends, and innovation." According to her, the brand's outlook is highly positive. "We want to further strengthen our relationship with our key suppliers, who are preparing their industries to meet our growing demand. We're also looking to explore opportunities to develop new suppliers for our partner portfolio," she notes.

Tatiany Lemes, Product Manager at Studio Z, one of the main footwear retailers in southern Brazil, highlights that BFSHOW is the largest national meeting between footwear suppliers and retailers. " At the trade show, all of our key partners will be gathered, greatly streamlining negotiations. In just three days, we will gain insight into the top trends in the footwear market, which will guide our purchasing decisions for the end of the year, especially for the holiday season," says Tatiany, adding that, in addition to new product launches, BFSHOW offers excellent immediate purchase opportunities to replenish stock. "With all the top manufacturers and retailers from Brazil present, as well as industry leaders, BFSHOW provides us with a detailed market overview, offering insights into consumer behavior and even the socio-economic conditions of our partners," the manager concludes. Studio Z operates 105 stores in some of Brazil’s major footwear consumer markets.

Registration now open
BFSHOW is now open for registration for retailers, importers, and industry professionals at bfshow.com.br.

The second edition of the fair, held in May, attracted over 9,000 national and international visitors, who conducted business with Brazilian footwear manufacturers.

SERVICE
3rd BFSHOW
Date: November 11 to 13 - Monday and Tuesday (from 9 AM to 7 PM); and Wednesday (from 9 AM to 5 PM);
Location: Anhembi District (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 - Santana, São Paulo/SP)
Further information: www.bfshow.com.br.