Category: News

With less than a month to go until the 2nd BFSHOW, held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, the meeting consolidates itself in the market as the largest footwear fair in Brazil and generates expectation among confirmed visitors. With 270 brands already confirmed and a growth of more than 100% in the exhibition area and the confirmed presence of the main footwear market players in Brazil, BFSHOW expects to receive 10 thousand national and international buyers between May 21st and 23rd, at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo (SP). In this edition, it will be possible to know firsthand the new releases of the Spring-Summer 2025 collections of the Brazilian footwear sector.

This is the main expectation of the designer Gustavo Silva, from Serafine, from Minas Gerais. The clothing brand is in its third shoe collection and takes advantage of BFSHOW to meet new suppliers and what will be trending for the next season. “I want to see the novelties with regard to materials, soles and colors. It is important for us to select partners and suppliers that are aligned with the trends of our clothing collection. The first edition of the fair was excellent for us, as we were looking for important suppliers. The range offered by BFSHOW is excellent and we expect that in São Paulo this volume of options will be even greater and we will find new suppliers for the brand”.

Another buyer confirmed for the event in São Paulo is Humberto Costa, representative of Grupo Planeta Jeans, a chain of six stores in Paraná. "We hope not only to find the trends for the summer, but also to strengthen the relationship between shopkeeper and factory. The proximity offered by BFSHOW also guarantees us the possibility of doing new business, finding other manufacturers, other products and allowing us to make good deals also in our stores.” Same goal as Mohamad Abdul Majid, from the importer Sad Trading, from Mozambique. “The fair offers networking, new business and partnerships opportunities, in addition to putting on display the new trends for the summer - the next collection to be marketed in Brazil and also in Mozambique.”

The fair has been generating high expectations to visitors from all over Brazil. "Sao Paulo will be a great stage. A place where we will find representatives, manufacturers, importers, exporters and shopkeepers all in one place. We will definitely make great purchases and good deals and thus keep our stores more and more updated with new trends in the footwear market. We are sure that this will be the biggest fair of all time and we will together make this the best year for the footwear sector”, celebrates Francisco Aldemir Bezerra de Souza, commercial director of Planeta Calçados - chain with 8 stores present in the cities of Juazeiro do Norte, Crato, Barbalha, Iguatu, Brejo Santo -, and director of Síndilojas in Juazeiro do Norte (CE).

The business and Relationship Manager of the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), Letícia Sperb Masselli, points out that BFSHOW is also an international meeting point for the footwear sector. “The fifth largest footwear industry in the world, the most sustainable among its competitors, has a great showcase at the fair. It is an unmissable event, in which we will have more than 80% of the national footwear production presenting their collections for the hottest season of the year. We are sure that it will be a success that will give a spirit injection to the activity”, she points out.

One of the people responsible for the fair, Ricardo Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil, highlights the growth of the event. "BFSHOW has doubled in size in this edition, reinforcing the importance of this event for the Brazilian footwear sector. We are preparing a high standard fair to welcome the expected 10 thousand visitors, who are looking for the best products to offer to national and international consumers. Buyers will have an even better experience in this edition.”

Buyer Program
Success in the first edition, the Buyer Program is also back. An initiative of BFSHOW, which has the support of ApexBrasil within the scope of international buyers, the action seeks to encourage business between national and international buyers and exhibitors at the fair. In 2023, the action took to BFSHOW buyers from Brazil and countries such as Australia, Bolivia, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States, Portugal, Russia, United Kingdom, among others.

International buyer participating in the program, Emma Damas Malamsha, from Apri Arch Fashion Ltd, importer and distributor of footwear from Tanzania, Africa, highlights that BFSHOW is an important exhibition for the sector. "Today, our main strategic partner is China, but at BFSHOW we have discovered other suppliers with potential, with which we can partner and do business. There is a lot of collaboration in the sector and the fair is a great opportunity to get to know each other”, she says.

Strengthening ties at BFSHOW is also the goal of Grupo Real Calçados, a chain founded in Bahia with more than 100 stores throughout Brazil. “It is a way to interact with suppliers and be closer to see what offers, new releases, novelties and trends are coming. We create bonds there because when we bet on a product, we establish a connection with the supplier themselves, which gives us support and confidence”, says director Ivan Nunes Andrade Filho.

In its first edition, BFSHOW received international buyers from five continents who generated more than R$ 315 million in business with the international market.

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 largest Brazilian footwear fair, BFSHOW already has more than 220 confirmed brands, 183 of them exclusive. The companies bet on the national fair, held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, to launch their Spring/Summer collections, the most important season of the year for Brazilian footwear and which absorbs more than 70% of the total sales of the industry. The 2nd edition of BFSHOW takes place at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo/SP, between May 21st and 23rd, and accreditation is already open on the website.

One of the companies that are only confirmed at BFSHOW is Grendene. The commercial director of the footwear company, Paulo Barth, points out that expectations for the fair are quite positive. “We believe that we will have a very significant number of customers visiting the fair, both from the domestic market and from the foreign market”, he predicts. According to him, the show, also due to the fact that it has confirmed large suppliers, should attract the attention of the main players in the market, being a relevant opportunity for the presentation of Summer collections, the most important one for Grendene. “The second semester is historically our most representative semester and we have a very positive expectation for the business we will carry out during BFSHOW”, highlights the director, adding that, in addition to the hot season's collections, the company will offer high-turnover products for prompt delivery.

Another giant confirmed exclusively at BFSHOW is Alpargatas. “We are very happy to participate in the BFSHOW fair, an event that provides a unique opportunity to emphasize the importance of the footwear market for Alpargatas and Havaianas, a leading brand in the segment of flip flops”, evaluates the specialized commercial director of Havaianas Brasil, Bruno Correa Marques. For him, more than presenting the summer collections, the footwear fair will further strengthen partnerships and relationships in the sector, as it is a meeting point for Brazilian footwear with the world.

With confirmed presence at BFSHOW, Petite Jolie is another company that will launch its summer products exclusively at the footwear fair held by Abicalçados. “We need to be where the customers are and our expectation is that they will be, largely, at the BFSHOW. In addition, participating in this moment, in which we have the possibility of seeing a new great fair performing in the city of São Paulo is very important for our visibility”, comments the National Commercial Manager of Petite Jolie, Ruy Ferreira. For BFSHOW, the shoemaker will take the entire team of regional representatives to welcome the shopkeepers. “The fair marks the presentation of the brand's Summer I collection, so the client will find all the novelties related to trends and colors of the most joyful season of the year,” says the director.

Meeting point
BFSHOW is a fair created by Abicalçados in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil to be the meeting point of Brazilian footwear with customers from all over the world, in an objective, business-focused and transparent way. The show should bring together, in May, about 250 brands of all sizes and Brazilian footwear poles that together account for more than 80% of the national production of the sector. The visitation is estimated at more than 10 thousand buyers and professionals of the activity, both from Brazil and from the international market. In the first edition of BFSHOW, which took place in Rio Grande do Sul, were generated, only in international business, more than R＄ 315 million.

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.

More than sustainable products, the Brazilian footwear industry, in line with a growing movement worldwide, has been adopting socially and environmentally correct production practices. Currently, the fifth largest footwear producer on the planet, the largest outside Asia, has been standing out as an international reference for clean production and aligned with ESG concepts. As it had to be, between the 21st and 23rd of May, at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo/SP, the protagonism of the sector in the area will also be exposed in the 2nd edition of BFSHOW, the largest footwear fair in Brazil.

A research released last year by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) points out that more than 95% of Brazilian companies in the sector work with environmentally adequate disposal of their productive waste; 79% of industries perform control of restricted substances; and 62% of industries consume electricity 100% from renewable sources. "These are data that corroborate the intense work carried out to adapt the production of footwear to the new reality of a more conscious consumption and oriented towards sustainability not only environmental, but also social. Today, people want to know what they are consuming, where the product they are wearing comes from, and companies that are not adapted to this new world tend to have many difficulties in the market, especially internationally”, evaluates the executive president of the entity, Haroldo Ferreira.

In practice
At BFSHOW, a fair that already has more than 230 footwear brands that account for 80% of the national production of the sector, 75% of the footwear industries certified in the Sustainable Origin program, the only ESG certification for companies in the footwear production chain in the world, will be present. One of the companies confirmed at BFSHOW is Tess, manufacturer of the Kenner and Redley brands, which bets on the footwear show to leverage an ambitious internationalization project. “We do not want to export price, we want to export added value to demanding markets and these markets require sustainability, with consumers wanting to know the origin of the manufacture of their products,” says the company's CEO, Thomas Simon.

Among the highlights of Tess is environmental sustainability in its production process. With heavy investments in technology and innovation, Tess reduced raw material disposal by 50% from 2021 to 2023. By 2026, the goal is to reduce another 50%. “Another important point is our product. We have developed a shoe to last more than ten years, without exaggeration. With this, we reduce the waste disposal”, highlights Simon.

Representing the sustainability of the children's footwear segment, Bibi will also be at BFSHOW. The company, certified in Sustainable Origin, counts as one of its pillars the concern with sustainability and has created goals and commitments in the area to be achieved by 2030. Among the commitments are: to achieve 100% compliance of products manufactured in the Reach Standard (Regulation No. 1907/2006 European Parliament) regarding toxicity, to reduce by 20% the generation of waste in the development of new products and industrial operations, among others. "We believe that, increasingly, consumers are prioritizing brands with initiatives that contribute to society and the environment. In this way, in addition to offering a quality product that respects the happy and healthy development of children, we are a company that aims to reduce the impacts of operations on nature”, comments the company's president, Andrea Kohlrausch.

The fair
Created by Abicalçados in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, BFSHOW is already the largest Brazilian footwear fair in occupied space, with hundreds of the main Brazilian footwear brands, from all segments, sizes and footwear poles. The visitation is estimated at more than 10 thousand buyers and professionals of the activity, both from Brazil and from the international market. In the first edition of BFSHOW, which took place in Rio Grande do Sul, were generated, only in international business, more than R＄ 315 million. Accreditation for visitation is open on the website.

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 Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) announces that the second edition of BFSHOW, the professional trade fair for the footwear industry, co-organized with NürnbergMesse Brasil, to be held from May 21st to Mat 23rd at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo/SP, has the four main footwear producers in the country confirmed for the event: Alpargatas (Havaianas), Calçados Beira Rio, Grendene, and Vulcabras. According to the association, with more than 92% of booths sold, the May-2024-edition of BFSHOW, will present the Spring-Summer collections of Brazilian companies, who represents 80% of the total Brazilian footwear production. 

According to the promoter, there are over 200 confirmed brands, expecting the visitation of more than 10,000 national and international buyers. "All segments, sizes, and Brazilian footwear hubs will also be at BFSHOW, demonstrating the event's strengthening," says Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business at NürnbergMesse Brasil. 

The Projects Manager at Abicalçados, Letícia Sperb Masselli, highlights that, after a successful first edition in Rio Grande do Sul, BFSHOW has earned its place and prepared a bigger and better fair for May. "In this second edition, we are already doubling in size, attracting more and more Brazilian buyers and those from the main world markets. BFSHOW is today the main national fair and a meeting point for the global footwear industry," she evaluates. 

Expectations 
According to Abicalçados, expectations are very positive, considering that the May BFSHOW will present Spring-Summer collections, which represent over 70% of sales in the national footwear industry. "In 2024, we expect to grow by around 2% in pairs produced," Letícia projects. According to her, in the first edition of the event, there were over US$ 65 million (R$ 315 million) solely in business with international buyers, a figure that is expected to be exceeded in the May edition. 

The list of all confirmed brands so far and the accreditation of retailers are 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. 

With a growth of over 100% in the exhibition area, reaching 10 thousand square meters, and major brands already confirmed, the 2nd edition of BFSHOW, footwear trade fair held by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, has over 80% of its space sold out. By the first half of February, over 170 brands were already confirmed. The event, which will launch the Spring-Summer collections of Brazilian footwear manufacturers, will take place from May 21 to 23, at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo/SP. 

Abicalçados' executive president, Haroldo Ferreira, highlights that, after a successful first edition in Rio Grande do Sul, BFSHOW is making its mark and preparing for a larger and better event in May. "We will have companies of all sizes and segments, which will receive over 10 thousand national and international buyers, who will come independently or through projects carried out in joint efforts between Abicalçados, NürnbergMesse Brasil, and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil)," he projects. 

According to him, the fact that the trade fair has doubled in size already in its second edition demonstrates the maturity of the proposal and the increasing engagement of Brazilian footwear manufacturers of all sizes and production centers. "We have many new companies joining BFSHOW," Ferreira celebrates. The group of exhibitors seeking to have their first experience at BFSHOW is growing, with the adherence of large companies, such as Beira Rio, Grendene, Sugar Shoes, and Petite Jolie, as well as medium and small ones like Giulia Domna, Ferricelli, Perlatto, Akazzo, Black Free, among many others (see the complete list below). 

Business 

Ferreira also highlights optimism regarding business. "Brazil is internationally recognized as one of the largest suppliers of summer footwear, which represents over 70% of the totalamount of pairs sold annually(more than 600 million out of the approximately 900 million pairs produced). We are a reference for the world, and this will certainly be reflected in sales during BFSHOW," he comments. In the first edition of the show, last November, over US$65 million (R$315 million at the time's exchange rate) were sold, solely for exports. 

Privileged Location 

João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, emphasizes the importance of the location of the second edition of BFSHOW. "Hosting the event in São Paulo, the largest city and main business hub of Latin America, with all the amenities of a complete infrastructure with a wide and qualified network of restaurants, bars, and cultural options, favors the visitation of buyers from all over Brazil and the world," evaluates Picolo, highlighting that the city is situated in one of the main global airport hubs. 

The Transamerica Expo Center is one of the most modern exhibition spaces in Latin America. It is located close to São Paulo's public transportation network and 12 km from Congonhas Airport and 42 km from Guarulhos International Airport. 

The following brands are already confirmed for the 2nd edition of BFSHOW: Actvitta, ADG Export, Adrun, Aéropostale, Akazzo, Alex Senne, Amaia Brasil, Amanda Amaral, Amora Maria, Anatomic Gel, Andacco, Anna Flor, Apogeu, Aramis, Ayura, Ayê, Azaleia, B/Green, Barbie, Batatinha, Bebecê, Beira Rio, Bibi, BKR, Black Free, Blitzz, Boaonda, Bottero, Box 200, BR Sport, BTA, By Brava, Byara, Camin, Campesi, Carrano, Cartago, Classe Couro, Colcci, Coca Cola Shoes, Colorê, Comfortflex, Confort Way, Corinthians, Crato, Cravo & Canela, Crep, Cromic, Dakota, Data System, Dem-bas, Democrata, Di Valentini, Diadora, Diversão, Euro Soccer, Ferracini, Ferricelli, Fiocco, Flor Amor, Florence, Fofioro, Freeway, Frizzante, Giovanna Fashion, Giulia Domna, GLK, Gogowear, Grendene Kids, Grendha, Guilhermina, Hello Kitty, Improviso, Ipanema, Itapuã, Izalu, K360, Kidy, Killana, Klin, Kolosh, Kolway, Krisle, La Fitty, Levecomfort, Leveterapia, Lorena Fernandes, LPS, Luma Luz, Lynd, Manchester, Manutt, Marina Carvalho, Mary Jane, Mezzo Punto, Minecraft, Mississipi, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Mormaii, Mr. Dias, Nadia Talita, Nautica, Nesk, New Face, One Flip, Opananken Antistress, Ortopasso, Oxn Futebol, Pampili, Pampili Mini, Patrus Transportes, Pegada, Perlatto, Petite Jolie, Piccadilly, Pimpolho, Pink Cats, Plugt, Polo Go, Power Sport, Rainha, Ramarim, Randall, Raquel Dias, Rayon, Rep-Play, Rider, Rubro, Sandili, Savelli, Scatamacchia, Serenitx, Serenity, Shelter, Slink Kids, Sophia Almeida, Start Flex, Street, Strike, Sugar Shoes, SVL Footwear, Talita Dias, Tanara, Topper, Torrenezzi, Tree Shoes, Trilha da Lua, Tweenie, Usaflex, Via Marte, Via Uno, Via Vip, Viccini, Villarosa, Villione, Vip Star, Vizzano, Voices, Vorax, Vulcabras, Walk Way, West Coast, Wini Peg, Wirth, World Colors, Zareia e Zaxy. 

Registration for the first edition of BFSHOW is open on the website  

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 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.