Category: News

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.

There is still time to participate! Do business and make connections with Brazilian brands.

We are waiting for you! Click here and register right now. Click here e credencie-se agora mesmo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International 

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

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

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

Sustainability 

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

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

Union 

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

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

Check out the BFSHOW schedule 

21/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates  

5:30 PM - Walk with authorities at the fair 

7 PM - Closing of the gates  

22/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates 

11 AM - National and international press conference 

7 PM - Closing of the gates  

23/11 

9 AM - Opening of the gates 

5 PM - Closing of the gates 

About Abicalçados 

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

About the organizers 

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

Less than a month before its realization, the first edition of the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, taking place from November 21 to 23 at the FIERGS Events Center in Porto Alegre, RS, holds great expectations for exhibitors and retailers. The fair, featuring over 100 of the leading national brands in its first edition, expects more than 10,000 Brazilian retailers and buyers from all continents. BFSHOW is organized by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil. 

One of the confirmed groups at BFSHOW is Oscar, one of the largest in the country with 180 stores across the interior of São Paulo, Vale do Paraíba, Triângulo Mineiro, Joinville/SC, Alagoas, and Paraíba. "I believe that 2024 will be a very challenging year for retail, and this type of event, in addition to strengthening the footwear sector, allows us to exchange information with manufacturers and other market players. This is the first time this fair is happening, and I hope to find a lot of information to select products for Winter 24," says the group's product manager, Elisa Gasparetto Indalecio. She points out that since the network develops part of the women's collection as a private label, it is important to find good manufacturers for these developments and exclusive projects. "Being at an event with this quality of exhibitors always creates an opportunity for good business," she concludes. 

The director of the Dinni group, which has 27 stores in Bahia, Sergipe, and Rio Grande do Norte, Alberto Rocha Nunes Filho, emphasizes that, given the confirmed brands, the expectations for BFSHOW are quite positive. "We are expecting a lot from the fair organized by Abicalçados, which brings big brands from all segments and footwear clusters. The fair will be important not only for generating business but also for contributing to fashion trend studies and insights," he assesses. 

International Presence 
In addition to the major Brazilian retail groups, BFSHOW has confirmed the presence of more than 100 importers from around the world in projects carried out in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and NürnbergMesse Brasil. 

One of the confirmed importers at the fair is Carlos Alberto Londoño of Grulla y Wellco from Colombia. "For our company, it is very important to keep up with the evolution of the Brazilian footwear industry through BFSHOW. We hope to find great brands and achieve good business to further integrate the Brazilian and Colombian markets," says the buyer. The group is one of the leading players in the Colombian e-commerce.  

According to Abicalçados, data shows that Colombia has been buying more Brazilian footwear in 2023. According to the organization's data, more than 6.9 million pairs were exported there between January and September, a 4.4% increase from the same period last year. Currently, Colombia is the fourth main destination for Brazilian footwear (in pairs) abroad. 

The Ne Lochlan group, a footwear distributor in Costa Rica, comes to Brazil in search of sports, children's, men's, and women's shoes. The company's president, Alejandro Venegas Benito, emphasizes that being at the fair is very relevant, especially for strengthening the relationship with Brazilian brands they already work with and for exploring new products and options. "Another important factor is the significant presence of international buyers, as the exchange of experiences between markets is very valuable." 

Expectations 
According to Abicalçados, in 2023, industry production growth is expected to be between 1% and 1.7%, surpassing 860 million pairs. Expectations are quite positive for BFSHOW, especially in the domestic market, which is expected to grow by 3% over the course of this year. Check the confirmed brands and register on the website. 

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. 

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. 

With 25 years of tradition, Usaflex is currently experiencing one of its best moments. The company, headquartered in Igrejinha/RS, anticipates growth in both the number of pairs produced and revenue throughout 2023. To achieve this, they are focusing on expanding through single-brand franchises and investing more than R$ 36 million throughout the year, which will increase production capacity by over 28% to 36,000 pairs produced daily. 

Ending 2022 with a revenue of R$ 520 million, the company aims to reach the figure of R$ 600 million in 2023, representing a growth of 15.3%. To achieve this goal, in addition to franchise expansion, the footwear company from Rio Grande do Sul has invested in expanding its production and significant media promotion of its products. "Recently, we achieved one of our main goals, which was to expand the manufacturing unit in Igrejinha, with an investment of R$ 36 million. This increased our production capacity from 28,000 to 36,000 pairs daily, a growth of over 28%," says Usaflex CEO, Sergio Bocayuva. 

BFSHOW 

Another strategic move by the company is its participation in the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, a footwear exhibition organized by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) and operated by NürnbergMesse Brazil on November 21-23, in FIERGS, Porto Alegre/RS. At the event, Usaflex plans to introduce innovative technologies, such as the Gel Cushion and a comfort-focused technology that allows shoes to be put on without using hands. 

According to Bocayuva, the development of this technology began in 2021 when Usaflex identified the growing demand for solutions that simplify the act of putting on shoes, offering comfort and well-being to consumers. "Furthermore, it's an inclusive product as it facilitates use by individuals with upper limb disabilities," highlights the CEO. He adds that the key to this technology lies in the shoe's anatomy, which features a rear piece - the counter - that offers a larger area for the heel to slide into the shoe, along with the use of innovative materials like niobium, which enhances overall durability. 

Expectations for the product's launch are high at Usaflex. "Presenting an innovative product like this at an exhibition that aims to revolutionize the concept of trade shows in the country is significant. We have very high expectations for the product's reception because BFSHOW is an exhibition that not only attracts some of the major international players but also numerous retailers from major consumption centers in Brazil," the manager predicts. 

Created to be the leading footwear exhibition in Brazil, bringing together all the industry's regions and segments, BFSHOW will feature over 100 exclusive brands at the exhibition, including Usaflex. 

More about Usaflex 

Founded in 1998 in the city of Igrejinha, Rio Grande do Sul, Usaflex is a pioneer and leader in the manufacture of leather shoes and bags that prioritize innovation, style, and comfort for women. With a production capacity of up to 25,000 pairs of shoes per day, the brand stands out for incorporating technology into more than 50 different product lines, which can be purchased through the online store, multi-brand retailers, or one of the 300 franchises spread throughout the national territory. By the end of 2023, Usaflex aims to reach a total of 340 stores in Brazil." 

Created to be Brazil's main footwear fair, bringing together all sectors of the industry, the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, announced that, less than 60 days before its opening, 96% of exhibition spaces have already been sold, with the presence of the country's leading brands. Of the confirmed brands, over 100 will be exclusively at BFSHOW in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. The fair, promoted by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) and operated by NürnbergMesse Brasil, will hold its first edition from November 21 to 23 at the FIERGS Events Center in the state capital. 

One of the major companies exclusively confirmed for BFSHOW is Vulcabras, from Parobé, Rio Grande do Sul. According to the group's CEO, Pedro Bartelle, the choice of the fair is strategic for strengthening the Brazilian footwear sector. "Vulcabras understands the importance of positioning Brazil, technology, and innovation in the Brazilian footwear sector. It is an opportunity to once again discuss the significance of the largest footwear industry outside of Asia, one of the most sustainable in the world," he comments.  

PG4 Galleria, a high-value-added men's footwear manufacturer from Franca, São Paulo, has also secured its presence exclusively at BFSHOW. The company's director, Giuliano Spinelli, emphasizes that the leading brands in each segment will be at the fair, positioning it as the main and most attractive business fair in the sector in Brazil. "The focus will be on business, so retailers or importers who attend the event will be in the right place for their supply, as they will find the leading brands from all niches, segments, and regions," he evaluates.  

Representing a segment that will be almost entirely present at BFSHOW, Carlos Mestriner, director of Klin, highlights that the fair will feature the best in Brazilian children's footwear. "We are sure that we will see quality business at a unique fair prepared to position Brazil as one of the world's leading players in the sector," he emphasizes.  

From the segment of comfortable women's footwear, Sergio Bocayuva, CEO of Usaflex, is another enthusiast of the event. "In a world of constant transformations, the footwear sector appears to have great potential for evolution. For this, we need a new fair, a new business model in trade shows. BFSHOW is the fair for Brazilian footwear entrepreneurs who want to innovate, offer better service to their customers, create professional business connections, and expand their horizons," he says.  

Industry Unity 

Haroldo Ferreira, the executive president of Abicalçados, highlights that the success of BFSHOW is the result of the unity of the national footwear sector, which for the most part understands the importance of having an internationally renowned fair that will result in investments in the sector through projects and not for a private company. "Proof of this is that over 90% of the brands at BFSHOW will be exclusively with us and not at any other fair. Certainly, both national and international buyers who come to the fair will be positively satisfied to find the leading brands in each segment in an environment fully prepared for business transactions. It will be a true showcase of Brazilian footwear," he comments.  

One of the highlights of the first edition of BFSHOW is the unity in support of the event, with companies understanding that it is a joint effort to strengthen the industry. According to Ferreira, BFSHOW is a moment that marks the history of the footwear industry. "In over 130 years of footwear production in Brazil, we have never had a fair organized by the entrepreneurs themselves and focused entirely on business and transparency. We are experiencing a historic moment of unity for the strengthening of the entire sector. We have the support of 16 footwear industry unions from all over Brazil, in addition to the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil), which is our official partner," he says. ApexBrasil is one of the supporters of the BFSHOW Buyer Project, which will bring over 100 international buyers from all continents. 

A New Model for Trade Shows in Brazil 
NürnbergMesse Brasil, the promoter company associated with the German NürnbergMesse Group responsible for organizing BFSHOW, reports that more than 10,000 buyers are expected to visit the first edition of the footwear fair. "BFSHOW has already been a success since its announcement. Following an international trend of major trade shows, such as Micam Milano, which is promoted by the Italian footwear association, the fair was created by the market and for the market, channeling resources to reinvest in the sector through its industry association. It is a new model for footwear fairs emerging in Brazil," comments NürnbergMesse Brasil CEO João Paulo Picolo. 

Registration for the first edition of BFSHOW is open on the website https://bfshow.com.br/en, where confirmed brands and other event information can be found.  

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. 

Boaonda, an injected footwear industry based in Sapiranga, Rio Grande do Sul, is increasing its presence in the sector's market through significant investments. According to the footwear company, this year's investments in expanding the factory, machinery, and equipment are expected to total more than R$ 9 million.  

The brand's manager, Cássio Romani, explains that the expansion of the factory will be ready in the first half of next year and will require a total investment of over R$ 4 million. "Regarding machinery and equipment, with an investment of R$ 5 million, some are already in operation, and the rest are on their way," says the businessman, adding that the flagship investment is in an injection machine for EVA raw material. 

Perspective 

Despite considering the year "challenging," with instability in both domestic and international markets, Romani expresses confidence in good results, especially due to the work the brand has been doing with its customers, always focusing on quality, comfort, and sustainability. "The estimate is to grow by 12% in production in 2023," he projects.  

One of Boaonda's commercial promotion strategies is participating in the world's major footwear fairs. In Brazil, the company's next stop is at the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, a footwear exhibition organized by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) and operated by NürnbergMesse Brasil, taking place from November 21 to 23 at the FIERGS Events Center in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. 

About the company 

Recently, the Mould Group, which is the "parent company" of Boaonda, celebrated its 28-year history. It currently employs more than 300 workers who produce approximately 1.5 million pairs of shoes per year, with 18% of them being exported to over 30 countries.