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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENT DETAILS
4th BFSHOW
Date: May 19 to 21 — from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 19 and 20, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 21
Venue: Distrito Anhembi (Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana neighborhood, São Paulo/SP)
More information and registration: www.bfshow.com.br