The Brazilian footwear industry’s international negotiations are starting 2025 on a high note. The winter edition of the Italian trade show Expo Riva Schuh, held from January 11 to 14 in Riva del Garda, Italy, brought promising results for the 40 Brazilian brands participating in the event. The show concluded with the sale of 375,000 pairs of shoes, generating over $5.4 million. Including deals initiated at the trade show, the figures rise to 1.6 million pairs and $21.3 million. These results surpass those recorded during the January edition last year. Brazil's participation was promoted by Brazilian Footwear, an export support program maintained by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

According to Letícia Sperb Masselli, Abicalçados’ Business and Relationship Manager, Expo Riva Schuh has been held for over 50 years and understands the importance of adapting to the dynamic market. “Once again, this edition introduced changes expected to impact results in the short, medium, and long term. Most Brazilian companies have been attending this event for more than one or two decades, reaping the benefits of consistent participation that showcases the commitment of Brazil’s footwear industry to the international market.”

One of the companies that has been present at Expo Riva Schuh for 15 years is Bischoff Group (Igrejinha, RS). The group’s export manager, Henrique Galhego, emphasizes that maintaining a consistent export strategy is essential for achieving positive results. “We’ve been sowing the seeds for years, and this trade show is where we see the harvest. Visitor turnout exceeded expectations, with new clients and markets such as Yugoslavia, England, Poland, Palestine, and Ireland. We also maintained relationships with existing clients, with sample orders and deals closed on-site,” says Galhego. He also points out that the election of the new U.S. president has raised concerns among companies about their Asian production due to potential tariff increases. “At this trade show, some companies have already started looking to Brazil as a country offering quality products at competitive prices.”

With an active schedule at the Italian trade show, Awana (Campo Bom, RS) differentiates itself by designing shoe models alongside clients during meetings at the event. Product developer Milton Möller creates new designs during consultations, which are later manufactured in Brazil and exported. “Expo Riva Schuh is our main trade show. While the January edition is less strong compared to June, we saw a positive reaction to more casual and formal footwear. This edition surprised us with new contacts,” states Möller, noting that one of the markets where they secured sample orders was England.

Already confirmed for the next edition in June, Levecomfort (Franca, SP) returns to Brazil having reactivated an important client in the Middle East. “We scheduled several meetings and made new contacts that resulted in sample orders and factory orders. Reactivating a client in Saudi Arabia alone made our participation worthwhile,” comments Gustavo Figueiredo, the company’s export analyst. He adds that the overall evaluation is positive, meeting expectations, and that contacts were made with visitors from the UAE, Greece, England, Indonesia, and other countries.

Visitor Attendance
According to Expo Riva Schuh’s General Manager, GianPaola Pedretti, the 102nd edition of the trade show saw attendance levels similar to those recorded in January 2024. Preliminary figures indicate around 9,000 visitors from 100 countries over the four days. The event hosted 1,100 exhibitors from 36 countries, with Brazil being one of the main international delegations. “We’re pleased with the results of the trade show. Despite the market's complexity, we managed to hold an event with a high number of exhibitors and visitors. Traditionally, 80% of attendees are European, providing Brazilian companies with a great opportunity to enter or solidify their presence in European markets. Following our visit to Brazil last year, we worked to increase the number of buyers from the Middle East and North Africa, as these are important markets for Brazil’s footwear industry,” concludes GianPaola.

This edition of the Italian trade show featured the following Brazilian brands supported by Brazilian Footwear: Actvitta, Ala, Andacco, Arezzo, Awana Group, AXG Export, Azaleia, Beira Rio, Bibi, Boaonda, BR Sport, Capelli Rossi, Cartago, Comfortflex, Copacabana, Democrata, Grendha, GVD International, Jorge Bischoff, Klin, Levecomfort, Leveterapia, Loucos & Santos, Madeira Brasil, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Pampili, Petite Jolie, Piccadilly, Polo Go, Ramarim, Schutz, Stéphanie Classic, Valentina, Vizzano, Werner, Zatz, and Zaxy.

About Brazilian Footwear:
Brazilian Footwear is an export incentive program developed by Abicalçados in partnership with ApexBrasil. This program aims to increase the presence of the Brazilian industry and its brands in the international market through development actions, commercial promotion and image. Currently, more than 300 companies are served by the program, which last year generated US$ 147.5 million for Brazilian companies supported by Brazilian Footwear. Learn more: brazilianfootwear.com.br | abicalcados.com.br/brazilian-footwear. 

About ApexBrasil: 
Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) is the Brazilian government’s trade and investment promotion agency. Regarding the investment activity, we support international investors as they analyze the opportunities to establish a plant in Brazil, start a partnership with a Brazilian company, or commit capital in Brazil through funds and companies. Our goal is to satisfy investors needs and generate results as we attract technology, innovation, new companies and generate jobs in Brazil. Learn more: https://apexbrasil.com.br/br/en.html#home.