The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), through Brazilian Footwear, an export incentive program maintained in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), is preparing for the participation of 27 national brands in the Colombia Mission. The event will take place in Bogotá from January 20 to 22.

The Colombia Mission was preceded by a preparatory seminar for participating brands, held last December. During the event, the Head of Business Solutions at the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Juan Diego Echeverry, emphasized the growth of the Colombian fashion market, which increased by 6% in 2023, generating over $7.6 billion. Meanwhile, Abicalçados' Market Intelligence Coordinator, Priscila Linck, highlighted Colombia's positive GDP growth projections, forecasting a 2.5% increase by 2025. According to Radar Forecast, 70% of Colombian consumers surveyed plan to maintain or increase their purchasing levels in 2025 compared to the previous year. The online seminar also featured contributions from Camila Gómez, from the Radar group, and local buyers.

The Mission
Carla Giordani, from Abicalçados' Business Division, explained that the Mission will include business matchmaking sessions between Brazilian companies and Colombian buyers, aligning market supply and demand. Additionally, the initiative will feature a media engagement activity—Photocall—with the local press. Supported by Brazilian Footwear, the participating brands include: 365 Soft, Actvitta, Bebecê, Beira Rio Conforto, BR Sport, By Cool, Coca-Cola Shoes, Diversão, Dumond, Itweens, Modare, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Novopé, Pampili, Pé com Pé, Petite Jolie, PG4 Galleria, Santa Flor, Solis Brasil, Strike, Street, Usaflex, Vinci Shoes, Vitz, and Vizzano.

About Abicalçados:
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) is the entity that represents the national industry, the fifth largest producer of footwear in the world, the largest in the West. Founded in 1983, Abicalçados, is headquartered in Novo Hamburgo/RS, has in its membership companies of all sizes and that account for more than 65% of the total pairs of shoes produced in the country. The entity represents an industry that directly employs more than 290 thousand people. Its mission is to represent, defend, develop and promote the Brazilian footwear industry, with respect, excellence and results. Learn more: abicalcados.com.br

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