The Portuguese footwear and leather goods cluster, which exports over 95% of its production to 172 countries on five continents, is back in Milan to introduce the new collections for the next Summer.
In the course of a week, almost 80 companies will represent the Portuguese offer at the three main trade fairs in the sector, Lineapelle (37 Portuguese exhibitors), MICAM (36 national exhibitors) and MIPEL (one exhibitor), traditionally held in one of the main European fashion capitals.
Step-by-step
After two years of "health contingency”, 2023 marks the return of Portuguese footwear companies to international markets. Since the beginning of the year, the sector has taken part in more than 20 promotional initiatives abroad. According to the association, "the latest fairs have already shown signs that we are returning to pre-pandemic levels, so, we can expect a growing increase in the sector’s promotional activity in foreign markets”.
After two years of "health contingency”, 2023 marks the return of Portuguese footwear companies to international markets. Since the beginning of the year, the sector has taken part in more than 20 promotional initiatives abroad. According to the association, "the latest fairs have already shown signs that we are returning to pre-pandemic levels, so, we can expect a growing increase in the sector’s promotional activity in foreign markets”.
The organization of the Milan trade fairs says that last February, more than 48 thousand professionals visited the events, an increase of around 25% over the previous edition, with buyers from Germany, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom standing out. Buyers from South Korea and Japan also came back in force to northern Italy.
For a highly export-oriented sector like footwear, "foreign trade promotion is decisive”, points out the Association. For APICCAPS, "when our entrepreneurs and professionals travel, learn first-hand the reality of each market. Then, they also get to know the competition, deepen their knowledge of consumer trends and, finally, glimpse business opportunities”. "We can’t slow down this dynamic, which allowed the Portuguese footwear sector to win customers all over the world”, highlights the association led by Luís Onofre.
Footwear diversifies
In addition to the step-by-step return to professional trade fairs, the footwear and leather goods cluster moves forward with its strategy of diversifying investments. Currently, 70 companies are part of the Valuing the Offer project, with a total investment of around 3 million euros.
The investments are particularly focused on Communication and Advertising Consultancies, Online Platforms, Digital Marketing and the production of photographic and multimedia content. Investments on Registration of Brands and Models and in Websites and Online Stores also steam ahead.
In addition to the step-by-step return to professional trade fairs, the footwear and leather goods cluster moves forward with its strategy of diversifying investments. Currently, 70 companies are part of the Valuing the Offer project, with a total investment of around 3 million euros.
The investments are particularly focused on Communication and Advertising Consultancies, Online Platforms, Digital Marketing and the production of photographic and multimedia content. Investments on Registration of Brands and Models and in Websites and Online Stores also steam ahead.