In 2024, world footwear consumption is expected to increase by 9.2 per cent compared to the previous year, according to the World Footwear Survey of more than 100 footwear specialists worldwide.
“The Portuguese footwear industry exports more than 90 per cent of its output, so the sector’s performance will always depend on the evolution of the main international markets,” said Paulo Gonçalves from the Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components and Leather Goods (APICCAPS).
“After a very challenging 2023 for companies, prospects are still precarious, but we’ll see Portugal at the forefront of European footwear production, together with Italy and Spain –the three countries together cover 71 per cent of European production.”
According to Eurostat data over the last decade, footwear production in Portugal has increased by 14.4 per cent (from 74 to 85 million pairs). In 2022, the Portuguese footwear industry overtook Spain to become the second largest footwear producer in Europe.
This is why Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags chose Portugal as a stop in its Around the World programme aimed at strengthening international relations with key stakeholders in the footwear industry.
Last month, thanks to the support of APICCAPS, the staff of the Riva del Garda event visited the two main shoe manufacturing districts in Portugal, defined as “the capitals of the Portuguese shoe”.
Felgueiras, north-east of Porto, where the largest companies dedicated to private label and specialised in particular in the production of men’s shoes are concentrated. On a smaller scale and with a more artisanal vocation are the companies in the Sao João de Madeira district.
Attention to detail and respect for delivery times is the common trait that characterises the Portuguese footwear industry. One of the country’s most important brands, Ambitious, produced by Celita – Industria de Calçado Lda, emphasised this:
“For us, making a difference means putting the utmost care into detail and design. It means investing in technological innovation, communication and being impeccable in meeting delivery times.”
A commitment that the staff of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags found when they visited the two factories of the company, which has been on the market for over 30 years and employs around 200 people.
Companies such as Luis Onofre, a brand that works with the most important luxury brands, but whose plans include further development of the private label for the medium/high end of the range, have also expressed interest in participating in the Riva del Garda event.
But at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags one also participates as a buyer or to seek new collaborations. This will be the case with Planitoi, owner of the Beppi brand, which outsources the production of its men’s/women’s trainers and children’s footwear, for which it is renowned, to Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese and Portuguese companies. Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags in June 2024 will be the ideal hub to meet and get to know their possible future partners.
The stage in Portugal of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Around the World confirmed the country, already a major player in the international footwear scene, as the protagonist of the next edition of the Riva del Garda fair, from 15 to 18 June 2024, with some 30 participating companies.
