Premium footwear expo, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, will premiere in Portugal in June 2023 in hopes of connecting industry experts.
Portugal has seen a surge in footwear manufacturers, solidifying its place as Europe's top producer.
Due to this popularity, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags have named Portugal a location in its worldwide programme to connect industry professionals.
The demand for footwear is expected to grow by 9.2 percent in 2024, with Portugal, Italy, and Spain leading European production.
"The Portuguese footwear industry exports more than 90 percent of its production, so the sector's performance will always depend on the evolution of the main international markets," said Paulo Gonçalves, spokesman for the APICCAPS.
"After a very challenging 2023 for companies, we hope to see some recovery already this year."
The Around the World programme from Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags strengthens international relations with key stakeholders in the footwear industry.
In anticipation of the event, the Riva del Garda event staff visited the two main shoe-making districts in Portugal, which are defined as the capitals of Portuguese shoe manufacturing.
Previously, at the expo in 2023, the established brand Ambition spoke about the common traits of the Portuguese footwear industry. Specifically attention to detail and respect for delivery time. Other prestigious footwear companies, such as Planitoi, Ladrical, and Luis Onofe, have been affiliated with the expo and its opportunities.
The trade fair also hosted a wide range of goods focused on producing outdoor and work and safety footwear. Carité Calçados Lda, the footwear manufacturer, gave knowledge into production and gathered how it produces and exports 100 percent of its sports and safety footwear.
With over thirty participating countries, the Portugal stage of the Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Around the World will host a platform for major and minor players within the international footwear scene to network and learn from each other.
Read more about events here.
