The 103rd edition of Expo Riva Schuh, held from June 14 to 17 in Riva del Garda, featured 42 Brazilian brands. The national participation was supported by Brazilian Footwear, the sector’s export promotion program maintained by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). According to a report from Abicalçados, more than 497,000 pairs were sold during Expo Riva Schuh, generating over US$ 6 million. Additionally, sales expected over the coming months from deals initiated at the event should reach US$ 15.77 million, bringing the total business volume to US$ 21.77 million.

Abicalçados Business Coordinator Paola Pontin says the participation was highly effective. “Although the visitor flow was lower than in previous editions, the trade show was attended by buyers who were genuinely focused on doing business. In addition to the visitors who had pre-scheduled meetings with the companies, we also welcomed new clients,” she emphasizes. According to her, another highlight was the strong interest from international buyers eager to attend the next edition of BFSHOW in November. “Major players approached us to learn more about our trade show and to organize their schedules for the visit in November, in São Paulo/SP,” she adds.

Exhibitors
Silvana Silveira, Export Manager at Pampili, emphasizes that Expo Riva Schuh is a trade show that “always surprises” with new and important contacts. In this edition, these contacts came from buyers from the United States and Canada, which, given the current market scenario, is highly relevant for the company. “We also reconnected with clients from Saudi Arabia and Cyprus, in addition to resuming and maintaining business in other markets,” she says. According to her, continued participation in the trade show is essential for maintaining and increasing the brand’s visibility in the international market, especially in Europe.

For Israel Reis, Export Manager at Boaonda, the trade show provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with key clients in the international market. “Expo Riva Schuh plays a very important role in our market consolidation strategy, especially in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia,” says Reis, emphasizing that this is only possible by “being present at the event.” “The show attracts a large number of distributors, especially from Italy. This proximity is essential for our exports,” he concludes.

Piccadilly, which took the opportunity to celebrate its 70th anniversary with international clients from 18 countries at a private event, was pleased not only with the visitor turnout but also with the closing of new deals. “We secured very important orders from both long-standing and new clients,” the company celebrates. Over the four days of the event, the brand reported visits from Singapore, Tanzania, Portugal, Israel, Canada, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Libya, among other countries. “The trade show is always very important for Piccadilly. It’s highly effective, especially the summer edition, which is this one held in June,” the company assesses.

Having participated in Expo Riva Schuh for over eight years, Democrata was also pleased with the new opportunities opened during the event. “Our goal here has always been to enter new markets and develop new channels for business continuity. In this regard, we had a strong showing,” says Anderson Melo, Export Manager at the footwear company. Over the four days of the event, he reports high visitor traffic, especially from buyers from Eastern Europe, Lebanon, and South America.

Abicalçados Serves as Judge at the Innovation Village Competition
The 103rd edition of Expo Riva Schuh featured a startup competition focused on digital innovation for the fashion and footwear sector. Representing Abicalçados, Marketing and Strategy Manager Cristian Schlindwein served as a judge for the initiative. With nine startups participating, the competition also included a sustainability panel, in which Schlindwein was a speaker. The winner of the competition was Irisphera, a startup that uses artificial intelligence and 3D technology to help customers find clothing that best fits their bodies. As part of the prize, the company will participate in the next edition of the trade show, scheduled for January 10 to 13, 2026.

The Trade Show
In its 103rd edition, Expo Riva Schuh featured more than 1,100 exhibiting brands from 40 countries, including Brazil. The show attracted over 12,000 buyers from around 100 countries, with more than 80% coming from Europe.

Participating in Expo Riva Schuh with the support of Brazilian Footwear were the following brands: Actvitta, Ala, Andacco, Awana Group, AXG Export, Azaleia, Beira Rio, Bibi, Boaonda, Bonton Leather Care, BR Sport, Capelli Rossi, Cartago, Comfortflex, Copacabana, Democrata, Ferracini, Globo, Grendha, GVD International, Jorge Bischoff, Klin, Levecomfort, Leveterapia, Ligthgel, Loucos & Santos, Madeira Brasil, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Pampili, Piccadilly, Polo Go, Ramarim, Santinelli, 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