The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), through Brazilian Footwear—its footwear export support program developed in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil)—held the second edition of its Trade Mission to Chile on July 21 and 22. The initiative took place in Santiago and brought together 32 Brazilian footwear brands.

Carolina Eccel, from Abicalçados' Business Department, said  that more than 8,000 pairs of footwear were sold during the mission, generating US$122,000 (R$615,000) in on-site business. Including deals expected to be concluded following the mission the total reached 62,600 pairs and US$1.18 million (R$5.9 million). “Participation was highly productive. The Chile Trade Mission continues to attract an increasing number of Brazilian companies, especially given the urgent need to diversify export markets amid the challenges currently affecting the United States,” she says.

According to Carolina, the participating Brazilian brands held 186 business meetings with buyers from Chile, Bolivia, and Paraguay over the two-day mission. “Many companies join the Trade Mission for the first time to gain a better understanding of the local market. They were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the buyers and the immediate business opportunities. More than 87% of the contacts established during the event were with new buyers,” she says.

First-Time Participants Report Strong Results
Of the 32 brands taking part in the initiative, nine were participating in the Trade Mission for the first time. According to Wagner Kirsch, Commercial Director at GVD Internacional, the company's debut exceeded expectations. “Initially, we didn't have high expectations because we had not yet established a presence in the Chilean market. However, the mission pleasantly surprised us, especially because of the quality of the contacts and the business opportunities expected over the coming months. We will definitely return for the next edition,” he says.

Vitor Rosa, Commercial and Product Development Director at BKR/Manchester, also highlighted the quality of the contacts made during the mission and the value of Abicalçados’ expertise in attracting buyers from some of Chile’s leading retail players. “We exported to Chile several years ago. After being away from the market for some time, we decided to return with the support of Abicalçados and ApexBrasil, which proved to be extremely valuable. Without their assistance, we would not have achieved the same results on our own,” he says. According to Vitor, the mission also gave the company a deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of Chilean consumers, helping shape a more targeted strategy for the market. “We have product lines that are well positioned to perform in Chile. I'm taking materials back with me to develop a collection for a local client,” he adds.

The following brands participated in the second edition of the Trade Mission to Chile, supported by Brazilian Footwear: Actvitta, Beira Rio, BR Sport, BKR, Cravo & Canela, Confortale, Democrata, Ferricelli, Giulia Domna, Jotape, Klin, Lança Perfume, Maithe, Manchester, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Novopé, Perlatto, Petite Jolie, Pyramidis, Radamés, Renata Mello, Santa Lolla, Santinelli, Sound Shoes, Sound Kids, Suzana Santos, Vizzano, World Colors and Zohla. 

About Brazilian Footwear:
Brazilian Footwear is an export promotion program developed by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). The program aims to expand the global presence of Brazil’s footwear industry and its brands through market development, trade promotion, and branding initiatives. Today, nearly 300 companies participate in the program, which generated US$128.3 million in business for supported Brazilian companies over the past year. Participation is free of charge, and interested companies can contact Abicalçados for more information. Learn more: brazilianfootwear.com.br | abicalcados.com.br/brazilian-footwear

About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad while attracting foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve these goals, ApexBrasil carries out a wide range of trade promotion initiatives designed to boost exports and enhance the international visibility of Brazilian products and services. These include trade and market-prospecting missions, business matchmaking events, support for Brazilian companies exhibiting at major international trade shows, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to experience Brazil’s production capabilities firsthand, among other business development initiatives aimed at strengthening the Brazil brand. The Agency also works in coordination with public and private sector partners to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic industries that enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country’s economy.