The opening of the borders after Covid has finally allowed the return to Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags of nations that had been excluded in recent years due to travel constraints and restrictions. We spoke about this with Ying Zhang and Valentina Planchestainer, both Sales & Exhibition Executives of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.

Ying Zhang – Sales & Exhibition Executive of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi

During the June edition we therefore witnessed the great return of the Far East, of countries and regions that had been missing for some time, in particular China, with +250 exhibitors, but also Japan, Nepal, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand, both for shoes and bags. Thanks to the Hybrid Service, the remote participation service implemented at the last editions, it was possible to maintain business relations with Chinese exhibitors and buyers who have now chosen to return in attendance. This demonstrates the importance of a trade fair like this for maintaining business relations, making new meetings and creating profitable synergies.

Exhibitors from India are also returning, in higher numbers thanks also to the collaboration with the Council for Leather Export association, and an important presence is noted from Pakistan, which is growing from edition to edition. In addition, Asian manufacturers attract a significant number of buyers, in June we expect a higher number of participants than last edition, from over 100 countries worldwide. Collaborations do not end with exhibitors, but also include relationships with institutions and trade associations. The aim is to keep the entire sector united, before, during and after the fair, so as to bring about continuous market growth over time.

Valentina Planchestainer – Sales & Exhibition Executive of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi

During the June edition all the districts representing the main production areas in China will be present. In particular, the Municipality of Wenzhou, a city-prefecture located in the south-eastern part of the Chinese province of Zhejiang, will be there with an institutional stand. This is the reference province and the second largest in terms of production in China, which has seen Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags as the launch pad towards internationality. It will present the leather goods and footwear production district, one of the most important in China, together with their strategic development projects for the future. In addition, CLIA – China Leather Industry Association – will be present for the first time, with a collective of shoe companies, including models for children, teenagers and adults, and bags, casual and evening wear. Concerning innovation and sustainability, CLIA also states “Our exhibitors have carefully prepared the latest and most suitable products for the needs of European consumers. Some exhibitors used recycled biomaterials compliant with the Global Renewable Standard (GRS) to produce bags, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of Chinese companies”.

Fonte: National Bureau of Statistics, studio Ice in esclusiva per Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags

CLIA, together with leading figures from the major Asian Associations, will be present during the Summit promoted in cooperation with CIFA – Confederation of International Footwear Association, which will be held on Sunday 18 June 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The title of the event is: ‘Demand Meets Supply: Challenges and Opportunities on Consumer Trends and Supply Chain in the Post-Pandemic World. Leaders from both the demand and supply side of the footwear industry discuss the future of footwear sourcing”.

Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is an ever-growing event that promotes business meetings on an international scale and current topics such as sustainability through concrete actions, always keeping a close eye on industry trends brought by small and large exhibitors and manufacturers.