Photograph. Valencia.
International fairs
The footwear industry of the Valencian Community, with 28 companies from Elche at the forefront, is reinforcing its commitment to internationalization at the Expo Riva Schuh & Garda Bags fair in Italy, presenting its collections for summer 2027 to more than 1.000 international exhibitors.
The footwear industry of Comunitat Valenciana, with 28 companies from Elche At the forefront, it reinforces its commitment to internationalization at the fair Expo Riva Schuh & Garda Bags en Italia, presenting the collections for summer 2027 to more than 1.000 international exhibitors.
Elche The Spanish delegation leads the main event in the sector.
The Minister of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, Marián Cano, has visited in Italia the fair Expo Riva Schuh & Garda Bags, one of the key events on the global calendar for the footwear and accessories sector. In this edition, the Spanish participation, organized by the Spanish Footwear Industries Federation (FICE)It features 40 exhibitors and 60 brands, 70% of which come from the Comunitat Valencianahighlighting the strong presence of Elche with 28 companies.
"Once again we see firsthand the commitment of companies in the Comunitat Valenciana, and in this case from the province of Alicante"because of the major international events," he noted. Cano During her visit, the regional minister was accompanied by the president of FICE, Vicente Pastor, and the general secretary of the Valencian Association of Footwear Entrepreneurs (AVECAL), María Ángeles López Rico.
A strategic showcase for the summer 2027 collections
Expo Riva Schuh It has established itself as the leading international trade fair for the mid-range volume footwear and marks the start of the calendar for the presentation of new footwear and handbag collections for the summer 2027 season. With more than 1.000 exhibiting companies from 44 countries, the event attracts retailers, distributors, importers and e-commerce operators with high purchasing power.
As the regional minister explained, the fair "represents a real opportunity for companies to reach significant commercial agreements." She added that Valencian participation has a direct impact on "opening markets, generating international contacts, validating trends, gathering strategic information, and strengthening the collective brand of Valencian footwear at one of the sector's leading global meeting points."
Institutional support for external competitiveness
During his tour of the stands of the Alicante companies, Marián Cano He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to "continue designing programs and support initiatives to promote the internationalization of the various sectors of the Valencian economy." In this regard, he highlighted the structural leadership of the region in the footwear industry.
"The sector has demonstrated its ability to adapt and be competitive in international markets and is leveraging its expertise to continue gaining market share abroad. In this endeavor, they have the support of the Ministry of Industry and this Council," he stated. Cano. The Comunitat Valenciana It is the region that exports the most from España, concentrating 32% of the total footwear and 38% in the specific case of leather footwear.
Key Data on Footwear Exports (Comunitat Valenciana)
| Concept | Figure |
|---|---|
| Quota on national exports (general) | 32% |
| Quota on national exports (leather) | 38% |
| Export value (2025) | 1.137 millones de euros |
| Year-on-year change (2025 vs. 2024) | 0,6 % OFF |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the footwear sector in Expo Riva Schuh
Why is the fair strategic? Expo Riva Schuh for a Spanish company?
It is the first event on the international trade fair calendar and specializes in mid-range, high-volume footwear. This allows Spanish exporters to present their summer collections in advance and connect directly with major distributors, importers, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, optimizing their sales cycle.
What business consequences does this have for España Valencian leadership in the sector?
The strong positioning of the Comunitat ValencianaThis sector, which accounts for a third of national exports, acts as a driving force for the entire Spanish industry. It strengthens the "Spain Brand" abroad, establishes a standard of quality and design, and opens doors in international markets that benefit companies from other regions.
What should exporters know about trends for 2027 based on this trade fair?
The massive presence in Riva del Garda It indicates that validating trends at physical trade shows remains crucial. Exporters must understand that, beyond showcasing products, these events are vital for gathering market intelligence, analyzing the competition, and adjusting production and marketing strategies for upcoming seasons.
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