Leather-footwear sector fair in Novo Hamburgo exceeds expectations

Bárbara Lima, from Novo Hamburgo

The 46th International Fair of Leather, Chemicals, Components, Machinery and Equipment for Footwear and Tanneries (Fimec) ended this Thursday (9th), at the Fenac pavilions, in Novo Hamburgo, surpassing initial expectations. According to the organization, there were more than 20,000 visitors and 350 exhibitors, an increase of almost 30% compared to the last edition. The area sold to exhibitors also increased from 7,400 square meters to 10,000.

During the three days of the event, businessmen from all over the world were able to check out the very latest in machinery, chemical components, and equipment for shoes and tanneries. According to the director-president of Fenac, Márcio Davi Jung, the presence of international visitors was surprising. “We had entire delegations from Kenya, China, Peru, Colombia, Argentina. It is one of the best fairs in the last ten years. The stands spoke all languages, including Portuguese”, enthuses Jung.

He also pointed out that the visiting public, in addition to having grown, was willing to do business, which turned into sales for exhibitors. “The market is very hot and Brazil is an example in the list of more elaborate shoes. Our technology is also cutting-edge, which attracts businessmen in the sector, not to mention that we teach our consumers to use our brand, it is a special attention “, considered the president of Fenac.

The optimism in the footwear and tanning sector found support in the sales volume of fair participants. The company 7 Way Tecnologia e Serviços, for example, which represents other brands and suppliers, bet on novelties to attract businessmen and it worked. According to the owner, Karin Kunz, the sales volume quadrupled at this fair in relation to the last ones and the stand received around 40 customers per day. “We haven’t stopped for a second this year. A sign that we are moving well”, stated Karin.

The executive manager of Yhitecsa, importer and exporter of machines, the Peruvian Angel Rojas, came to Brazil in search of machines and materials. “There is a lot of interesting equipment here at the fair. I came here after technology,” This is the second time he has attended Fimec.

One of the main attractions that lasted until the last day was the traditional Concept Factory, a project carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Leather, Footwear and Artifacts Technology – IBTeC, Fenac and Coelho Assessoria Empresarial. With a factory installed inside the event, producing shoes in real time, the action showed the applicability of the technological processes and solutions that were exposed. This year, and for the first time in the history of the action, Fábrica Concept presented five lines of work, with the simultaneous production of children’s, men’s, women’s and safety shoes.

For 2024, the organization projects a 20% growth in sold area. “We believe that 90% of the exhibitors should guarantee space for the next year”, concluded the president of Fenac.