Brazil: Landscape has altered for shoe firms
Exports from the Brazilian footwear sector grew 5.4% to 130 million pairs in 2014.
Total value fell 2.6% as a result of fluctuating currencies, but the sector still broke through the billion dollar mark.
Footwear association Abicalcados said: “Overall, the strengthening of Brazilian currency led to a redefinition of the competitive landscape in which Brazilian footwear companies find themselves operating, where the companies feel an increasing need to work on the quality and design of their products. In in the current panorama, it is indispensable for Brazilian brands to be able to focus on a distinguishing element other than price.”
Thirty-five Brazilian businesses took part in the recent Micam Milan shoe show, hosting their own stands rather than a country stand, which Abicalçados says is a sign of growing confidence.
“Brazilian companies have grown a lot in recent years, so much so that they are now ready to independently face the challenges posed by international markets,” said Letícia Sperb Masselli, Abicalçados coordinator. “This was one of the Association's major goals and stimulates the continuation of our work to promote Brazilian design globally.”
