The Federation of Spanish Footwear Manufacturers, known as FICE, participates in the International Congress in Istanbul, the sector’s premier forum. The focal point is origins and the pathways that can secure the industry’s future. A spokesperson for FICE and the AVECAL association underscores the necessity of building common strategies across nations to navigate today’s geopolitical shifts and challenges. The objective is to boost competitiveness and drive industry growth through international collaboration. Attendees include FICE Marketing Director Imanol Martínez and delegates from INESCOP, Pablosky, and Pikolinos, illustrating the collaborative spirit of the event.
The conference carries the theme Reshaping the Future, bringing together Spanish companies under FICE to examine how the sector is evolving and where opportunities lie. Topics at the Istanbul gathering cover catalytic trends, digital transformation, and sustainability within the footwear industry, along with innovative approaches shaping the field.
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New technologies
A central focus is the adoption of new technologies across the footwear sector. Martínez notes that speakers highlighted the value of investing in new technologies and digitalization. This shift should be viewed as a driver of profitability rather than a mere cost. The move toward advanced systems is seen as enhancing worker efficiency while contributing to business prosperity, reinforcing the idea that modernization benefits the entire value chain.
Cano adds that the industry’s strategy centers on people as part of a broader 5.0 framework. The secretary explains that the discussions provided a valuable opportunity to hear from leading companies about how they navigate current conditions and implement effective business models. Among the speakers are leaders from two Spanish firms. Julia Pérez de Tudela Navarro, head of Kaizen at the Pikolinos group, and Miguel Pomares of Ecoalf share perspectives on meeting evolving consumer demands and implementing sustainable production practices.
The congress also features the presence of renowned futurists and trend forecasters who assess how technologies and emerging shifts will shape commerce. Executives from Clarks, Li-Ning, and other major brands contribute insights into the evolving landscape of footwear and consumer behavior, underscoring the global nature of the industry’s shifts.