Alicante hosts the Trade Fair Authority for a further year, showcasing the 48th edition on 5 and 6 October. This international event gathers components, tanning, textiles, and machinery for footwear and leather goods, presenting autumn-winter trends for 2023-2024.
The fair’s head organizer, José Antonio Ibarra, spoke at a press conference to promote the event, noting a rebound in the industry confirmed by this edition. The fair is set to welcome 410 participants, with 325 exhibitor stands across a total area of 11,680 square meters. Approximately 70 percent of participants come from Spain, while 30 percent arrive from other countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, and Morocco.
Leading European sector companies consistently unveil their new collections at Futurmoda, and this edition anticipates 25 percent first-time attendees. Attendance highlights show significant participation across categories: 40 percent leather goods, 18 percent components, 16 percent decorations, 15 percent textiles, 5 percent chemical products and raw materials, 3 percent graphic arts services, lacquers, and molds, and 3 percent technological offerings. Although machine suppliers won’t be central this edition, a few contributors will still showcase innovations. Álvaro Sánchez, managing director of AEC and Futurmoda, emphasized that the international circuit has reopened and this event will be an effective barometer for the industry’s health.
Another emphasis lies on digitalization and sustainability. In line with this focus, Green Planet hosts over a hundred companies, showcasing the latest natural and ecological materials intended for footwear and leather goods. This initiative, led by the AEC, introduces a new exhibition space that highlights sustainable material ranges within the industry. It is designed to connect designers, manufacturers, and suppliers around responsible choices and innovative solutions. [Citation: Futurmoda leadership statements, industry press materials]
Parallel events at the fair
One of Futurmoda’s major draws is the array of parallel programs designed to augment the fair’s value. Throughout the exhibition, technology seminars and industry breakfasts address a variety of topics directly relevant to operations, product development, and market strategy. Three technology institutes—INESCOP, CTCR, and AITEX—will participate, exploring challenges such as health, comfort, wellbeing, and sustainability as they apply to the sector. The program will also include discussions on artificial intelligence for companies in the footwear and leather goods industry, examining practical applications and adoption considerations. [Citation: Futurmoda event agenda]
The ESIC Business School has confirmed attendance, with discussions around job opportunities in the circular economy and the broader strategic implications for the sector.
Industry status
Comparative figures from 2021 and 2020 indicate a 15 percent rise in turnover, a 16 to 17 percent growth in exports, and a 2 to 3 percent uptick in employment. These gains marked a solid rebound through 2021, and while data for the first half of 2022 had not been finalized at the time of reporting, trends remained consistent with the recovery trajectory observed in previous years. [Citation: Industry statistics reports]