Futurmoda, the international fair for leather, components, and machinery for shoes and leather goods, opened its doors this week at the Alicante fairground in Fira Alacant. Forty-nine exhibitors showcased growth across participants and exhibit space. The fair welcomed a total of 222 exhibitors representing 310 participating companies over more than 12,000 square meters of gross exhibition space, plus 2,500 square meters for restaurants and public areas in this edition. This edition brings together companies from all sub-sectors, including machinery, across an exhibition area of roughly 2,000 square meters.
Additionally, the edition reports a recovery of the sector to pre-pandemic levels, with figures approaching those of 2019.
Futurmoda expands its commercial prospects and increases the number of international exhibitors
Some solid numbers stand in contrast to the market’s recent volatility. Price increases have spurred acquisitions and supplier-side growth, yet consumer demand may slow in 2023. Inflation remains under control, but rising prices are felt by end buyers. An example from Europe is cited by Álvaro Sánchez, CEO of the Association of Spanish Shoe Component Companies (AEC), organizer of Futurmoda, as a point of reference in the broader inflationary context.
The industry remains optimistic, particularly in the export arena. Sector exports grew by 17% in 2022 versus 2021, and turnover edged close to the 2019 level, around 1.5 billion euros. Shoe exports alone reached about 1,367 million euros in 2022.
Raw material shortages, rising energy costs, and freight issues affected imports and production, yet companies sought national and European solutions to maintain supply.
On the first day, optimism grew as exports recovered and shoe production came back online after the pandemic. Industry voices emphasize the need to reindustrialise and to invest in national production to stay competitive internationally.
The Economy Minister presided over Futurmoda’s 49th edition opening and highlighted strong expectations for the sector. More participants and a larger surface area signal the demand for fairs that bolster the economy.
Of the participants, 69% were Spanish and 31% international, with attendees from Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, Bangladesh, and China, reinforcing a robust European-wide offering.
The fair showcases leather, synthetic fabrics and materials, shoe components, semimanufactured parts, soles, heels, plates, and prefabrication, plus decorations, technology, graphic arts, and packaging, along with raw materials, chemicals, and sustainable materials, as well as services and media.
Futurmoda expands its commercial prospects and increases the number of international exhibitors
machinery
This edition again features participation from machinery companies, technology providers, certifiers, consultants, manufacturers, and marketers of machinery, equipment, vehicles, and tech solutions that serve the major fashion brands.
The event is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top fairs, with a growing international visitor flow compared to prior years. The fair’s leadership notes increased international attention and ongoing expansion plans for additional pavilion space to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors.
Relative to the previous year, the fair grew by about 21% in participants and 27% in exhibitor counts. The AEC highlights footwear exports exceeding 3,000 million euros as a recovering benchmark after the pandemic, with positive momentum seen across the sector. The association’s leadership stresses a return to pre-pandemic levels alongside noticeable growth in participation and international interest.
Still, rising costs and ongoing raw material shortages remain concerns. The industry remains cautious but confident that the trajectory will improve, supported by resilience and a focus on domestic production and reinvestment.
The drive to offer on-trend, tangible products fuels the shoemaker and leather goods sectors, and Futurmoda again delivers a comprehensive, international platform for those buyers and makers alike.
Machinery exhibitors present the latest innovations for advanced manufacturing, including automation, sensing, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, direct printing, predictive maintenance, and process control aligned with Industry 4.0 in the footwear sector. The Elche mayor notes that the fair continues to consolidate and grow as a reliable indicator of industry health.
Elche hosts account for a large share of the fair’s activity.
In summary, despite market volatility, optimism remains due to strong export prospects and visible signs of recovery in production and trade.
trends
Recycled materials and a circular economy take center stage in 2024 trends. Futurmoda signals the season’s direction, promoting regenerative processes and sustainable products designed with a circular approach.
The Green Planet zone features over a hundred companies showcasing natural, ecological, recycled, and sustainable materials. Many exhibitors have embraced sustainability across their booths, reflecting a broader industry shift.
Colors will be vibrant with digital-inspired accents and warm neutrals balancing the palette.
IFA Sanitation
The Economy Minister highlighted strong support from the Generalitat and Alicante Fair Association for a positive 2022 performance, with the fair continuing to operate efficiently and profitably for the region.
Officials emphasize ongoing collaboration with the business sector to ensure sustained momentum and regional economic benefits.