Brazilian leather sector closes its participation in Italian exhibitions certain that leather will continue to be a symbol of luxury

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If the current crisis plays a negative role in various sectors of the economy, it is not felt with the same intensity in the luxury and high end market. Or so is the perception of executive president of the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), José Fernando Bello. Bello has just returned from Italy, where he took part in Lineapelle, the celebrated leather fashion exhibition that happened between September 09th and 11th, in Milan. CICB, who next to Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency coordinates Brazilian Leather, project dedicated to the sector’s international promotion, took three Brazilian tanneries to exhibit their products in the famed Italian event. Best Brasil (OCM); JBS Couros and Nova Kaeru Exotic Leathers presented their articles next to top quality suppliers from all over Europe, proving that leather produced in the country is on top of the game.

According to Bello, Brazilian entrepreneurs left Lineapelle Winter 16-17 well-pleased. “Tanneries received a great number of visits and consolidated extremely positive contacts”, he says. In CICB’s executive president opinion, Lineapelle proves leather sector’s strength. “The event gathered more than 600 tanneries. It received a great public and was visited by the world’s most important brands. It’s definitely one of the most important events in the international leather calendar”, adds Bello.

World Leather Congress

The day before Lineapelle, on September 08th, Milan also hosted the 2nd World Leather Congress. Recognized as the world’s most important leather business event, the congress’ second edition was organized by UNIC (Unione Nazionale Industria Conciaria - Italy). Besides executive president of CICB, José Fernando Bello, the Brazilian Leather project was also represented in the meeting by its Commercial Intelligence coordinator, Rogério Cunha. Brazilian Leather, in fact, was among WLC’s sponsors.

According to Cunha, the event was successful in gathering the sector’s major leaders. “During the congress the main issues and challenges regarding the segment were discussed, making very clear that this important article will continue to play its role as a noble and unique product”, he says. “Leather will sure be more and more used by the luxury and high end sectors, because of its quality and its unmatchable properties.”

Cunha says the 2nd World Leather Congress also gave space to discussions covering the following themes: innovation and industrial productivity; tools and the importance of using digital media and platforms within the sector; sustainable production; evaluation of raw material availability, amongst others. “Moreover, the 17 nations associated to ICT (International Council of Tanners) made a brief presentation about each country’s sector.

In this context, CICB/Brazilian Leather presented a report on Brazil, giving a well-deserved emphasis to CSCB (Brazilian Leather Sustainability Certification), the first Brazilian certification dedicated to sustainable production. “We took to the opportunity to present a video about the project, that was very well received be the public”, says Cunha.

The first World Leather Congress was held in Brazil in 2011, in Rio de Janeiro, and organized by CICB. The congress’ next edition will happen in 2017, in Shanghai, China.