On March 19, the opening of the 51st exhibition "Shoes" took place. The World of Leather» at the Expocentre Fairgrounds » in Moscow. This is one of the most important events in Russia dedicated to the products of the shoe and leather industry of the middle and high price segments. In the new season, we can again talk about the large-scale presence of Italian companies: the Italian exposition unites 106 companies and occupies about 2.5 thousand square meters of exhibition space.

For more than 10 years ICHE Agency has been assisting in the organization of Italian participation, provided by the association Assocalzaturifici, and strengthens the image of Italian products through an extensive support program, including the organization of a business trip of buyers. The delegation of Russian specialists consists of 35 buyers from 21 cities of the Russian Federation and Belarus. The program includes more than 420 bilateral meetings.

Comments Annarita Pilotti, President of the association Assocalzaturifici: "Presence in the Russian market remains a key task for our companies. Our association continues to provide operational support to enterprises that want to strengthen their business in an extremely important area for our exports. Despite the fact that the price factor has become even more relevant, the Russian consumer continues to strive for a quality product, the highest expression of the Italian bello e ben fatto. In addition, the significant growth of online sales channels registered recently makes it easier for Italian companies to enter the Russian market.

Especially for Italian companies, the Department of Trade Advice Agencies of the ICHE have prepared an information note on the new system of marking goods and traceability of the movement of goods using identification marks in the Russian Federation, which will begin to be applied from July 1, 2019. On March 20, the exhibition will host a meeting with representatives of Italian companies, at which a representative of the Department of the ICHE Agency will talk about the main procedures provided for by the new legislation.

Data from the Russian customs service for 2018 indicate that the export of shoes and leather goods to Russia from Italy amounted to 314.6 million euros and 134.1 million euros, respectively, showing a slight decrease in the footwear sector (-3.1%) and positive dynamics in the leather goods sector (+15.1%), compared with 2017. In both sectors, Italy ranks second after China, with a market share of 11.3% in footwear and 17.2% in leather goods.

Comments Pier Paolo Celeste, Director of the ICHE Agency in Moscow: "Italy occupies a leading position in the high segment and leaves its direct competitors far behind. Despite the slowdown in consumption rates, the ICHE Agency will continue to implement initiatives to support Russian buyers so that they can offer their customers the latest novelties. That is why the choice of delegates implies a strict selection aimed at giving preference to specialists working in cities where consumption growth is registered.

Photo: from open sources