Recognised as the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, BFSHOW is the meeting point between the international market and Brazilian footwear. Held twice a year, the event showcases the latest collections from the country’s leading brands in an environment of excellence designed to serve buyers from around the globe.
The show is organised by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with NürnbergMesse Brasil, the Brazilian subsidiary of the German event giant.
The first edition took place in November 2023, and since its second edition, the trade show has been held in São Paulo, Latin America’s largest business hub, with the goal of facilitating the participation of both national and international buyers. Its fourth edition, in May this year, featured 353 Brazilian brands and more than 12,000 visitors, 10 per cent of whom came from abroad.
For the next edition, taking place on 10-12 November, BFSHOW has already registered 33 per cent more accredited international buyers in the first eight weeks compared to the same period in 2024, bringing strong expectations for exhibitors.
Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados, emphasised that the fair is now the largest showcase for Brazilian footwear. As a result, it has been attracting buyers even from markets that do not yet import from Brazil…
“We have the largest footwear industry in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world, offering quality, sustainability, and competitive prices,” he said. “In this next edition, we are aiming for an even greater diversification of markets.”
The international presence is fostered by the International Buyer Program, an initiative of the fair and Brazilian Footwear, the export incentive program for Brazilian footwear maintained by Abicalçados in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). In the May 2025 edition, the initiative brought 175 buyers from more than 53 countries.
Europe is one of the main partners of the Brazilian footwear industry. Germany is considered a strategic country for Brazilian Footwear, while France, Spain and the UK are currently the main destinations for Brazilian shoes in Europe. Together, they accounted for approximately $47 million in business between January and August 2025, according to data from Brazil’s Secretariat of Foreign Trade.
ESG in the footwear sector
Sustainability is one of the great pillars of the Brazilian footwear industry. This distinctive feature also led to the creation of the world’s only ESG and sustainability certification for the footwear supply chain, Origem Sustentável, which was born in Brazil. Based on international best practices, the certification is guided by indicators across five dimensions: economic, environmental, social, cultural, and sustainability management. Today, more than 110 companies in Brazil hold the certification.
“The Brazilian footwear industry is the most sustainable in the world in this segment, and NürnbergMesse Brasil is aligned with this fact,” added Rico Azeredo, Head of New Business and leader of international initiatives.
“At BFSHOW, we are deeply committed to sustainable practices, which is why we have a dedicated space – the Sustainability Arena – where an exhibition of sustainable footwear is held. In addition, much of the material used at the fair will be recycled and given an environmentally responsible destination.”
The next edition of the trade show will take place on 10-12 November at Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo/SP. The 6th BFSHOW will be held on 18-20 May 2026 at the same venue.
