Although visitor numbers at Mir Kozhi Obuv, held March 23-26 in Moscow, were down 6%, the sentiment was positive according to its organisers: the National Association of Italian Footwear Manufacturers (ANCI) and BolognaFiere.

Approximately 300 companies participated, with Italian exhibitors accounting for the majority. Companies from Germany, Mexico, Russia and Spain also presented new products at the event.

''The sentiment of the Italian companies that participated at Obuv was positive,” said Vito Artioli, president of ANCI. He added that buyers appear to have selected products in a more prudent way, paying more attention to the quality of goods and the way they are produced, rather than for cheaper shoes. He also claimed there is a growing tendency among buyers to stick to established contacts.

A number of Italian companies will be travelling again to Moscow for the Shoes From Italy show, which runs May 20-22.