Russian demand for Italian shoes rockets
16/10/2013
In the first half of 2013, 4.3 million pairs of Italian shoes were imported by Russia - 18% more than in the same period last year. Their value increased 14% to €320 million.
Around 3.7 million pairs of these were made from leather - a 20% increase in volume and a 13% increase in value (€303 million).
Cleto Sagripanti, president of Assocalzaturifici, the Italian footwear manufacturers association, said the growth is due to the association’s export strategy and the manufacturing efforts of the participating companies.
A record number of exhibitors are in Russia for medium and high-end footwear fair Obuv’ Mir Koži, currently under way in Moscow. Jointly organised by Assocalzaturifici and BolognaFiere, the fair ensures visibility in Belarus, Ukraine and Central Asian countries.
Ronny Bigioni, coordinator of the Assocalzaturifici Russia Lab, said: "The fair is a landmark event for the industry; a business opportunity to approach the operators of a market that is continuing to choose Italian products. Our country is managing to keep its head above water despite the crisis that has long been affecting our markets, offering products that always meet industry expectations."
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