Italian shoemakers look to Brazil
Brazil has become the target location for two Italian shoe manufacturers looking to expand production and reduce costs. Infant footwear manufacturer Falk Naturino and women’s footwear manufacturer Mario Valentino are looking to create joint ventures with Brazilian companies. Other companies such as Ramirez and Campanile are also reported to be studying the possibility of a move into South America.
There are several reasons why Brazil is so attractive to shoe manufacturers. The availability of raw materials and the proximity of lucrative export markets are two obvious advantages. Then there is the opportunity for lowering labour and transport costs and the prospect of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) accord, which is designed to remove trade barriers.
