Though the official visitor figures are not due for release until next week, the consensus is that this year's Lineapelle was better attended than the year before, and that a brighter mood prevailed.

Against the backdrop of the current economic climate, it would be fair to say that most attendees had limited expectations of the event. This possibly explains the slow start to the first day’s proceedings and the less than crowded aisles. It was a different story on day two however as visitors from outside Italy started to arrive in serious numbers. Judging by the level of sampling taking place, the price cuts made by some producers in anticipation of low levels of buyer interest also had the desired effect. On the third and final day, visitor levels appeared stronger again, prompting suppliers in some origins to consider putting their prices back up.

While Lineapelle has always been promoted as a meeting point first and selling platform second, good levels of sales were reported, putting some producers on course for a better year-end than expected. Reflecting the wider market picture, the greatest demand appeared to come from the upholstery and automotive buyers, followed by the garment producers who showed a particular interest in suede types. Unsurprisingly, little interest was seen from the footwear sector.

The hopes of all were neatly summarised in the observation made on the last day by one visitor, the hide supplier Ernesto R. Moos. "Though nobody is under any illusions as to the reality of the wider economic situation, I think the general air of optimism has come as a pleasant surprise to many. Now, we just hope that it doesn’t prove temporary."

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