A “GREAT” LINEAPELLE
Lineapelle's real outcome (Milan - Rho, 10-12 September) was: satisfaction, sometimes enthusiasm, for the exhibitors.
It was a double challenge: a new venue and earlier dates. According to the 20,000 buyers, coming from 107 countries, the bet was won.
Designers, buyers from brands and multinational companies, luxury professionals, top level craftspeople found a more innovative and complete offer than expected. In fact, the 1,126 exhibitors (from 41 countries) had invested in research more financial resources than in the past, considering the radical change of strategy. The exhibitors of Lineapelle are the protagonists of the world market, which is worth about 115 billion dollars. The market situation during the fair appeared generally positive, driven by Italian tanneries, still on the rise in turnover (66% of EU) and export (30% of the world), stable for accessories, components and alternative materials production. Europe (Germany, Spain, Portugal) and Asia (Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan) increased their number of visitors, particularly for footwear and leather goods; whilst US (upholstery included), Japan and Turkey maintained their positions. South America and the Indian Subcontinent, having multiplied their visits, started a strengthening of their participation. Italy remains largely the most represented country in terms of visitors. Lineapelle's turning point seems to confirm a phenomenon of concentration of producers, in which many nations are expanding, while others (approx. 20% of them) are losing consistency.
The number of new buyers was 14% on the total. Demand and offer enacted on this occasion a colourful Winter 2015-16 season, with golden/silver laminated surfaces, hand finishing to donate uniqueness, patent leather and camouflage back on the scene, weavings.
Further enhancement of quality will go on.
Commercial polarization influenced innovation, that everyone wanted to make visible especially to their best-established users. Besides, companies engaged in research involving huge costs, are very cautious in offering their achievements to buyers.
In an increasingly heated competitive environment, business currently shows, on the high ranges of the market, a reverse trend.
LINEAPELLE's next dates: 25-26-27 February 2015, Milan - Rho
