BOGOTA – The Colombian Association of Footwear, Leather and Manufactures (Acicam) kicked off its annual International Footwear & Leather Show (IFLS) and the International Exhibition of Leather, Supplies, Machinery and Technology (EICI) this Tuesday. These events are considered the most important showcases for the leather, footwear, and leather goods industries in Colombia.

The trade shows, which run until Friday at the Corferias exhibition center in Bogota, are expected to attract at least 12,000 industry professionals. Exhibitors from Brazil, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Turkey, and Colombia are presenting their latest products, with a focus on quality and innovation.

"IFLS + EICI is the main commercial platform for the footwear sector in the Andean region," said Marcela Caicedo, president of Acicam. "Manufacturers, buyers, designers, suppliers of inputs, machinery, technology, services, and components meet around business, innovation, trends, and fashion in the sector."

Organizers anticipate that the events will generate around US$10 million in business deals. In addition to the commercial exhibition, attendees can explore a specialized fashion area highlighting trends in colors, textures, designs, and innovation for the fall-winter 25/26 season.

Domestic Consumption on the Rise

According to data from the Acicam-Raddar footwear and leather goods observatory, Colombian households spent $3.7 trillion on footwear in 2024. The cities with the highest spending were Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla.