Assomac, an important organization of the leather industry, has demonstrated its vitality and innovation capacity for both the Italian economy and the global economy with strategic new ideas in terms of organizing processes for a digital and sustainable transition, with the Simac Tanning Tech fair encouraging the industry in 2023.
The leather industry, which accounts for the majority of the turnover of the world’s luxury brands, is the only industry that covers the entire value chain at a high level in specialized tanning regions. Italy reaffirmed its position as Europe’s leading exporter in terms of supply chain, value of tanned leather, leather products and footwear technologies in 2022. The leather sector (including tanneries, shoe manufacturers, leather goods and technology companies) represents a significant segment of Italian manufacturing, employing more than 130,000 people (4% of the Italian manufacturing sector), generating a turnover of more than €30 billion and Added value of 6 billion euros, which corresponds to 3% of all Italian production.
Italy’s export value of the supply chain reached approximately 27 billion Euros (15% increase in value compared to 2021). Approximately 45% of these were shoes and 40% were leather products, while Europe, the United States, South Korea and China were among the largest export points. The trade balance is around €15 billion (€1.7 billion for tanneries, €7.2 billion for leather goods, €5.4 billion for shoes and €300 million for technology). We are talking about a “national champion”.
Simac Tanning Technology
Maria Vittoria Brustia, President of Assomac and Simac Tanning Tech, said: “The international participation of visitors and the interest of technology manufacturers in process organization and digitalization confirm a significant change of pace towards a sustainable transition. We are confident that this path, shared by all operators in the sector, will soon produce satisfactory results.” said.
The Simac Tanning Technology exhibition was held at Milan Rho exhibition center between 19-21 September 2023. The figures prove the positive trend, starting from the participating companies in the 15,000 m2 area of the fair. Among the 96 countries of origin of the visitors, Italy was the most represented, but companies from Turkey, France, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Tunisia and Asian countries also made a big return. Interesting innovations and application services offered by companies increasingly aim to create production ecosystems under the title of sustainability.
The final attendance figure of more than 6,500 certified exhibitors, including operators and delegations (of which approximately 60% were Italian visitors and 40% foreign visitors, an increase of 37% for visitors and 14% for exhibitors compared to last year) demonstrated determination and It rewards willingness. The 320 exhibitors at Simac Tanning Tech will bring innovation to the brand and organization and confirm that the exhibition has returned to pre-Covid levels.
Thanks to the strengthened cooperation with ITA-Agenzia, the Simac Tanning Technology fair attracted attention with 18 international delegations consisting of nearly 100 buyers, corporate delegates and foreign press. A significant number of them were also present at the 21st UITIC International Footwear Congress. The 50th edition of Simac Tanning Tech will take place at Fiera Milano Rho between 17-19 September 2024.