EXPO RIVA SCHUH and GARDABAGS expand internationally and cross borders
More than 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, together with 219 invited buyers from 49 nations. The events organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi offer business stability, as well as opportunities to gather information and establish contacts at a time when global trade is contracting.
The 105th edition of EXPO RIVA SCHUH y GARDABAGS, which will take place from June 13 to 16, 2026, in Riva del Garda, reflects this reality through its figures.
Of the total number of exhibitors, 62.63% come from outside Europe and 37.37% from the EU, figures that alone transform the event’s landscape. China accounts for 34.46% of exhibitors, Italy for 17%, Türkiye for 10.61% and India for 9.39%. New additions also include Vietnam, Tunisia and South Africa at Expo Riva Schuh; a Vietnamese delegation, a Japanese company and a Croatian brand in the Gardabags Brands area.
As for buyers, geographic presence is expanding even further, with visitors expected from 100 countries. Of the 219 international buyers invited from 49 countries, 26 are taking part in the program for the first time. To reach them, 19 offices of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) have been activated around the world.
As part of the internationalization process being carried out by the Garda fair organization, the Latin American Footwear Leaders Summit will be held at the Riva del Garda Congress Centre during the fair. The event brings together members of ACCAL, the organization representing the main national associations and chambers of commerce in the Latin American footwear and components sector.
The fair program includes 22 events with content of interest to participants.
Startup areas from countries such as Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and South Korea will make it possible to discover innovations and transformation in footwear distribution. Six presentations of bags, handbags, footwear and sneakers will also be added. Through the four Market Focus editions dedicated to Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, new routes in global markets will be explored within the framework of the new free trade agreement between the EU and India. Finally, Expo Riva Nights at PalaVela will feature a live performance by choreographer and dancer Giacomo Frassica, followed by a DJ set. It will be an opportunity for the community to enjoy informal moments together, strengthening relationships among those who see connection as a powerful driver of business.
The strength of the event lies in bringing together different exhibitor profiles: sourcing and brands, private labels and brand identity, flexibility and positioning.
The same applies to buyers: retailers, e-commerce companies, buying offices, importers and international chains operate in the same environment. This is not coincidental, but a strategic decision. It reflects the dual nature of visitors: 41.7% are interested exclusively in private label products; 26.5% focus only on brands; and 31.7% explore both.
The message of the 105th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, from June 13 to 16, 2026, is clear: openness is essential, and it must be constant. Being where borders become opportunities is no longer an option, but a necessity.
RELATED ARTICLE:
- EXPO RIVA SCHUH AND GARDABAGS: One more step toward consolidating its international leadership