SIMAC-TANNING TECH: leading technological benchmark for footwear and leather
The 51st edition of SIMAC TANNING TECH took place from 23 to 25 September 2025 at Fiera Milano Rho, in Milan. Organized by ASSOMAC -the Confindustria association that brings together Italian manufacturers of technology and machinery for footwear, leather goods, and tanning- the event concluded with results that reaffirmed its status as the most important technological reference for the industry.
The fair hosted 312 exhibitors across 13,400 square meters. Participants represented nearly 20 countries, with international companies accounting for 25% of the total.
Its global reach was also reflected in the audience: around 49% of visitors came from abroad, within an overall attendance exceeding 7,000 professionals. Additionally, support from ITA (export promotion agency) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation enabled the presence of 97 official delegates within a group of about 200 representatives from around the world.
At Fiera Milano Rho, SIMAC TANNING TECH and LINEAPELLE came together, working under the same purpose: to offer global operators and buyers a distinctive and comprehensive exhibition meeting, thus promoting technology and fashion.
ASSOMAC President Mauro Bergozza stated: “Our data shows a sector in decline, but the signals emerging from the fair are partly encouraging, and we believe this is not merely a temporary phenomenon.”
The first half of 2025 confirmed a challenging scenario for Italian machinery for footwear, leather goods, and tanning, with exports down 12.8%, a decline already underway since 2024. Trade and geopolitical tensions, and various conflicts continue to shape a landscape of global uncertainty.
Organizers emphasized that the Milan event illustrated the resilience of the Italian sector, capable of presenting sustainable and innovative solutions to current challenges. In this context, the data collected showed that companies and operators used the fair to showcase forward-looking developments while strengthening strategic relationships.
The African continent was the focus of this edition, due to its growing importance in strengthening key supply chains and its demand for industrial goods. During the fair, ASSOMAC facilitated meetings, particularly with Kenya, where both nations were represented by institutions. The aim was to enhance the competitiveness of Italian products, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to the development of the footwear and leather goods chain on the continent.
In addition to these activities, the fair’s program addressed a wide array of technical topics, including sustainability, artificial intelligence, traceability, and European innovation projects for the industry.
The 52nd edition of the fair will take place from 15 to 17 September 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy.