Global trade is not halting; it is shifting towards a more complex framework that the economist and president of the Scientific Committee Enrico Cietta define as affinity globalization. Supply chains are no longer structured solely around labor costs or production efficiency. Instead, they rely on a sophisticated mix of geopolitical alignment, cultural synergy, technological integration, and proactive risk management.

Recent customs and market data reflect this transformation clearly. The historical dominance of single manufacturing hubs is gradually dispersing, giving way to a more distributed and redundant global supply network. For instance, recent figures show a significant reallocation of footwear and leather exports, with emerging manufacturing countries gaining traction and increasing the overall dispersion of global production. 

In this fragmented environment, the traditional boundaries between strictly producing nations and strictly consuming nations are blurring, creating interconnected macro-regions where roles increasingly overlap.

How can a trade fair grow at a time when global commerce seems increasingly fragmented? Only by continuing to be a place where markets truly meet — not just symbolically. And a meeting point not only for business relationships, but for understanding and interpreting change.

A multicultural marketplace in numbers

The 105^th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, taking place from the 13^th to the 16^th June 2026 in Riva del Garda, reflects these macroeconomic shifts through its exhibition metrics.

With over 1,000 brands and exhibitors from 44 countries, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags showcase a highly diverse international landscape. Outside Europe, participants account for 62.63% of exhibitors, while 37.37% come from EU countries. China is the leading manufacturing nation represented, followed by Italy, Turkey and India. The next edition will also welcome new participants from Vietnam, Tunisia, and South Africa, as well as a Japanese company and a Croatian brand in the Gardabags sector

Internationalisation, however, is not just about the number of passports. It is also about diversity of thought. This is demonstrated by the LATAM Footwear Leader Summit, taking place at the Riva del Garda Congress Centre during the fair, bringing together members of ACCAL, the organisation representing the main national associations and chambers of commerce of the Latin American footwear and components sector.

A further step in the evolution of the event into a business & learning platform serving the international community.

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags: two identities, one platform

According to the organisation, the strength of the event lies in bringing together different exhibitor profiles: sourcing and brands, private label and brand identity, flexibility and positioning.

The same applies to buyers: retailers, e-commerce players, buying offices, importers and international chains all operate within the same environment. This is not accidental — it is a strategic choice. It reflects the dual nature of visitors: 41.7% are exclusively interested in private label products; 26.5% focus only on brands; 31.7% explore both.

In addition to the breadth of sourcing and private label at Riva del Garda is well established, many brands will also be present. Among those: Windsor Smith, Primadonna, Gap, Levi’s, Jungle Joggers, Wrangler, O’Neill, Lee, Alpacas, Kangaroos, Kastinger, Jako, Marco Tozzi, Tamaris, Igi&Co, Imac, Primigi, Valleverde, Goldstar, Leon, S. Oliver, Marina Galanti, Armata di Mare, Manas, Bronx, Bufflox, Comeby, Urbanfly by Vegastyle, Xti, Paredes, Marila, Refresh, Carmela, Amarpies, Rockaway.

Gardabags features over 80 companies, evenly distributed across Brands, Sourcing for Bridge and Sourcing. Among them: Marchetti, Pelletteria Charlotte, Marina Galanti, Marta Marzotto, Pet Sezona, Luana Ferracuti, Y-dry, Rocai, Ferchi, American Traveler, McLanee, Plavoangel, Genny il Pellettiere, Alex Max, Marini Silvano, Maxfly, Alexia, Kingson.

Highlights of the events programme

To grow in a fragmented world, industry professionals need a real meeting point to interpret change. With a tailored schedule of 22 events, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags offer the tools to understand change and build stable partnerships. 

The Innovation Village Retail (Mainstage A2) brings together 10 start-ups from 7 countries — Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and South Korea — culminating in the Start-up Competition on Monday 15 June. A space to discover concrete innovations capable of reshaping footwear distribution.

Speaking of innovation: for this edition, organisers have developed an immersive experience combining communication and product. A selection of exhibitor collections will be presented in a completely new way. 

The Area Highlights, developed with Arsutoria, acts as a trend barometer, with six sessions dedicated to bags (Sunday and Monday, 10:00), footwear (Saturday and Monday, 14:00), sneakers (Sunday, 14:00) and the DACH market (Sunday, 16:30, with Claudia Schulz).

The Market Focus confirms four sessions dedicated to Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, while introducing two new features. “India Calling — New Routes for Global Business” will explore opportunities arising from the EU–India free trade agreement, opening the Market Focus Asia programme.

FAIST – Fábrica Ágil, Inteligente, Sustentável e Tecnológica, with Pedro Duarte from CTCP (Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre), will present the digital transformation of the Portuguese footwear sector, opening Market Focus Europe.

Hall A2 will host the new Gardabags Area Showcase. This year’s theme: Glow Up. A curated selection built around transparency, layering and light, where each product does not reflect colour — it generates it. Once again, the product takes centre stage.

And then there is Expo Riva Nights at PalaVela: a live performance by choreographer and dancer Giacomo Frassica, followed by a DJ set. An opportunity for the community to enjoy informal moments together, strengthening relationships among those who see connection as a powerful driver of business.

Find out more and get your tickets at the website of the event.