Positive results for Pielespaña

Most exhibitors expressed satisfaction about the quality of visitors at the 21st edition of Pielespaña in Barcelona in January. Exhibitors included tanners (22%), leather garment manufacturers (48%), tannery machinery suppliers (4%), leather products accessory (8%) and leathergoods manufacturers (5%). A total of 13,810 visitors (1,373 from overseas) attended the fair which included the latest leather fashions for the autumn/winter 2002/03 season. 'Our aim is to make Pielespaña a more international exhibition. During the past year, the organisers have sent delegations to Italy, France and Portugal to attract more overseas exhibitors and visitors', Marta Bachs, director, Pielespaña told Leather International. The organisers sold 14% more space this year and in 2003 are looking to move the fashion show to house more exhibitors who are currently on a waiting list. Within the main show, sixteen leather garment and leathergoods companies from the Balearic Islands exhibited together in a single pavilion following a successful introduction last year. A number of companies from the Balearic community held a second catwalk show called 'Balears és Moda'. 151 exhibitors (36 international) took place in 13,000 sq m of exhibition space and was officially opened by Francesc Homs, councillor of economy and finance for regional government of Catalonia. Pielespaña is promoted by the Catalan Business Association of Suede, Nappa and Doubleface Leather Garment Manufacturers in collaboration with CEC-FECUR (Confederation of Spanish Tanners) and ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade). For further information visit [http://www.pielespana.com]