“This communication and image campaign aims the repositioning of the leather goods sector in the international markets”, states Luís Onofre, President of APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Manufacturers' Association. He continues: “the potential for growth is undeniable and the investment in external markets is increasing”.

On a business level, the sector is going through a very good momentum. According to Ana Maria Vasconcelos, from Belcinto, “we are experiencing several movements in interesting markets; some major brands that usually have their manufacture processes in countries such as China or India, are now investing in Portugal”. The reasons vary, because “the reality of those countries is changing rapidly and substantially”. However, there are other equally valid explanations: “Business are more challenging for all economic actors. Consequently, brands are choosing to risk less and conduct their businesses more safely”.

“High quality, great service and rapid response capability seem to be the strong arguments of the national companies”, states Carla Sousa, from Ceancarel. But there’s more. The emergence of new key players is another reason. With the most relevant Portuguese footwear brands broadening their collections to accessories, such as bags; new entrepreneurs are also appearing on the market.

Significant leap

In recent years, the leather goods and saddlery industry has given a huge leap. The growth is notorious in all domains but, particularly, in terms of external trade. In 2016 the sector has exported 178 million euros, tripling the amount compared to 2011. On the bags' segment the growth is even higher: an impressive increase of 240% since 2011.