(Jul. 5) – FFNAY is the most important professional trade show event for footwear retailers in the U.S. and is next to open from August 1st to 3rd. Italy will participate in the expo – which is held in New York three times per year – and the initiative is organized in collaboration with ANCI (Italy’s National Footwear Manufacturers Association) and the Italian Trade Commission’s New York bureau. The 2011 edition has seen the participation of 14 Italian companies: Calpierre, Calzoleria Rivolta dal 1883, Capezzani, Fratelli Vanni, Gardenia, Manas, Marino Fabiani, Marino Orlandi, Massimo Santini, Mitica Venezia, Mugnai, Roberto Guerrini, Valentino Orlandi, Vitulli Moda. According to the Italian Trade Commission, “the initiative aims to strengthen the Italian presence in the U.S. market, as confirmed by an increases of 2.8% in quantity and + 14% in value in the first 11 months of 2011, equal to 11,324,000 pairs of shoes and 636.18 million euros.” (Roc/Peg)
