What's Happening?
The Lineapelle trade show, a significant event for Italy's leather industry, faced challenges due to the scheduling overlap with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The event, which typically coincides with Milan's ready-to-wear shows, was rescheduled to February 11-13 at the Rho-Fiera Milano fairgrounds. This change led to a decrease in participation, with exhibitors dropping from 1,100 in 2025 to 848, and visitors declining from nearly 25,000 to 16,000. The overlap with the Olympics caused logistical issues and increased hotel rates, deterring attendance. Additionally, the industry is grappling with rising energy costs and tariff pressures, impacting the leather supply chain's economic stability.
Why It's Important?
The challenges faced by the Lineapelle
trade show highlight broader economic pressures on Italy's leather industry, which is a key player in the global market. The industry's revenue contracted by 5.2% in 2025, with significant export declines to major markets like China and the U.S. The rescheduling due to the Olympics underscores the vulnerability of trade events to external factors, affecting small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on such platforms for business. The situation reflects the ongoing struggle of the leather industry to maintain its market position amid inflationary pressures and trade challenges.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the Lineapelle Designers Edition is set to take place from February 26 to March 1, aiming to attract key brands and partners through runway shows and artistic showcases. The September edition of Lineapelle is expected to proceed as scheduled. The industry is focusing on sustainability and innovation, with new collaborations like the one between Rheom Materials and Econock, which introduced a bio-based leather alternative. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing market demands and environmental considerations.
Beyond the Headlines
The situation at Lineapelle highlights the need for the leather industry to innovate and adapt to economic and environmental challenges. The emphasis on sustainability and the integration of eco-conscious practices are becoming increasingly important as the industry seeks to reduce its environmental impact. The collaboration between different firms within the industry, such as MinervaHub's efforts to consolidate and innovate, demonstrates a strategic approach to overcoming economic hurdles and maintaining competitiveness in a global market.
