A delegation officially representing Italy’s leather importers and certification bodies recently visited Brazil, hosted by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB). The group arrived in the country to explore advancements in sustainability, best practices, and traceability within the Brazilian leather sector. Their agenda included technical visits to tanneries, slaughterhouses, and farms, as well as data and system presentation meetings. The delegation was composed of representatives from UNIC (Italian Tanners' Association) and ICEC (Italian Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector) and was accompanied throughout the schedule by Rogério Cunha (CICB’s Trade Intelligence) and Ricardo Andrade (CICB’s Sustainability). The group also focused on aspects related to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Technology and Tools Presentation
The initiative was supported by the Brazilian Leather project, a partnership between CICB and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).
The agenda began in São Paulo with presentations by major companies from the Brazilian leather sector, showcasing technologies, continuous improvement efforts, compliance processes, and raw material control in leather production. "It was a very positive and educational moment on Brazil’s sustainability practices, with tannery representatives directly involved in compliance projects presenting their progress and how we are prepared to meet international requirements for guarantees and records," highlighted Ricardo Andrade.
Field Visits
The delegation then moved on to a series of field visits across various locations in Brazil, which demonstrated the production processes and tools presented earlier in São Paulo. The group was hosted in Xinguara (Pará), Jales (São Paulo), and Lins (São Paulo) for on-site visits. Participating companies that opened their doors to the Italian entities included Coming, Durli Couros, Fuga Couros, Grupo Viva, JBS Couros, and Minerva Leather.
For Rogério Cunha, the visit from UNIC and ICEC representatives to Brazil helped strengthen commercial partnerships and offered a practical demonstration of the unique aspects of Brazilian leather production and its high-quality standards. "It was an important moment to experience firsthand what we do and the high level of expertise and technology in our industry. Italy is a major and excellent leather partner, which is now even closer to our work through this visit," he said.
Cunha added that in 2024 alone, Italian importers accounted for 11.4% of Brazilian leather exports, ranking third among the country’s top buyers, with a 5.7% growth in value compared to 2023. Nearly 45% of the leather purchased by Italy from Brazil is finished or semi-finished, meaning it has higher added value. Italy is the largest leather importer in Europe.
  About Brazilian Leather – The Brazilian Leather project is an internationalization initiative for Brazilian leather, led by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). The project adopts various strategies to consolidate the national product in foreign markets, such as encouraging tanneries to participate in major global trade fairs and organizing business missions to strengthen relationships between Brazilian suppliers and international buyers. More information is available at www.brazilianleather.com.br. About ApexBrasil – The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investments into strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve these goals, ApexBrasil carries out a variety of trade promotion activities, including prospecting and trade missions, business matchmaking rounds, support for Brazilian companies at large international trade fairs, and organizing visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to learn about Brazil’s production structure, among other initiatives aimed at strengthening the "Brazil" brand. About CICB – The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) is the official representative body for Brazilian leather producers. Since its foundation in 1957, CICB has been committed to the growth, qualification, strengthening, and unity of the sector. The organization is driven by sustainability, leading projects in technology and professional training, engaging in dialogue with government entities, promoting trade and defending the industry’s interests, building reputation and image, and fostering technical, design, and market research. CICB also engages in institutional representation, connection, and dialogue with the production chain, working through dedicated working groups on Traceability and Communication with members across Brazil. |
