At SAPICA, they boast a century of shoemaking pride

SAPICA 94 kicks off as the sector celebrates 100 years of Mexico’s organized footwear industry

A century of shoemaking pride marks the start of Latin America’s premier footwear business hub in Leon

Leon/Gto News

Under the inspiring theme “100 Years of Shoemaking Pride,” the 94th edition of the Leather and Footwear Exhibition (SAPICA) officially opened its doors. Featuring 380 exhibitors and over 2,000 brands, the event is set to welcome more than 2,200 national and international buyers, solidifying Leon’s status as a global powerhouse in footwear and leather goods.

Organized by the Chamber of the Footwear Industry of the State of Guanajuato (CICEG) and the National Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CANAICAL), this historic edition celebrates a monumental milestone: the centennial of the Leon Footwear Manufacturers Union, the very bedrock of Mexico’s organized industry.

A vision of growth and resilience

In his inaugural address, Juan Carlos Cashat Usabiaga, President of CICEG and CANAICAL, emphasized the event’s strategic importance: “SAPICA is more than just a trade fair; it is the vital point where the industry closes deals, builds alliances, and showcases the world-class quality of Mexican footwear.”

Cashat Usabiaga highlighted the industry’s massive impact, noting that Mexico’s 9,500 footwear factories generate over 100,000 direct jobs. He also praised the productive dialogue with the Federal Government through the Secretary of Economy, citing a successful 2025 where imports fell by 8% while exports soared past 34 million pairs.

To maintain this momentum, the executive called for a robust legal framework to ensure fair international trade. “We are asking for fair competitive conditions. It’s not about avoiding taxes, but about preventing guarantee schemes that distort formal trade,” Cashat stated, referring to recent adjustments in Reference Prices.

Leadership United for the Future

The event drew strong support from all levels of government:

• Ale Gutiérrez, Mayor of Leon: “We are proudly shoemakers. That pride lives not just in the products, but in the people who drive this city forward.”
• Daniela Reyes de Luna, President of the SAPICA Organizing Committee: “This edition honors our industrial past, strengthens our creative present, and projects a future where tradition and innovation walk hand-in-hand.”
• Ismael Plascencia Nunez (CONCAMIN Bajio): Described the sector as a “strategic industry” vital for national competitiveness.
• Vidal Llerenas Morales (Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce): Expressed a positive outlook for the sector, pledging federal support to combat contraband and prioritize Mexican suppliers for government procurement.

A Virtuous Cycle for Guanajuato

Closing the ceremony, Governor Libia Dennise Garcia Munoz Ledo reaffirmed her administration’s unwavering support. “When the footwear industry thrives, Guanajuato’s families live better. It is a virtuous cycle of resilience and dedication that we will continue to foster,” she said, honoring the hard work of both laborers and entrepreneurs.

Beyond the business floor, SAPICA 94 is boosting its educational edge through SAPICA Learning and celebrating Leon’s 450th anniversary with the flagship SAPICA 450 Runway.

Following the ribbon-cutting, authorities toured the venue, reaffirming their commitment to the cluster that positions Guanajuato as the heart of Mexico’s footwear industry.

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