BRAZIL - Movelsul Brazil, the largest furniture fair in Latin America for retailers, professional buyers and importers, closed its 21st edition with 30,284 visitors from 33 countries.

Movelsul was held from March 12 to 15, at Parque de Eventos in Bento Gonçalves with 246 participating exhibitors. The organizer, Sindmóveis Bento Gonçalves, reports that the business generated at the fair should exceed the BRL 300 million initially forecasted.

Movelsul Brazil 2018 had four concurrent projects that brought design, knowledge and innovation to the fair, further boosting business. Focused on exports was the Buyer’s Project, which held business meetings between Brazilian companies and designers with potential buyers of Brazilian furniture. A total of 70 importers were invited to negotiate with 145 companies. These meetings are expected to generate USD 60 million in exports.

The fair also encouraged exhibitors to develop new products for Brazilian shopkeepers, challenging companies to create new items signed by designers for the Retail Project. Under this initiative a total of 19 exhibitors took part by developing 50 new products for the country's main retail and e-commerce networks.

Movelsul was also the scenario for the announcement and showcase of the Salão Design Award winners, celebrating its 30 anniversary. Sponsored by Interprint and Berneck, this is the top furniture design award in Latin America.

Concurrent to the fair took place the first Movelsul Brazil Forum, which brought together shopkeepers, exhibitors and sales representatives to reflect on the theme of the new retail models and how the all-line consumption will impact the furniture industry.

The approach used by the fair is in line with the worldwide discussions on the relationship with consumers. In addition to breaking all barriers between physical and electronic purchasing platforms, the all line concept prioritizes consumer’s engagement, attendance and journey to the product.

Sponsored by Sayerlack and Banrisul, Movelsul Brazil has been held since 1977 by the Furniture Industry of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis). The next show will take place in 2020.