Brazil Readies for June Stone Event

VITÓRIA, Brazil — The 45th edition of the Vitória Stone Fair, set for June 5-8, will gather stone professionals here from more than 50 countries to share the newest trends and materials, with a focus on technology, design and sustainability.

Click photo for galleryBrazil’s natural-stone industry continues to establish itself as an international reference, with modern technological facilities and increasing economic relevance. At the same time, moments of political fragility and the resulting impact on the industry, proved that Brazil must insist on seeking stability and offering new solutions, facing the challenge of reconquering old partners and reaching new markets.

By following the path of innovation, the 2018 edition of Vitória Stone Fair intends to leave a positive impact on the ornamental-stones sector, which grows each year in relevance to the country. Brazilian stone accounts for more than $1 billion in annual exports; 80% comes from Espírito Santo, a state with more than 1,000 companies quarrying and processing of natural rocks.

The program for the 2018 event at the Carapina Events Center, with the confirmed presence of the most-important companies and entities of the sector, will offer special projects and events for buyers, international partners, professionals of architecture, construction and students.

Within the event, interaction between public and products will be specially designed to show how natural materials can transform an environment and bringing beauty and modernity to the spaces.

Back in 2017, Vitoria Stone Fair received more than 300 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors from 46 countries and all the Brazilian states. China, India, the United States, Italy and Turkey are some of the most-traditional partners, although countries like Egypt, France, Greece and even Vietnam show continuous interest in the fair.

One of the initiatives to increase the promotion of Brazilian fairs into new markets is the Buyers Club project, which brings global buyers from strategic countries to visit the fair.

“In 2017 we received more than 100 international buyers within the project,” said Alberto Piz, director of Milanez & Milaneze, the fair’s producer. “The expectation for 2018 is to expand the Buyers Club, reaching different markets and a higher number of participants.”

The fair’s international reputation is strengthened year after year through the union with Veronafiere. The partnership, signed in 2013, is yet another proof of the constant demand from the foreign market for the diversity of Brazilian natural products: granite, quartzite, marble, slate and a wide variety of technologies and services.

“Brazil is extremely important for the world market of ornamental stones. Vitória Stone Fair is one of the most important dates in the international calendar and a tool with significant impact on the appreciation and promotion of natural stones,” Piz added.

In 2018, Vitoria Stone Fair has a record number of international delegates, working in more than 40 countries to promote and seek new exhibitors and visitors. China, India, Portugal, Spain and Turkey are some examples of countries with representatives helping to bring more and more international business to Brazil.

For more information, go to www.vitoriastonefair.com.br or email info@vitoriastonefair.com.br.

Get the news of the industry with Slab & Sheet, the e-newsletter from Stone Update. Sign up for free delivery here.

For the latest industry info, check Stone Update on Twitter and Facebook.

Experience the totally new Stone Update Magazine online.