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Fitecom has returned from its European textile trade fair circuit with mixed signals from the main markets, but with the conviction that international presence remains key to strengthening business relationships and showcasing the company’s latest offerings. Across Munich Fabric Start, The London Textile Fair and Milano Unica, the manufacturer from Tortosendo encountered different levels of demand, with Milan standing out for its dynamism.
“It’s been growing” and the outcome of this edition was “frankly positive”, sums up João Carvalho, CEO of Fitecom, speaking to T Jornal about the company’s participation in Milano Unica. Nevertheless, the executive puts the immediate impact of international trade fairs into perspective, noting that the company’s strong commitment to fairs and international markets means many stand visits are already courtesy calls and opportunities to maintain relationships with existing customers. “Now, after the holidays, we will assess everything and weigh it all up,” he says, stressing that the real return on these events ultimately depends on the commercial follow-up carried out in the weeks that follow.
In Munich, the feedback revealed clearer trends in terms of product. According to João Carvalho, customers showed strong appreciation for “pure wool woollen fabrics”, while the company also feels it is “doing well with pure wool worsteds”. Conversely, he acknowledges that “polyester blends are not having much impact”, reflecting growing preference for natural raw materials and higher-value offerings.
Participation in The London Textile Fair, meanwhile, fell short of expectations. Although some customers visited the stand, footfall was more moderate than anticipated, prompting the company to adopt a cautious approach until it completes its commercial assessment of the opportunities generated.
Across the three trade fairs, Fitecom presented its Autumn-Winter 2027-2028 collection, developed around a balance between comfort, innovation and responsibility. The offering is built around lightweight structures inspired by tailoring, combining contemporary elegance with functionality. Linen also remains part of the company’s portfolio, featuring in relaxed solutions for everyday wear while maintaining versatility, minimalism and sophistication.
The collection also focuses on “classic geometries reinterpreted with a modern energy and a sophisticated colour palette, complemented by patterns designed for both menswear and womenswear”. Wool fabrics enriched with cashmere provide a softer handle and a particularly comfortable feel suited to the colder season, the company adds.
Sustainability remained one of the key pillars of the company’s international presentation. Across the three trade fairs, Fitecom highlighted fabrics developed with recycled blended fibres and fabrics made with wool certified under the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), reinforcing its strategy of developing solutions aligned with the environmental and traceability requirements of international markets.