Portuguese companies close A+A 2025 with a moderately positive assessment

The 2025 edition of A+A in Düsseldorf, the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to occupational safety, health, and well-being, concluded today, featuring the participation of a group of Portuguese companies integrated into the Sustainable Textile & Apparel From PORTUGAL project, promoted by ATP – the Portuguese Textile and Apparel Association.

The delegation – composed of A. Sampaio & Filhos, ASC Moldes, Axfilia, Dune Bleue, Quality Lab, Sancar Premium Socks, Sidónios Seamless Tech, Sidónios Malhas, Ultra Creative, Unifardas, and Tiajo – reported an overall positive outcome, albeit with a fair pace and attendance slightly slower than in previous editions.

“The fair was positive. Although many of our clients are exhibitors, we were able to meet with them,” said Pedro Peixoto, Sales Representative at ASC Moldes, in an interview with T Jornal. “We are already known in Europe, but we also made contacts in Latin America.” On innovation, he explains that, since they sell a tool, they are constrained by the client’s product and the technology of machine manufacturers, seeking to follow their partners’ ideas as closely as possible. He stresses that the fair was an important meeting point to explore new collaboration opportunities.

Manuel Anjo, CEO of Sancar Premium Socks, offers a moderately optimistic assessment. “Calmer than in previous years, but those who come are more focused,” he notes. The stand mostly received European visitors, but there were also contacts from South America, the U.S., and Chile. Despite the slowdown in global consumption, he believes “markets are starting to look for new things,” and this is precisely where Sancar focuses – creating, developing, and making things happen. “We have to get out there,” he says, demonstrating the proactive spirit that characterizes the business. For 2025, he anticipates “very positive results, thanks to the teams’ strong commitment to development, innovation, and sustainability.”

At Ultra Creative, the assessment is also positive. “It went relatively well, partly thanks to the groundwork we did,” shares António Ferreira, Manager, emphasizing the company’s focus on the European market due to its profile and size. Although the stand’s location was not ideal, the fair provided a good networking opportunity. “Now it’s time to plan next year’s events,” he adds, pointing to Expoprotection in Paris as a possible return in 2026. The strategy is to maintain client visits, essential to strengthening relationships and guiding the business, even in a challenging context: “most clients are declining,” but the company remains proactive.

For Dune Bleue, the edition was “quieter,” according to CEO Ricardo Faria, who recalls higher attendance two years ago, partly due to location. “Hall 15 is busier than where we were this year,” he observes, noting that, despite this, the scheduled meetings with clients and suppliers made the participation worthwhile. Looking ahead, he makes a direct appeal: “Brands need to be here; a paradigm shift is necessary.”

Making its debut at A+A, Sidónios Seamless Tech evaluated its participation as a valuable learning experience. “It was important to come as a group and benefit from the cluster effect,” says Bruno Sidónio, Head of Sales, satisfied with the contacts made. The company showcased innovative seamless items aimed at sectors such as military and workwear. “The fair was a first step in identifying players of interest,” he summarizes, adding that 2025 has been a year of commercial and geographical restructuring, aiming to reduce dependence on the American market.

Amid international contacts, new approaches, and a continuous focus on sustainability, the Portuguese group in Düsseldorf demonstrated the adaptability and resilience that characterize the national textile sector – committed to continuing its evolution and strengthening its presence in international markets.