Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Leather

France has a particular reputation to uphold when it comes to the leather industry. The country is the world’s third-largest exporter of unprocessed leather and the largest producer of calf leather, a material highly sought after in the global leather market. However, the industry currently faces significant challenges, particularly regarding the supply of calf skins. The decline in meat consumption, now decreasing at a rate of 4% per year, coupled with the prevalence of ringworm, has severely impacted the quality and availability of hides suitable for processing. Even more troubling is the fact that only 10% of hides purchased from French cattle breeders can be transformed into high-quality leather. The scarcity of raw materials poses a serious threat to the industry, which is struggling to meet the high demand from international markets. However, not all is lost as efforts have been made since 2012. A pilot study conducted in the same year revealed that vaccinating cattle against ringworm could potentially triple the output of first-choice calf skins, increasing the proportion of high-quality hides from 10% to 30%. This vaccination not only improves the quantity of usable hides but also enhances the overall living conditions for the animals, significantly reducing the stress caused by itching. Norway's success story, having nearly eradicated ringworm through compulsory vaccination since 1978, serves as an encouraging model for France. The French leather industry is characterised by 45 tanneries, generating a turnover of €404 million and employing approximately 1,550 individuals. Nineteen of these tanneries process large animal hides, while the remaining 26 focus on smaller animal skins. French leather is highly regarded, thanks to the expertise of these tanneries, and the market has witnessed sustained growth since 2012. In light of the raw material shortages and rising leather costs, many leading French brands are taking proactive measures to secure their supply chains.