Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Leather

The leather industry in Germany has traditionally held a significant place in the economy as it’s one of the chief suppliers for a range of sectors including automotive, interior decor, footwear and leather goods. As the third-largest leather producer in Europe, after Italy and Spain, Germany employs approximately 2,500 people across 100 leather-producing companies, which last generated annual sales around €500 million. Germany's leather industry is distinguished by its variety, catering to different market segments and consumer preferences. Leather produced in Germany is predominantly supplied to premium sectors, particularly automotive and furniture, with 75% of all leather production going to these industries. High-end shoe and bag manufacturers, as well as saddle makers, constitute the remaining 25%. In total, German tanneries produce about 8 million square metres of leather annually. Full-grain leather, which comes from the top layer of animal hides, is a key material valued for its natural feel and durability, especially in luxury automotive interiors. A notable trend in Germany’s leather market is the gradual shift towards sustainable and vegetable-based leather alternatives, largely driven by the preferences of younger consumers. Synthetic leather offers an affordable, eco-friendly alternative. This type of material is becoming increasingly popular among younger generations who favour alternatives like cork or even leather derived from fruit-based materials, which represent a growing niche within the market. In the past decade, demand for genuine leather has seen a gradual decline as younger generations gravitate toward products with lower environmental impacts. Despite this trend, demand for genuine leather remains robust in certain sectors. For example, German consumers highly value the durability and aesthetic appeal of leather in automotive and high-end furniture applications. Luxury brands like MCM continue to emphasise the premium quality of animal leather in their collections and capitalise on its enduring reputation for craftsmanship.