Report from Latin America: Vitória Stone Fair is primed for success

Given Brazil’s position of prominence in the international stone industry - they are by far the top exporter of granite to the U.S. - it is not surprising that the Vitória Stone Fair has shown solid growth since moving to Vitória, Brazil in 2002. The event - which will take place from February 7 to 9, 2007 - has become a showcase for Brazil’s plentiful stone resources, as leading producers from the Espírito Santo State and around the country are on hand.

According to Milanez & Milaneze, the organizer of the event, 420 exhibitors will be on hand at the Vitória Stone Fair, and over 1,000 varieties of stone will be on display at the event. Included will be exotic one-of-a-kind materials as well as the traditional stones of Brazil.

Many Brazilian stone producers use the Vitória Stone Fair to launch new materials to the marketplace, including varieties of marble, granite, slate, quartzite and other stones. In addition to stone materials, the event includes a range of stoneworking machinery, particularly for large-scale stone plants, as well as tooling, accessories, adhesives, maintenance products and resins.

A record 31,202 visitors attended the 2006 event, including more than 2,000 foreign visitors from 58 different nations.

The exhibition will be held in an area of over 375,000 square feet (35,000 sq.m), and the facilities have been upgraded with air conditioning and improved infrastructure. Moreover, the city of Vitória is well equipped to deal with business travelers, as it features international hotel chains, restaurants and specialized services.

In addition to conducting business at the fair itself, attendees have the opportunity to visit the many stoneworking companies, warehouses and ports in the region and throughout the Espírito Santo State.

Besides the Brazil Vitória Stone Fair, Milanez & Milaneze conducts the Cachoeiro Stone Fair every August, also in the Espírito Santo State. For more information on both events, or assistance with travel, visit:  www.feiradomarmore.com.br.