The Vitória Stone Fair, which took place in Vitória, Brazil, from February 14 to 17, had its strongest edition yet, exceeding the expectations of its organizers. A record 31,202 visitors attended the event, including more than 2,000 foreign visitors from 58 different nations.

The event is actually the 21st of its kind organized by Milanez & Milaneze, but only the fourth taking place in Vitória, the capital city of Espirito Santo, which is a major stoneworking center exporting material around the world. Since moving to Vitória, the fair has become one of the major international stone events worldwide, and attendees also had the opportunity to visit the many stone-producing companies in Espirito Santo, including plants with some of the most advanced equipment in the world.

Each year, exhibitors at the Vitória Stone Fair use the event as a platform to introduce the very latest materials to the market, including traditional shades of green and gold as well as exotic varieties. Organizers estimate that over 300 different stone varieties were on display at the 2006 Vitória Stone Fair.

The large number of foreign visitors was one of the highlights of the event, according to Milanez & Milaneze. The largest influx was from the U.S. (989 visitors), followed by the Italians (228) and the Spaniards (114). “This strong, foreign presence attests to the fame that the fair [has generated] on the world scene,” explained Cecília Milanez of Milanez & Milaneze, who pointed out that that the event attracted 700 more foreigners than last year. Among the Brazilians, visitors from several states in the nation came to the fair to do business.

This year the exhibition area was greatly increased, an international sector was added and the pavilions were air conditioned. According to the exhibitors, the cooling of the show floor improved sales significantly, surpassing sales of last year by a wide margin.

Lectures

The lectures were another highlight at the Vitória Stone Fair. A total of 450 people attended the various sessions, including businessmen, politicians and students. “The participation was strong all the time,” according to a statement from Cetemag, a technical organization for the Brazilian stone industry. “The success is due principally to the format of the lectures, limited to 50 minutes each, and to the subject matters debated.” Among the sessions, Marble Institute of America Executive Vice President Gary Distelhorst spoke before the audience. His session, entitled “The United States Stone Market: Growth Opportunities for Brazilian Suppliers,” detailed the size of the U.S. market for stone, and the tendencies of American importers. It also discussed global issues affecting the industry, including branding initiatives and “faux” stone. The presentation concluded with an overview of the Marble Institute of America and its activities.

The next edition of the Vitória Stone Fair, which has a promotional agreement with StonExpo, will take place from February 6 to 9, 2007. For further information on the event, contact Milanez & Milaneze by e-mail at milaneze@milanezmilaneze.com.br, or on the Internet at www.milanezmilaneze.com.br.

Vitória Stone Fair exhibitors offer a grand display of materials

Brazil has become one of the leading exporters of stone to the U.S. - with exports to the U.S. valued at $409.9 million in 2005 - and the stone suppliers present at the Vitória Stone Fair had a broad range of new materials on display. The following is a look at some of the products on display at the event.

Brasigran:

Iron Red

<-------

Brasvit:

Amber Gold

------->

Da Paz:

Juparana Cascadura

<-------

Dacaza:

Golden Dream

------->

Gramil:

Forest Blue

<-------

Gramil:

Green Quartzite

------->

Grein Brasil:

Crema Bordeaux

<-------

Grein Brasil:

Flamengo Red

------->

Granito Zucchi:

Golden Persia

<-------

Ideal Stones:

Juparana Marfira

------->

Jacigua:

Pacific Gold

<-------

Mag Ban:

Meteorus Brushed

------->

Marbrasa:

Fantastic Marbrasa

<-------

Marbrasa:

Volcano Marbrasa

------->

Marmi Bruno Zanet:

Summer Light

<-------

Marmocil:

Caju

------->

Marmoleria Gallos S.A.:

Piano travertine/onyx

<-------

Michelangelo:

Vatican Pink

------->

Michelangelo:

Parana Salmon

<-------

Tracomal:

Juparana Sunrise

------->

Tracomal:

White Tiger

<-------

Links

• Milanez & Milaneze website
• Milanez & Milaneze e-mail