New exhibitor to APLF Leather is the Marfil tannery from Leon in Guanajuato state in Mexico.

Marfil was established 45 years ago and is still a family-run business and specializes in vegetable tanned leather.

According to the manager Jose Antonio Gutierrez, its principal clients are footwear, belts and leather goods manufacturers.

Traditionally, Marfil concentrated on selling into the US market but now has pivoted towards Asia, looking at the China and Indian markets.

Mr Gutierrez commented that they had received visits from both Chinese and Indian buyers on Day 1 of APLF. He is aware that it was important to have company name recognition in the Asian market.

For this reason and in conclusion, he said that they would be returning to APLF for the 2026 fair.