During the first session on November 7, Steve Lee, consultant, Steve Lee Associates provided an overview of where the global footwear market is heading. In 1994 global consumption of shoes was 12 billion pairs. In 2010 the figure reached the 20 billion pair mark and by the 2024 global consumption is expected to increase through the 30 billion pair barrier.

Lee also highlighted that consumption per capita was also increasing. In 1994 it was an average of 2.3 pairs, in 2010 the figure was 3.0 and by 2024 the figure will rise to an average of 3.7 pairs.

The WFC continues tomorrow before the start of the World Leather Congress which takes place on November 9th. 220 delegates have registered for the WLC.