Following the latest international trends that demonstrate modern ways to apply natural stones in construction and design, the Vitoria Stone Fair | Marmomac Latin America — an annual international exhibition for marble and granite — invests in innovation for the architecture and design communities. For this year’s edition of the fair, which will be held from June 5 to 8, 2018 in the city of Vitória, in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, show organizers have prepared a set of parallel events and exhibitions, including the “Archaton” project, an architecture and design workshop. During one day of the exhibition, architects will be challenged to create a design with natural stone — showcasing the versatility and potential of the materials.

Another special project scheduled for this edition is an exhibition of design and decorative items curated and organized by selected experienced professionals. The initiative is sponsored by Abirochas, the Brazilian stone industry, inside the “Brazil Original Stones” project. According to the exhibition’s curator, Adélia Borges, the project will show the potential of Brazil to work materials with intelligence and creativity. “Traditionally, Brazil sells commodities,” she said. “Initiatives like this project show that our materials can be used to create finished products of great beauty.”

The 2018 event marks the 45th edition of the Vitoria Stone Fair | Marmomac Latin America, which is expected to gather exhibitors from more than 50 countries in Brazil to share the newest trends and materials — focusing on technology, design and sustainability. According to Milanez & Milaneze, the show’s organizer, recent years have shown the potential of the Brazilian natural stone industry to establish itself as an international source. At the same time, moments of political fragility and the resulting impact on the industry proved that they must insist on seeking stability and offering new solutions, facing the challenge of reconquering old partners and reaching new markets.

The program for 2018, which has the confirmed presence of the most important companies and entities of the sector, will count on special projects and events for buyers, international partners, professionals of architecture and construction, and students. Within the event, areas for interaction between attendees and products will be specially designed, with examples of how natural materials can transform an environment — bringing beauty and modernity to the spaces.

One of the initiatives to increase the promotion of the Vitoria Stone Fair in new markets is the Buyers Club project, which brings global buyers from strategic countries to visit the fair. With an eye to the diversification of markets for Brazilian exhibitors and maintenance of the loyalty of its most important buyers, the Buyers Club program was created three years ago as an exclusive club of international buyers. The program brings a significant number of world importers, with purchasing power, to visit the fair, providing new business opportunities and networking.

To participate in the program, participants need to be invited by the company conducting the fair, or sign up through the form on the website and go through a selection process. Places are limited, and participants receive VIP access to the fair, stands, support with passage and lodging, and participate in exclusive visits to the exhibiting companies and attractions of the Vitoria Stone Fair | Marmomac Latin America. “In 2017, we received more than 100 international buyers within the project,” explained Alberto Piz, director of Milanez & Milaneze. “The expectation for 2018 is to expand the Buyers Club, reaching different markets and a higher number of participants.”

Overall, the fair’s international representation has been strengthened year after year through the union with Veronafiere. The partnership, signed in 2013, is yet another proof of the constant demand from the foreign market for the diversity of Brazilian natural products, such as granite, quartzite, marble, slate and a wide variety of technologies and services, according to Milanez
& Milaneze.

“Brazil is extremely important for the world market of [building] stones,” said Piz. “Vitoria Stone Fair is one of the most important dates in the international calendar and a tool with significant impact on the appreciation and promotion of natural stones.”

In 2018, Vitoria Stone Fair has a record number of international delegates, working in more than 40 countries to promote and seek new exhibitors and visitors. China, India, Portugal, Spain and Turkey are some examples of countries with representatives assisting to bring more and more international business to Brazil.

Last year, the exhibition included more than 300 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors, from 46 countries and from all the Brazilian states. China, India, the U.S., Italy and Turkey are among the most traditional partners, although countries such as Egypt, France, Greece and even Vietnam have shown continuous interested in the fair.

For those interested in learning more about the Vitoria Stone Fair | Marmomac Latin America, visit www.vitoriastonefair.com.br.