In the heart of Medellín, the 37th edition of Colombiatex de las Américas opened its doors with energy, ambition, and vision. Sebastián Díez, CEO of Inexmoda, shared exclusive insights with Kohan Textile Journal during the opening day of Latin America’s most important textile and fashion trade show.
With over 600 exhibitors and 27,000 expected visitors, Colombiatex has become a global platform connecting suppliers, brands, and buyers across Latin America and beyond. The exhibition brings together everything from textiles, garments, chemicals, and accessories to machinery and digital technologies for the fashion and textile industry.
“This is the most important trade show of its kind in Latin America—and one of the most relevant in the world,” says Díez. “We are proud to welcome international exhibitors from Turkey, India, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and the U.S. looking to tap into this rapidly evolving market.”
Focus on Regeneration and Sustainability
The central theme of this year’s show, “Regeneration,” underscores Latin America’s abundant natural resources and its potential to lead the way in sustainable textile production. Inexmoda has introduced a dedicated Sustainability Route featuring 47 companies recognized for their eco-friendly practices in both environmental impact and social responsibility.
“Latin America is uniquely positioned to embrace circularity. We’re seeing government support, new brand development, and a growing number of companies prioritizing sustainability,” Díez explains.
Latin America: A Strategic Textile Market
Díez emphasizes Latin America’s diverse textile landscape—from Peru, Honduras, and El Salvador to Brazil and Colombia, each country contributes uniquely to the value chain. Colombia, in particular, has evolved from a sourcing hub to a brand-building powerhouse, with nearly 80% of shopping mall brands being Colombian.
“This makes Colombia highly attractive for international textile manufacturers, especially those interested in supplying a dynamic base of small- and medium-sized fashion brands,” he adds.
New Shows and Expanding Horizons
Inexmoda, as a non-profit organization, continues to invest in strengthening and expanding its events portfolio. In addition to Colombiatex, the organization is behind:
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- Heimtextil Colombia – focused on interior textiles and home design
- Colombiamoda – showcasing finished fashion products
- Colombiatex Technology Show (2026) – a new event dedicated entirely to machinery and fashion tech
“Technology is the game changer,” Díez notes. “That’s why we’re launching a new machinery and technology show in 2026 to help the industry stay competitive, efficient, and innovative.”
To accommodate increasing demand, Colombiatex 2026 will grow by at least 100 additional exhibitors, with new pavilions and broader international representation.
A Diverse and Complex Market
Díez also pointed out that Latin America’s textile market is driven largely by SMEs, which makes product diversification and adaptability crucial for success. Many local distributors handle wide-ranging portfolios—making it difficult to segment the show by product categories like denim, knits, or synthetics.
Despite this complexity, Inexmoda has managed to organize Colombiatex around key zones, such as machinery, supplies, and accessories, to optimize the buyer experience and drive meaningful business interactions.
About Inexmoda
Inexmoda is Colombia’s leading non-profit fashion and textile industry promoter. With over three decades of experience, Inexmoda’s mission is to support the development of brands, expand market access, and empower the growth of the Latin American textile and apparel industry.
