From the beginning an international trade fair, Filo continues its growth, which is in many ways linked to its ever-increasing internationalization. The number of foreign exhibitors is increasing, while still adhering to Filo’s strict selection criteria. At the same time number of foreign visitors and buyers is growing with each edition, thanks in part to the now-established collaboration with the ITA – Italian Trade Agency. Focus and collaboration were confirmed by the visit to the fair by Alessandra Pastorelli of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Maurizio Forte, Central Director for the Export Sectors of ITA Agency, and Matteo Masini, Director of the Consumer Goods Office of ITA Agency. At the conclusion of the 64th edition of Filo, Matteo Masini himself gave a brief interview to FiloNewsLetter.

Mr. Masini, what are your first impressions of the 64th edition of Filo, the first to be held at Fiera Milano Rho?
“During our visit to Filo64, we were able to appreciate the finest qualities of Made in Italy textiles, expressed in the exhibitors’ collections. At the very beginning of the supply chain, we find the roots of that “beautiful and well-made” quality, much sought-after abroad, as demonstrated by export data. We were also interested in the choice of Fiera Milano Rho as the exhibition venue. It’s a venue that allows Filo to be more closely integrated with other trade fairs in the sector, such as Lineapelle and Simac Tanning Tech: this is a positive element because it fuels interest and curiosity among operators in related sectors.”

The collaboration between Filo and the Italian Trade Agency has been ongoing for a long time and, in Filo opinion, is very fruitful. How will it develop in the future?
“Yes, the collaboration between the ITA Agency and Filo is long-standing. Over the years, as the Italian Trade Agency, we have brought hundreds of professionals from the most important textile and fashion countries to the fair. At this edition, for example, the buyers in our delegation came from Spain, France, Portugal, Hungary, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Finland, Switzerland, India, South Korea, and China. The relationship with Filo has been and continues to be very rewarding. Moreover, the Agency’s role is to promote Made in Italy products worldwide, helping companies—especially SMEs—enter and establish themselves in markets.”

It’s no easy task, especially in international contexts like the current one. What are the main pillars of the ITA Agency’s activities?
“The trade fair, with the arrival of the delegation of buyers organized by the Agency, is the moment of greatest visibility. However, behind it lies extensive preparation work that takes place throughout the year, with the continuous monitoring of the main international markets, their performances, changes and evolution of trends, needs, demands, and shifts in taste. This activity is carried out in every country of interest for Made in Italy and for all the supply chains that use Italian products. Monitoring is possible thanks to our vast network of offices around the world, which Filo and all fashion textile companies can rely on. In short, to achieve maximum interaction between exhibiting companies and foreign visitors during the trade fair, meticulous preparation is required, which considers the needs of foreign markets as well as the quality our companies can offer.”

The Italian Trade Agency has granted patronage to “Made in Filo,” the initiative through which Filo produces a full-fledged fabric collection using exhibitors’ yarns. Why?
“We granted patronage to “Made in Filo” primarily because it is an initiative that highlights and promotes the excellence of Italian manufacturing. It’s a goal we not only share, but we work every day to achieve.”

To summarize, can we say that the collaboration between Filo and the Italian Trade Agency is strong and will continue in the coming years?
“Filo is a key trade fair for the textile industry, and there are all the conditions to continue this collaboration and further strengthen it, as also demonstrated by the attention shown by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this occasion.”

The 65th edition of Filo is scheduled for February 11 and 12, 2026, at Fiera Milano Rho.

Biella, November 5 2025