It is presented as the “sexiest industry in Europe” and has meant that Portugal’s footwear industry has trounced French champagne for a prestigious award.
Portugal’s bid for support and recognition at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards in Lithuania last week saw an audience dazzled by the show put on by models Sara Sampaio and Gonçalo Teixeira, writes Expresso newspaper.
But the final choice, with the jury also considering a project for champagne in the Ardennes region of France, the other finalist in the same category (Supporting the Internationalisation of Business), was “difficult”.
“Receiving this prize is an honour and a responsibility,” said the spokesman for Portugal’s footwear industry Paulo Gonçalves. “We want Portugal’s shoes to lead the world. This is what motivates us.”
Considered one of the strongest lines in export for the national economy, this is the second year running that a Portuguese initiative has won this award.
Last year, it went to the Douro Boys, for their strategy in promoting wines from the Douro, says Expresso.
