Brazilian Footwear: Bebecê recently underwent a change in its executive board, and you took over the company’s leadership. What are the objectives and guidelines of this new management?

Neto: Our management focuses on three pillars: sustainable growth, agile innovation, and strengthening our culture. We want to expand markets, modernize processes, and reinforce Bebecê as a reference in fashion with comfort. We also aim to increase our international presence and explore new digital fronts, always with social and environmental responsibility. 

Brazilian Footwear: How was the transition between the previous and current management?

Neto: The transition was carried out with great respect, dialogue, and partnership. The founder, Analdo Moraes, remains close to the company, contributing especially to the creative area. We preserved what Bebecê does best: its values, its essence, and its close relationship with consumers. At the same time, we brought a more structured vision for the future.

Brazilian Footwear: And at this early stage leading the company, how were the first weeks?

Neto: They were intense and inspiring. I spent a lot of time listening to employees, sales reps, customers, and partners. I was impressed by people’s passion for the brand. That enthusiasm pushed us to fast-track some strategic moves and reinforce our commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

Brazilian Footwear: I’d like you to talk about the group’s figures: production units, headcount, pairs produced, export share, target markets…

Neto: Bebecê currently employs more than 2,000 people, including direct and indirect teams, and operates highly vertically integrated production units, which allows us to maintain strict control over the entire production chain. Each year, we produce approximately 4 million pairs of footwear, consolidating our presence throughout the Brazilian market. Internationally, we currently allocate around 8% of our output to exports, with a primary focus on Latin America. We are committed to strategic expansion plans both in Brazil and abroad, seeking to strengthen our brand and broaden our global presence in a sustainable and innovative way. 

Brazilian Footwear: And how was 2024 for the company?

Neto: Two thousand twenty-four was an extremely challenging year for Bebecê and for the entire footwear industry in Rio Grande do Sul. The flooding that hit the state directly affected our factories, our people, and much of the supply chain. At many points, we were literally underwater—both physically and emotionally. But it was also a year that revealed the strength of our team. We worked together, with unity and purpose, to rebuild the company in record time. We restructured operations, supported employees and partners, and—through a great deal of effort—managed to keep our launch calendar on track. The second half brought a consistent recovery, both commercially and institutionally. Overcoming those challenges made us stronger as an organization and showed us that, even amid adversity, it is possible to thrive with resilience, empathy, and a forward-looking vision.

Brazilian Footwear: What is the outlook for closing 2025? Will there be growth?

Neto: Yes, we’re projecting meaningful growth, especially given the comparison with a year impacted by the flooding. The actions implemented in recent months are gaining traction, and our sales channels—brick-and-mortar and digital—have been delivering consistent performance. Investment in innovation and our focus on ESG have also helped set us apart in the market. 

Brazilian Footwear: Is the company working on physical/production expansion projects and technology investments for the short and medium term?

Neto: Yes. We are continuing our recurring investments in our production facilities, with a focus on maintaining excellence and the continuous pursuit of quality. In addition, we have increasingly prioritized investments in technology—both on the industrial side and in commercial and management areas. We want to make our processes more agile, intelligent, and integrated, with tools that enable faster, more accurate decision-making. 

Brazilian Footwear: How does Bebecê address sustainability and ESG internally? What practices are in place?

Neto: We have an ESG Committee that works cross-functionally across the company, setting targets, monitoring indicators, and promoting initiatives along three pillars: environmental, social, and governance. We adopt practices such as efficient waste management, conscious energy use, inclusion and equity programs, and approved suppliers vetted against sustainable criteria.

Brazilian Footwear: Bebecê holds the Sustainable Origin certification at the highest level, Diamond. How important is this certification for the company? Do you find that buyers see it as a competitive edge?

Neto: The Diamond-level Sustainable Origin certification is a source of pride and responsibility. It confirms we’re on the right path and inspires us to keep evolving. For buyers—especially international ones—this endorsement is increasingly relevant. We’ve already noticed it opening doors and strengthening our reputation as a brand committed to the planet’s future. 

Brazilian Footwear: Bebecê also takes part in several actions under Brazilian Footwear—the export-promotion program maintained by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. How important is this initiative for the company?

Neto: The Brazilian Footwear program has been an important showcase for the brand, providing greater visibility in international markets as well as a key touchpoint with potential customers and commercial partners. 

Brazilian Footwear: Bebecê takes part in BFSHOW, which today is The biggest footwear tradeshow in Latin America. How was the latest edition, and what is the trade show’s strategic importance for the compan

Neto: BFSHOW has consolidated itself as the sector’s leading showcase in Latin America. The latest edition was extremely positive for Bebecê: we generated new business, strengthened relationships with clients, and saw very strong receptiveness to our launches. It’s a strategic moment to present innovation, listen to the market, and reaffirm our positioning.

Brazilian Footwear: To wrap up, what single word defines sustainability for Bebecê?

Neto: Commitment — to our history, to the present, and to future generations. We believe a company is only truly successful when it creates a positive impact on society and the planet.