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Made in Italy tiles in the world: the success of Italian exports

Italgres Magazine  

29 January 2024

Piastrelle Made in Italy nel mondo: il successo dell'export italiano

When it comes to quality tiles, Made in Italy is a label that carries a lot of weight globally.

Italy is a country that has always been associated with the beauty of art, fashion and craftsmanship. When it comes to interior design, Italian-made tiles have become a symbol of elegance, style and quality all over the world. The success of Italian tile exports is a testament to the country’s rich history and unparalleled creativity in design.

From small family businesses to large industrial conglomerates, Italian tile manufacturers have managed to win the hearts and minds of architects, designers and homeowners around the world. In fact, Italian tiles have been in high demand for decades for their exquisite design, superior quality, and durability. They are so popular abroad that they have become a major export for our country, accounting for billions of euros in sales annually.

But what makes Italian tiles so special and how have they managed to maintain their success in a highly competitive market? In this article we will take a closer look at the success of Made in Italy tiles around the world, exploring the factors that contributed to their popularity and examining the challenges facing the industry today.

The Italian tile industry

When it comes to interior design, Made in Italy tiles have become a symbol of elegance, style and quality all over the world. The success of Italian tile exports is a testament to the country’s rich history and unparalleled creativity in design.

The Italian tile industry has a long and proud history dating back to the 15th century, when artisans began producing hand-painted ceramic tiles. The Italian craft tradition has evolved over the centuries, producing a wide range of tiles ranging from classic to modern. Today, Italian tiles are appreciated all over the world for their beauty, quality and durability.

Advantages of Italian tiles compared with those of other countries

Made in Italy tiles are famous all over the world for their excellent quality and unique design.

At every stage of the production process, from raw material extraction to processing, attention to detail and care for quality always come first. Italian tiles are made through production processes that make them resistant to wear and tear and time. In addition, innovative manufacturing technologies allow for the creation of unique designs with excellent aesthetics.

The importance of Made in Italy tiles in the global market

Italian tiles have become a globally successful product due to their high technical characteristics and timeless style. Italy is one of the leading tile-producing countries in the world, with a wide variety of enterprises, from small family-owned companies to large multinational corporations. The tile industry in Italy is a top industry, employing thousands of highly skilled workers and generating billions of euros in sales annually.

Italian tile export statistics

Italian tiles are one of the country’s major exports, accounting for a significant share of construction industry exports.

According to data released by Confindustria Ceramica, by 2021 ceramic tile production in Italy exceeded 6 billion euros in sales, more than 5 billion of which came from exports. But let’s see in detail, the numbers for the year 2021 with the comparison to 2019.

  • 131 companies are operating in Italy.
  • 435.3 mln m² (+8.6% over 2019) of tiles produced in one year.
  • 18,528 people employed.
  • 91 mln m² (+9.2%) are sales in Italy.
  • 364.1 mln sq m (+11.9%) are foreign sales.
  • 6.16 billion euros (+15.4 percent) is total sales.
  • 5.2 billion euros is the turnover from exports.

A large part ofMade in Italy tile exports go to other European countries, such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom. However, Italian tile exports are also growing in emerging markets such as China, India and the Middle East.

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The factors that contribute to the success of Made in Italy tiles

There are many factors that contribute to the success of Italian tile exports.

First of all, the unique quality and design of Made in Italy tiles are known worldwide and are a high-end option for consumers. In addition, Italian artisans are known for their skill in creating tiles that perfectly fit the needs of customers. Finally, the tile industry in Italy is highly specialized and innovative, which enables it to adapt quickly to market needs.

The best Italian tile brands

As we have seen, there are more than 130 companies currently active in tile production in Italy. Some of the most prestigious brands of Made in Italy tiles include:

And many others.

Each of these brands has a unique success story. But they all have in common the attention to detail and care for quality that have become a trademark of Made in Italy tiles .

Sustainability and innovation in the Italian tile industry

In recent years, the Italian tile industry has been very attentive to issues of sustainability and innovation. Many manufacturers are investing in innovative technologies to reduce energy and water consumption in the production process and to use recyclable materials.

There are also initiatives to use renewable energy in production processes. This commitment to sustainability has enabled the Made in Italy tile industry to be at the forefront of the industry.

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The challenges of the Italian tile industry in the global marketplace

Despite the success of Italian tile exports, there are also some challenges facing the industry. First, international competition is very strong, with several countries producing high-quality tiles at lower prices. In addition, the global economic crisis has had a negative impact on the Italian tile industry, with a decrease in demand in some key markets.

Future prospects and opportunities for Made in Italy tile exports

Despite the challenges, the Italian tile industry has shown great adaptability and innovation over the years, and there are many opportunities to continue expanding its share in the global market. In addition, the increasing focus on sustainability and tile quality offers an opportunity for the Italian industry to stand out even more from the competition.

Conclusions

Italian tiles are a globally successful product due to their excellent quality, unique design and the ability of the Italian industry to adapt to market needs. Despite the challenges, the Made in Italy tile industry continues to thrive and offer opportunities for the future. The focus on sustainability and tile quality will continue to drive the Italian industry as it adapts to the needs of consumers around the world.