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ITALIAN LEATHER GOODS: LUXURY AND THE FINEST ART
Rome - (Ign) -A sector in continuous expansion, with flattering figures which tell of growth over the years, and a sense of style which represents its real added value. This is the sector of Italian leather goods, which - despite international competition - is acknowledged as a synonym for quality the world over. According to the data of Aimpes (www.aimpes.it) - the trade association that brings together many of the leading producers - 2005 ended with fairly satisfying results for leather goods: the main economic indicators in fact showed signs of a positive trend, albeit with less impressive progress than the previous year. Exports were up, as was production and, even if more slowly, domestic consumption. The significant recovery which began in 2004 in fact also continued last year, especially if compared to the other sectors of fashion; total exports increased in 2005 by 10.6%, at a little under €2,417m. Leather articles are an important component of export turnover, and represent over 70% of sales, with growth in value of 5.6% on 2004. Women's bags - which have always been the pride of Italian production - are the most exported product (with growth of 9.3% on 2004), and a sector in which foreign demand prefers brand products and those in the medium-high price range. The best result in terms of export percentage growth was in belts, however, with a significant result of +19.4%, followed by small leather goods with 16%.
On the front of export markets, after Switzerland (which is however a transit country for products bound for other nations), where 19.5% of our exports are directed, it is Japan which has consolidated its position as the most important trading partner for Italian leather goods, with a share of 13.75% and an increase of 18.7% on last year. Italy is confirmed as the second largest exporter of leather goods to Japan. The trend of sales in the United States has instead suffered from a technical slump (-1.1%) after the boom of 2004. Bags represent a share of 67% of the total exports in this market, accounting for over € 180 million. In Europe, the countries which import the largest number of products include France (+7.7%), the United Kingdom (+3.1%), Germany (+11%), but above all Russia (+32.1%) and Austria (+38.6%). In non-European markets the trend is extremely positive towards Hong Kong (+23.9%) and Singapore (+24.0%). The latest data - albeit still provisional - from Istat (the Italian statistics Institute) confirm the trend: overall, in the first months of 2006 turnover in the sector increased by 10.3%, while in February alone orders grew by 16%.
The leading fashion houses and brands of Italian leather goods are undoubtedly behind this boom, and their success depends on their undoubted innovative and creative ability to exercise a strong appeal for consumers. Products at the top end of the market generate a knock-on effect with positive consequences both for the companies which produce for others, and for those in the middle market and the so-called "accessible luxury" sector, which have focused on differentiation of image and quality, and on innovation in products and communications strategies. In terms of the products themselves, increasing importance is given to exclusive materials such as reptile skin.
Flattering results and trends in continuous growth for companies in the sector: the confirmation that Italian leather goods have maintained their worth and managed to make a mark with their high level of excellence and service. In order to grow further, the growing role of large scale distribution makes it necessary to optimise the costs of raw materials and reduce processing and delivery times.
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