The artisanal glassmaking market - Italy

Since 2020, the artisanal glass processing market has experienced a decline in production due to the COVID-19 emergency and associated production shutdowns. Despite this, the global glass manufacturing market was valued at $106.44 million in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030. The Italian market is characterized by a robust tradition and specialization in glass production, exemplified by the presence of Murano as a center of excellence. Italy's export value has continued to exceed its import value, contributing to a positive trade balance. However, challenges such as soaring gas costs, geopolitical tensions affecting raw material supply, and European directives on emission reduction have impacted the industry. In response, companies have begun to emphasize sustainable production methods. The Italian market, with a steady growth in the turnover of hand glassmaking, suggests resilience and potential for recovery, leveraging its heritage and adapting to contemporary challenges.

Evolution and Dynamics of the Italian Glass Craftsmanship Market

The Italian market for glass craftsmanship reflects the country's venerable tradition in glassmaking, particularly evident in the historical significance of Murano's glassmaking artistry. Delving into the market trends, we can observe a diverse range of handcrafted glass products, including blown glass art objects, glass jewelry, artistic stained glass, and design-oriented glass items such as lamps and mirrors. The market showcases the rich cultural heritage dating back to the Venetian control over glassmaking, with Murano being a prime example of technological innovation and supreme craftsmanship. In recent times, there has been a significant impact on the glass craftsmanship industry due to fluctuations in raw material costs. These changes have been propelled by increasing gas prices, contributing to a 35 percent rise in production costs within the sector. Despite these challenges, the market has shown resilience and adaptability, which is reflected in the expenditure patterns. For instance, although a slight decrease of about 14 percent in expenditure was noted in 2020, likely attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a rebound growth of around 15 percent the following year.

The structure of the market is characterized by a range of companies, from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, workshops, and retailers, collaboratively contributing to the sector's ecosystem. At the top echelons of production, companies such as Cerve Società per Azioni and Lodes S.R.L. are key players, with turnovers of around €70 million and €19 million, respectively. On the distribution front, leading retailers like Kasanova S.P.A. demonstrate the breadth of the market, with turnovers soaring to approximately €325 million. The market's strength is partly rooted in its artisanal nature, as evidenced by the legal structures that predominantly cater to sole proprietors and small-scale, specialized workshops, comprising nearly 58.68 percent of the sector's legal entities. Moreover, legislations at the national and community level aim to preserve the traditional aspects of craftsmanship while aligning with modern environmental and energy considerations. Conclusively, the Italian glass craftsmanship market continues to thrive, despite facing internal and external challenges including competition, market dynamics, and regulatory pressures. Offering a glimpse into the past while embracing current trends, the market's future growth looks set within a stable yet cautiously evolving framework, with both historical significance and contemporary relevance underscored by the enduring allure of Italian glass artistry.

Pioneers of Italian Glass Artistry: Celebrating Leading Companies in the Sector

Italy’s heritage in glass craftsmanship is not only a cornerstone of its cultural identity but also a testament to a thriving economic segment that continues to innovate and enchant the world with sparkling, intricate creations. The market has several key players, each with their own unique story and contribution to the realm of glass artistry. Below we delve into some of the most influential and renowned companies that continue to shape the Italian glass market.

• Cerve Società per azioni Cerve, born in Parma, stands as a beacon of glass manufacturing, fusing the classic charm with a modern twist. Since 1953, it has epitomized the amalgamation of ceramic and glass artistry – an emblematic blend that has seen the company rise to prominence in the industry. Cerve’s journey symbolizes the unwavering passion for glass, progression from artisan crafts to industrial success, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Lodes S.R.L. Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Veneto, Lodes epitomizes the luminescence of Italian design. For over 70 years, it has illuminated the sector of decorative lighting, transforming Angelo Tosetto’s vision into a radiant reality. This brand is synonymous with chic design, forging a strong international repute that turns heads in every corner of the globe.
• I.S.S. CO Industry for Screen Printing on Conte Originating as a humble artisan enterprise and evolving into an industrial entity, I.S.S. CO has become a touchstone in the cosmetics and perfumery realms. They’ve made eco-friendly practices a cornerstone of their production, spotlighting the union between artistry and environmental stewardship.
• Arti Vetro S.R.L. The flame of Luigi Garofano’s passion for the beauty of glass sparked Arti Vetro s.r.l. into existence. Since 1968, it has been dedicated to distributing glass masterpieces beyond Italy's borders, committed to globalizing its remarkable craft while honoring its domestic roots.
• Barovier & Toso Venice has long been the heart of glass artistry, and Barovier & Toso stand as one of its oldest and most storied heirs. With a legacy stretching back to 1295 and a royal decree in hand, they have a monopoly over Venetian Crystal’s art and charm, etching their mark on history one exquisite piece at a time.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 11/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Market value of hand glass processing
• Exports, Imports and Coverage Rate
• Distribution of exports among the top 5 consumer countries
• Breakdown of imports among the top 5 supplier countries
• Value of hand glass processing turnover
• Natural gas price trend
• Expenditure Item (ECoicop)
• Legal form Hand and artistic glass blowing industry
• Number employed last 5 years
• Number of active companies last 5 years
• Number of enterprises active in the retail trade of household utensils, glassware and tableware