The carpentry market - Italy

Since 2020, the Italian carpentry and woodworking market has shown resilience in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry, suffered a downturn due to the pandemic, with a notable decline of 12.6% from the previous year's turnover. However, the market has displayed signs of recovery, particularly within the real estate sector, which serves as a significant demand driver for carpentry services and products. The residential real estate sector alone invoiced €118.7 billion in 2021, with a robust recovery notable in northern Italy. The import-export sector experienced an overall expansion, with 2022 seeing kitchen furniture exports accounting for over 25% of the total. Large domestic companies and specialized furniture stores continue to be pivotal distribution channels.

Major industry players like the MAURO SAVIOLA GROUP S.R.L. and FANTONI S.P.A. report turnovers of €337 million and €319 million respectively, indicating the market's slow yet steady progress post-pandemic. State incentives, such as the Furniture Bonus and Superbonus, have provided significant boosts to the sector, encouraging growth and investment within the industry. Despite the decline in the number of enterprises and employees, and the evident market fragmentation, the Italian carpentry market shows a trend towards technological integration, ecological focus, and sustained demand influenced by factors like professional status and government initiatives.

Italian Carpentry Market Trends and Analysis

The Italian carpentry market has gone through a series of ebbs and flows, particularly under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which left a notable mark on the industry. The market which valued at approximately 11.49 billion euros in 2020 experienced a significant slowdown due to the pandemic, indicating the industry's sensitivity to economic disruptions. This slump was not permanent as previous growth trends and a buoyant real estate market were factors in the industry's recovery. The market in Italy is synonymous with the small family-run stores, a tradition of craftsmanship, known for generations. Despite increasing presence of multinational retailers in this space, wood maintains a strong foothold in the manufacturing of various products, particularly furniture. The furniture sector, which heavily relies on wood, has experienced new technological trends that allow for more creative professional experimentation with the material. A critical aspect of the market is connected to foreign trade with distinct preferences for export and import. Italy sees predominant exports in kitchen furniture which constitutes more than a quarter of its total exports, while imports are mainly bedroom furniture, though the distribution is less concentrated. The trade balance indicates growing imports at a faster pace compared to exports, with major trade partners being the United States and France for exports, and Germany and Poland for imports.

The demand for carpentry services and products in Italy is closely linked to the housing market. The residential sector's marked recovery in 2021 reflects a 33.3% increase in turnover compared to 2020 and a 21.6% increase compared to 2019, translating into a robust demand for carpentry services. The distribution of this demand geographically skews towards the northern areas of the country, with about 57% of demand originating from there. A notable trend is the rise in demand for furniture and home maintenance, the former even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Interestingly, the trend leans towards purchasing new furniture rather than repairing, with expenditure on repairs being significantly lower. The demand for carpentry products is driven by consumer preferences with an evolving interest in new materials and technology. The use of resins, such as epoxy, has seen a rise, sitting alongside the inclusion of high-tech tools in the creation of carpentry products. The market is characterized by being largely fragmented with a large number of enterprises that employ a significant number of people. Albeit, recent years have seen a decrease in both enterprises and employment figures reflecting a slight market concentration, which notwithstanding, does not disrupt the fragmentary nature of the industry.

Pillars of Italian Carpentry: Key Market Players Shaping the Wood Industry

In the vibrant tapestry of Italian carpentry, several companies stand out for their contribution to the rich tradition and modern innovation in woodworking. These firms have honed their craft over the years, solidifying their reputations as leaders in their respective niches within the market. From the meticulous carving of wooden furniture to the precise cutting and planing of timber, these enterprises embody the quality and excellence synonymous with the "Made in Italy" label.

• Cora' Domenico & Figli SPA specializes in the cutting and planing of timber, offering an extensive variety of woods for various applications. Their dedication to quality has earned them a prominent position in this segment of the industry.
• Florian Legno S.P.A. is another major name in cutting and planing, known for their high standards and commitment to sustainable practices, thereby meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers.
• Sangiorgi Legnami S.P.A. also contributes significantly to this sector, with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction that keeps them competitive in the dynamic market.
• As for wood-based sheets and panels, Gruppo Mauro Saviola S.R.L. is a key player. They are celebrated for their eco-friendly approach, utilizing recycled wood to produce high-quality panels.
• Fantoni S.P.A. is revered for their advanced manufacturing processes, creating durable and aesthetically pleasing wood-based panels that serve a variety of industries.
• When it comes to parquet flooring, names such as Margaritelli S.P.A. resonate in the market, with their products synonymous with elegance and durability. They offer a range of styles that perfectly blend with contemporary as well as traditional interiors.
• Companies like BRAGA S.P.A. and RUBNER HAUS SRL represent the pinnacle of wood carpentry and joinery products for construction. While BRAGA S.P.A. brings innovation to doors and windows, RUBNER HAUS SRL is celebrated for their bespoke wooden housing solutions. Finally, no overview of the Italian carpentry market would be complete without mentioning the major distributors that bring these crafted goods to the wider public.
• Ikea Italy and Leroy Merlin Italy are renowned for their extensive networks that make a wide range of wood products accessible to consumers, while Bricocenter caters to the growing DIY segment, offering an array of tools and materials.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 21/07/2023

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