The Italian market
Mr Lonoce | Wine producer | Calitro
“When my grandfather had to relinquish his passion, I took over the company so that it would stay in the family. With my background in design, I gave the company a new look. The product has not changed. “My grandfather always produced excellent wine,” relates Mr Lonoce.
“The remarkable label arouses curiosity. Once the wine has been tasted, people realise they are holding a unique wine.”- Lonoce
“We produce for a niche market, so the number of bottles is limited. Our wine will never be for sale in a supermarket, because we produce for the aficionado who wants to drink an exceptional wine. For our four labels, we produce approximately 40,000 bottles.”
“With our largest label, Primitivo, we have won a gold medal at Vin Italy. This is the highest award attainable in our market.. Not only does this underline our confidence in our product, but this award has also gained us much valued publicity.”
International
“Because we produce for a niche market, it is necessary to expand our commercial network. The Italians understand a good product, but the true wine connoisseurs are based abroad. At exhibitions in Düsseldorf and London, our product was also well-received. Now, we have several fine distributors abroad.”
Problems with payment
“In Italy, invoices are often paid later than the term of payment indicated. A period of 30 to 60 days is theoretically common in Italy. In practice, Italians often do not pay until 90, 120 or even 150 days. As a result, we often have to negotiate with our distributors, which delays payment even further.”
“Abroad, payment is effected more quickly. So this a huge advantage of our export abroad. The only problem with this is that the products have to pass customs. Customs charges us high costs for this. This then influences the sale price of the wine.”
Mr Ferrarese | Traditional Tailor | Bottega Dalmut
“The concept of our company arose from a passion for fashion which has possessed me since I was little and which I share with my grandfather. When I was given the opportunity to study in New York, and I was introduced to genuine English tailoring, I developed a passion for traditionally tailored suits. Nowadays, you see fewer and fewer traditional tailors. A new, young generation needs to be apprenticed to the old masters, before the tradition vanishes completely.”
“Bottega Dalmut arose from this need. Bottega Dalmut is concerned with the traditional tailoring of suits, where each section of a suit is custom-made. We compare this process to purchasing a car, where the customer selects every single component. Every detail, from stitching to sleeves, is handmade. After on average of forty hours, the customer has his work of art.”
Made in Italy
“To preserve our craft , I have founded a school where new craftsmen and women can be trained in a period of four to six years. In our Bottega Dalmut Academy, we hand over the skills to a new generation and thus invest in the power of products with the label “Made in Italy.”
“We want to bring handmade products back onto the market and show the world what good things Italy has to offer.”- Ferrarese
“I value the importance of emphasizing authenticity. Many people label their product as Made in Italy, although very little workmanship was involved. In traditional tailoring, all is made by hand.”
International
“Bottega Dalmut is based in Francavilla, Puglia which, with its central location, ensures easy accessibility to the market. In November, we want to expand in Italy and the rest of the world. In 2016, we will take trunk shows to Rome and Milan. We also want to go abroad that year. Italian craftsmanship will be appreciated all over the world.”
“Naturally, this process requires time and needs to be well-thought-out. To be successful abroad, you need to have the support of potential clients.”
