From 17th–20th March 2025, The Tile Association was generously invited by Confindustria Ceramica to tour tile factories and showrooms by Ceramiche Keope, Ceramiche Marca Corona, Fincibec Group, Cotto d’Este, Marazzi Ceramiche and Confindustria Ceramica headquarters in Sassuolo, Italy. The educational trip also featured a presentation on sustainability, demonstrating how responsibility and innovation are key principles leading the Italian ceramic tile sector.
TTA members gave extremely positive feedback, appreciating the excellent organisation and warm hospitality shown by the “superb” and “generous” hosts. They were glad to learn more about new products and how Confindustria’s ‘I choose responsibly’ campaign supports sustainable tile sourcing.
Alison Bold of Tiles UK said: “The opportunity to visit new factories under the umbrella of Confindustria couldn’t have come at a better time to further strengthen relationships with local European partners during this turbulent economic period.
“Confindustria and their partner members were both excellent and generous hosts. The presentation on sustainability and global responsibility initiatives was particularly pleasing to hear at a time when such concerns are at the forefront of many suppliers and consumers alike.”
Sagren Naidoo of Tiles & Stone Direct said: “Thanks to everyone involved for the invite. I have been on a few factory trips myself and this was by far the best. The organisation from TTA and the planning and scheduling from Elena and her team were brilliant. I met a few from our group for the first time – and I must say it was an excellent group of people to have shared the 4 days with, it really was. The team from Confindustria Ceramica were superb hosts and their hospitality was unbelievable. I found the sustainability presentation and the retail marketing tools well-presented and something that can be used practically in retail stores, which we will do in my showroom and website. The factories were great and showed us more innovative products to consider as we go forward.”
James Sirett of Fired Earth said: “The trip was excellent – very informative and the Italian trade association Confindustria Ceramica alongside TTA provided great hospitality. As an opportunity to be educated in the manufacturing of Italian tiles and look at the new products on offer it was a fantastic experience and I am grateful to be invited. Thanks as always for all the hard work involved in organising these things.”
Darren Whelpton-Smith of Total Tiles said: “Thank you for an amazing first time experience coming to the Italian factories and wow from start to finish – the organisation, hospitality and warmth shown was fabulous. For me and Ella, the trip cemented why Italy is a leader within the sector, with broad ranges that are ahead of some of our current suppliers, leading innovation through new designs and finishes. We were particularly impressed with the association’s sustainability drive and the availability of assets to retailers from their new ‘I choose responsibly’ campaign. Evidence that reinvestment as an organisation is being delivered well is a credit to all involved. Thanks again and in particular to Elena and Simone for being excellent hosts throughout our time with you. Arrivederci per ora!”
