The world of ceramic tiles it may appear, at first glance, as a small provincial microcosm, but in reality it is a sector that has managed to gain a global vision and relevance. Especially in the historic area between Modena and Reggio Emilia, the ceramic tile district has transformed the countryside into an industrial hub of excellence that dialogues with architects from New York, builders from Dubai and interior designers from Tokyo. Today, this region represents the soul of an industrial sector that does not limit itself to decorating spaces, but does so with a global vision, bringing innovative design and unparalleled quality to the world to satisfy the needs of an international clientele.
Behind the refined appearance of ceramic tiles lies an industrial and technological infrastructure that is as sophisticated as it is complex. Their global success is determined not only by their design, but also by their ability to manage a complex supply chain: from the choice of raw materials to production, distribution and after-sales service. This process is characterized by the highest quality production, continuous exchanges with professionals from all over the world and strict compliance with delivery times, thus ensuring a final product that not only meets, but exceeds expectations.
An important showcase of this global perspective is the cersaie, the most important global event for ceramics, bathroom furnishings, architecture and design, which returns to populate the Bologna Fair from the 23 to the 27 September 2024. With its 41st edition, Cersaie confirms itself as the stage for discovering the latest news and trends in the world of tiles and design.
A tradition that becomes global excellence
The roots of Italian tiles lie in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, but their influence has expanded far beyond local borders. Currently, the Emilia-Romagna ceramic district represents 85,5% of the national production of tiles, with a significant impact also on third-party production, which is close to 86%.
This area not only dominates the domestic market, but is also one of the main voices of the export of the country, with a significant impact on national turnover. In 2023, sales of Italian tiles abroad accounted for 77,2% of total exports, underlining the international appeal of the Made in Italy product. However, the sector recorded a contraction by 20% in terms of volumes sold, with significant drops in key markets such as Germany (-30,2%), France (-17,2%) and the United States (-14,8%). Non-European markets also suffered a decline, with sales in Asia down 16% and in the Gulf by 14%.
Despite these difficulties, the Italian tile industry continues to show resilience, targeting new opportunities in emerging markets and continuing to invest even in difficult times to strengthen its global position.
Italian Tiles: Versatility and Style for Every Corner of the World
Italian tiles, with their versatility and variety, are used in numerous fields, enriching and embellishing different spaces. They are able to accommodate the trends of the residential market, dressing city e apartments and with an unmistakable style. At the same time, they become silent but indispensable protagonists in large commercial and public architecture projects, such as shops luxury, restaurants e hotels. Whether it’s for covering swimming pools, terraces or skyscraper facades, Italian tiles offer versatile and high-impact solutions.
For example, in the project of the Yangtze River Delta International R&D Park a Shanghai, Italian tiles from Cotto d'Este were chosen for the ventilated facades of the “D Center”, with the ultra-thin Kerlite 3plus slabs in Corail Blanc shades offering a refined and sustainable aesthetic. In the retail sector, the new Ganni store a New York e Los Angeles use ceramic tiles to create distinctive environments: Ceramica Vogue's 'Graph' tiles in the New York store recall graph paper, while the latte-colored ones in Los Angeles contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In the residential sector, the Waterfall House a Bangkok uses Reverso and Marmi Bianchi tiles from Ceramiche Coem to reflect the beauty of nature, while the Villa Paraiso 354 in Costa Rica It is enriched with Mirage porcelain stoneware which integrates harmoniously with the tropical context.
Public and hospitality spaces are no exception: the Claremont Hotel a Perth uses the Venetian Marble collection by Ceramiche Piemme to cover the floors with the elegance of Venetian terraces, and the Science Center Experimenta from Heilbronn in Germany integrates the Italian porcelain stoneware of the Architecture collection by Casalgrande Padana for a modern and sustainable design. Sports facilities also benefit from Italian tiles: for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, Laminam Oxide slabs were used in the Olympic Village, while the KDV Golf and Tennis Academy in Australia uses the “Memory Mood” collection by Panaria Ceramica to combine elegance and functionality.
Italian ceramic tiles not only beautify, but tell stories of refinement, design and innovation. They are, ultimately, a product that from a small corner of Emilia Romagna has conquered the world, defining new standards of quality and style wherever they are found.
