On the eve of Mido, the important world event dedicated to the world of eyewear, which will be held from 11 to 13 March at the Fiera di Milano-Rho, what is the state of health of the sector in Italy?
According to data released by Gfk, Institute specialized in market studies, and by Anfao (National Association of Optical Article Manufacturers), the balance is mixed: 2011 was very positive, which closed with a production value of 2,65 billion euros (+8,2%), driven by the strong growth of exports (+10,9%); The forecasts for the current year, which promises to be difficult, are less good.
“While the past one was a year of stabilization – he declared Cirillo Marcolin, president of Mido and Anfao -, 2012 promises to be difficult, as already anticipated in the last months of 2011. This requires us to be cautious, while companies will have to change pace”.
Above all, what is worrying is the expected drop in GDP, on which Marcolin launches an appeal to the Monti government: “There is greater confidence with respect to the public debt – explains the president of MIDO -, thanks to the redevelopment measures and against waste. But we must not depress the initiatives. The government must do its part to encourage a recovery of confidence and consumption, but also to support our businesses abroad".
Before worrying, however, the Italian eyewear industry takes note of a good 2011. As mentioned, the growth of the sector's production was influenced by the excellent performance of exports which represent 90% of turnover, which stood at 2,45 billion euros driven above all by the sunglasses (+12,7%) and frames (+8,1%) segments, with an average monthly growth of 15% in the first half and 7 % In the second. Europe remains the reference market with a share of over 50%. The export share to America stood at 28%, while Asia now receives 18% of Italian exports.
Mostly, the Italy brand does not set in the high quality range: the companies of the boot represent 27% of world production and this share rises to 70% if we consider only the high-end market.
But the real novelty concerns theEurope, where the sell-out turnover in the main four markets (Italy, France, Germany, Spain) amounted to over 15 billion euros, up 1,9% thanks to unexpected performance: Germany (+4,5%). And through the sale of the product that in theory should be less suitable for the Teutonic climate: sunglasses (+5,3%).
The key to understanding this curious phenomenon is given by Gianni Cossar, Global Director of the GFK group's optical division: “Compared to other durable goods, the optical market is essentially healthy and solid. In 2011, there was a surprise on the German market, which weighs 31,7% of the total of these 4 countries and whose growth has been driven by the boom in sales of sunglasses with a +42%, especially from a young audience”. If even in Germany they start to see the sun, the eyewear industry need not worry.
