Assomac, the Italian association of manufacturers of machines for the shoe, leathergoods and tannery industries, held its AGM at its Vigevano headquarters on June 29 to discuss the future of the Italian leather industry.

Although it had been a difficult period for the industry, Mr Giovanni Gaia, who recently ended his chairmanship after four years, remains optimistic. “The harsh data may have been initially disconcerting but forced us to ask ourselves questions and look for new ways to reassert our right to compete in all markets,” he said. He added that data from late 2006 and early 2007 show improvements and that the future of the sector will depend on effective planning.

Mr Gaia spoke at a round table discussion, which was moderated by Giuliano Mosconi of Poltrona Frau, with Italian Shoe Manufacturers chairman, Vito Artioli, Leathergoods Manufacturers chairman, Giorgio Cannara, Tanners director, Salvatore Mercogliano and ICE director of Promotion and Internationalisation, Francesco Sereni.

Participants agreed that there were signs of recovery for the industry but that continuing problems included the cost of raw materials and semi-finished goods for tanners, counterfeits within the leather goods industry and the location of footwear manufacturers.