Textiles are materials made of natural fibers, such as animal products. They are combined by using different techniques such as weaving, crocheting, knitting, or pressing. Traditionally, weaving is the form used to create textiles. In more recent times, artificial fibers and machines that press them together are often used to create textiles.

Textiles are used to make clothes, curtains, tablecloths, and towels. Handkerchiefs, bags, and even carpets can be made from textiles. Italian textiles are known for their high quality, natural materials, and rich colors.

Wearing art

Clothes were once very basic. They were created from whole pieces of clothes that weren’t sewed or dyed. As techniques improved, clothes became more elaborate. Each country began to develop its own style, some more fanciful than others.

Weaving brocade, velvet, and silk became an important skill. Designs were weaved into the material to make them unique to sell to royalty and nobles. This same technique was transferred to other items as well.

Renaissance Textiles

During the height of its popularity, art in Italy was expressed in many different mediums.  Weaving as an art form was seen in silks, velvet, and brocade fabrics. They became beautiful wall coverings, tablecloths, throw rugs, and bedspreads. They were in demand for throne rooms, bedchambers, drawing rooms, and altars.

Some of these products can even be seen today. Art collectors, historians, and clothing enthusiasts spend a great deal of money on these items. Many are hanging in museums.

Some textiles were used to create furniture. The Baroque style consists of heavy woven fabrics, and dark furniture. These fabrics have ornate patterns, such as flowers, animals, and grotesque human-like creatures. They continue the taste and style that started in Italy during the Renaissance.

Unique Italian Characteristics

There are some unique Italian textile manufacturer characteristics not seen in other countries. One unique aspect is the number of small and medium-size firms in the country. Many countries have some large businesses as well as small-medium size countries.  Italy, however, has mostly small and medium medium-sized businesses.

Although the companies in Italy are smaller, they still produce top brands and are top sellers in the world. Italy has the most small to medium businesses that have well-known brands. Some of the most popular brands in the world are from these smaller companies.

Those companies that don’t have well-known brands of their own produce material for larger companies. Companies such as Gucci and Prada use small manufacturers to create their material and some of the special product lines.

Italian textile manufacturers often specialize in one aspect of production. These companies then ship the material to other manufacturing plants in Italy, or ship them to other countries. Businesses around the world prefer Italian textiles because of their quality.

Italian textiles aren’t just for clothes. They have been an art form, a distinct line of clothing for nobles, and a line of furniture that has remained popular for centuries. Their unique production processes make Italian textiles in high demand by businesses in other countries. Italy is a country of quality, innovation, and creativity, and their textiles are no exception.

Designed for comfort
The main idea behind Italian shoes is that they are made to be worn. The manufacturers understand the human foot and design shoes built to the contours of the feet. They are comfortable and mold to the person’s foot. People do not need to break in the shoe in order to get used to them. Instead, the material adapts so that the shoe gets used to the person.

This makes Italian shoes comfortable to wear. Women can spend all day in Italian high heels without feeling as if their feet are about to fall off. Men can wear Italian dress shoes for work without growing calluses or blisters because of hard soles or cheap materials.

These shoes are also made to breathe. People’s feet don’t sweat in these shoes, causing embarrassing odor. The best material is used and the most innovative technology to make them comfortable, durable and wearable.

When older is better

The best leather is used to create these shoes, and the top tanning processes remain in place today. Italian shoe manufacturers use calf or ostrich leather, and they still use only first cut leather for their shoes, instead of piecing together leftover leather.

They still use hand stitching and make sure that the seams hold. There are craftsmen who have knowledge passed down for generations, as well as artisans who are involved in the manufacturing process. The result is that fewer shoes are made, but they are high quality.

They are also high priced. It is not common to find Italian shoes in a standard shoe store. They are usually found in special boutiques and can cost as much as $800 depending on the type of shoe and the brand name. Some design houses have their own lines of shoes, but they are made by dedicated shoe manufacturers instead of the same manufacturers that make their clothing. They do this because they understand the special techniques used are superior to standard processes.

Special requests

There are Italian shoe manufacturers that create custom-made shoes. However, many of the shoe manufacturers that are based in Italy are famous because of their specialties. Because of the dedication and techniques used, many times a shoe manufacturer will specialize in a specific type of shoe.

Simod is a company that specializes in Italian sportswear. They have clothing that is sought after by many athletes. They also have a line of athletic shoes. These include training, running, and European football boots. There are other sportswear companies, whose shoes are famous with athletes from around the world.

Capezio is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dancewear. This includes custom-made dance shoes. These special shoes have been worn by some of the world’s most famous dancers.

Pompei creates costumes and shoes for filmmakers. They are known for their ability to create period pieces for historic films that are as authentic as the originals. Since the 1930’s, they have been the producers of shoes for some of the most famous films. These include Shakespeare in Love, Amadeus, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Gravati shoes are completely hand made. Their manufacturing plant is staffed by specialists and artisans. They only use the best leather and are hand cut and hand stitched. Even the patterns for the different shoes are made and cut by hand. Gravati also doesn’t maintain any inventory. When retailers order shoes, they give the company specifications on color, styles, and amounts. Gravati then will fill each order by creating the specified footwear at that time.

When manufacturers from other countries use automation and mass production, Italy’s manufacturing companies often stick to the basics. The majority of manufacturing companies are still family owned in Italy and is small in comparison to other plants. Their techniques produce superior quality; a factor that other companies believe can be sacrificed for high volume and price.

Customers seem to differ. Italian shoe manufacturers have kept to traditional techniques and remain among the top shoe manufacturers in the world. While it is true that not everyone can afford Italian shoes, they are eagerly sought after. In some cases, they are a status symbol, as they are often worn by the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Owning a pair of Italian shoes is a thing of pride, but it also shows that people prefer comfort to just fashion.

Because of its natural resources, Italy was one of the popular ancient tile manufacturers that included Spain and Portugal. The clay that could be found in Tuscany, in particular, could be fired into an excellent ceramic tile.

Types of tile

There are many different types of tiles. Terracotta tiles are clay or ceramic tiles. They are created by firing clay in a kiln to harden it. Modern techniques use press-powdered tile. In this case, machine techniques are superior to hand made tiles. With pressed dust, the tighter the dust is packed the more durable the tile becomes. Extruded, or machine made tile, is superior to handmade tiles because machines can press harder than humans can.

Glazed tiles are popular because they can be painted to add design and color to the look of the floor or wall. Metal oxide glazed tile was created long ago in the Middle East and quickly adopted by Italy. Italian manufacturers developed their own techniques and spread the popularity of this tile throughout Europe.

Smalti or glass tiles can be clear or opaque. Italian designers have also created metallic or gold varieties by threading different metals in the glass. Colored glass tiles are often used in mosaics and other designs.

Porcelain tile became popular because of Italian artisans. Many of the raw materials found in Italy helped to produce durable and beautiful porcelain tiles. While porcelain transferred to other mediums, tiles made from porcelain are popular to this day.

Marble tiles are the ultimate in elegance and stile. Carrara tile is expensive and hard to find because it is one of the world’s greatest lines of marble tile.

Tile as art

Mosaics may have been the first known forms of tile as an art form. During the Renaissance, Italy became known for their hand-painted tiles. Tuscany in particular produced and perfected this art because of its fine clays. Hand-painted tiles were seen in churches, fountains, and bathhouses throughout Europe.

After the Renaissance, the popularity of this art dwindled for a time. Then Art Nouveau and Art Deco revived this unique craft. The popularity continues to this day, and special designers are hired to paint the tiles.

Modern painted tiles are seen in more than just fountains and churches. They are in pools, museums and even in some homes. People can pay thousands of dollars to have them specially designed.

Modern innovation

In addition to painted tile and improved pressing techniques, there have been other innovations developed by Italian tile manufacturers. One company, by the name of Fiandre, has made great strides in tile manufacturing.

One type of tile that this company creates is antibacterial tile. This is often used in hospitals, offices, and spas. It reduces the number of germs in an environment to make it healthier and uses green technologies.

Eco tile uses earth friendly techniques to reduce chemicals used, and the amount of pollution generated. These eco tiles are in demand by individuals and businesses around the world. Their popularity grows as they perfect their techniques.

Geo tiles are the epitome of art and function. They are decorated in various geometric designs and come in many different colors. They are usually used for walls but can be used in flooring as well.



Other types of tile that they create are designed to reduce slipping and are extra thick. They work great in swimming pools, health spas and anywhere that water can spill onto the floor. They come in many different colors and are used to form mosaics.

Italian tile manufacturers create beautiful and innovative tiles for many different uses. Painted tiles can beautify a home, and mosaics create intricate designs. Antibacterial tile can be used to prevent people from getting sick, and specially designed tiles can keep people from falling. As technology improves, tile manufacturers continue to find innovative ways to use tile. And for centuries, Italy has been one of the leaders blazing the trail for others to follow.

One hundred years of innovation

Some of the best bike manufacturers have been in existence for over a century. There are Italian companies that were founded in the 1800’s and are still around today. Other Italian manufacturers of racing bikes are new, but still well known. Whether racing enthusiasts are talking about Bianchi, Sintesi, Scapin, Carrow, or Pinarello, they say these names with respect. These companies are known for their quality, style, and bold technological innovations.

Bianchi Road Bikes is an Italian bicycle manufacture that has been around for over two hundred years. It is not only the oldest bicycle manufacture in Italy; it is one of the oldest in the world.  And during that time, it has been at the forefront of technology and implementing new designs.

There was a time when bicycles looked very different. They had large front wheels with a smaller back wheel. The tires were not rubber, but instead they were made of metal. Bianchi helped change that. In the mid 1800’s they made bikes where the front and back tires were the same size, and they were the first to use rubber tires.

That innovation is still apparent today. They manufacture several different lines of bikes, including carbon and titanium. They were also one of the innovators that used aluminum to make lighter bikes. Bianchi makes Alu-Carbon bikes as well, depending on a rider’s preference.

Bikes that are lightweight increase speed and maneuverability to give cyclists an edge. This is what allows them to win races.  They also strive to make racing bikes more comfortable for long races.  European racing bikes are known for their comfortable rides for tours that can last several days for a complete circuit.

In addition, bikes need to be durable to endure cross country races or downhill tours where the path isn’t paved. Bike manufacturers in Italy continue to find new ways to create bikes that are tough enough to take a pounding.

A Winning Combination

The Italian bicycle manufacturers must be doing something right, because they are the top choice for racers. Downhill racing, cross-country racing and mountain racing bikes that win competitions often were manufactured in Italy. America, Canada, and Italy are the tree countries that produce racing bikes that are in demand by professional cyclists. Racers like Italian bikes because of the comfort and design.

In the Tour De France, many winners rode Bianchi Road Bikes to the finish line. After these winners increased the popularity of the Bianchi brand, the company decided to sponsor cyclists. Over the years, many popular cyclists were sponsored by Bianchi. Costanto Girardengo and Marco Pantani are just two cyclists known in the racing world that were sponsored by Bianchi.

The Pinarello Bicycle Company is another Italian bicycle manufacturer that produces winning racing bikes. They are known for their titanium and F5 carbon lines and producing touring bikes that have won the Tour De France. Miguel Indurian is just one famous cyclist who won the Tour De France on a Pinarello bike.

Many cycling teams only ride one brand of bike. The Banesto Spanish cycling team is famous for the number of races that they have won, and every member of that team rides a Pinarello bicycle.

Quality has its price

These bicycles are very expensive. Some professional cyclists have switched to mass produced bikes because of the cost. However, discriminating cyclists still prefer bicycle manufacturers who produce smaller lines but focus on quality. These cyclists still prefer the Italian name.

Most Italian bikes aren’t available at for sale at major bicycle shops. Because of their cost and unique design, only specialty shops will carry them. If a person has the money to spend and is looking for the best, these stores will special order Italian bikes for a customer.

Some companies will build a custom frame for cyclists. Dario Pegoretti is a famous manufacturer that specializes in producing quality frames. If cyclists want a custom design, this manufacturer will create one. They better be prepared for a long wait, however, because this company is so popular that there is a waiting list.

Italian bicycle manufacturers still use quality materials to produce their products. They take time and care for every bike they make to ensure that it is the best. While they may not be able to compete against larger manufacturers based on price, their quality is their competitive advantage that has allowed them to maintain their popularity.

Italian leather goods

Italy has a wide array for leather products. They manufacture leather furniture briefcases, wallets, and handbags. They also create leather jackets and shoes, as well as accessories. Well-known Italian designers such as Prada, Gucci, and Armani have leather collections. Other houses, like Fozieri, Pierotucci, and Tony Perotti are also known for their leather goods.

Italian designers take pride in the quality items they produce. They are known as being fashionable, and expensive, and they have earned this reputation with products that are innovative and well crafted. Italian products are an investment, and the buyer knows their product will last.

A country of tradition

One reason why Italian leather goods are of such high quality is that manufacturers use the same tanning and production techniques that have been around for generations. In the modern word of high-tech manufacturing and artificial materials, the businesses in Italy still implement hand crafting and real components to create their goods.

Many manufacturing businesses are still family owned in Italy. Techniques are kept in the family and passed on from generation to generation. This may mean that fewer products are created, but the ones that are exported from Italy are of better quality than goods from any other nation.

The best techniques

The creation of Italian leather goods is a part of their culture. They still use calf and ostrich hide for their leather. They make sure that the leather is full grain so that it doesn’t have to be sanded like other leather.

The leather used to create Italian products is also first cut, or the main pattern for that piece of leather. Some manufacturers use patchwork leather. These are left over pieces from other products that are put together to make the product.

One way to tell the difference between quality leather and its deficient counterparts is how it ages. Fine leather becomes soft over time and develops a sheen. Imitation and poor-quality leather becomes dull and worn as it ages. The next step to quality leather items is how it is stitched together.

The wallet, briefcase, jacket, or other item is stitched together by hand. A real Italian product can be differentiated from a counterfeit by looking at the stich work. Italian stich work is tight, neat and designed to hold. Imposters use sloppy stitches that will most likely unravel in a short period.

Real or fake?

There are other ways to distinguish real leather goods. The best Italian design houses, such as Prada, Armani, and Gucci, don’t make their leather products in their main factories. Instead, they use smaller Italian manufacturers who use traditional processes. They do this because they know these family-run companies produce the best product, and they only sell the best.

Another way to tell if a product is true Italian is to look at the label. Some products are assembled in other countries to take advantage of cheap labor. A label that says Italy on it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is Italian. People need to look for a tag that says Italian leather and Made in Italy. This will mean that not only was Italian leather used in the product, but that it was also manufactured only in Italy.

Another way to tell if a product is high quality, Italian is to look for Vera Pelle certification. A consortium of Italian leather manufacturers has formed to help ensure the production level of Italian leather goods. Vera Pelle certification means that the item was produced by a member of this consortium. This guarantees that the product was manufactured in Tuscany, that traditional methods were used, and that an environmentally safe process was used during tanning. This helps reassure not only buyers who prefer the best, but also those who care about the environment.

Italian leather goods are at the height of fashion and quality. People who wear Italian leather find it comfortable and durable. Many buyers have become distressed because cheap imitations are often replacing real Italian goods, and they are conned into buying something that is poor quality. In addition to price and checking the quality, reading the label will help ensure that people are buying the legitimate Italian article.

Renaissance Style

Like its namesake, the Renaissance style is ornate, creative and every piece is a work of art. Carved with birds, rich materials, and paintings that could be considered a masterpiece in its own right, this furniture tends to dominate a room. Because these pieces tend to be large and heavy, they aren’t for small rooms, or rooms with little natural light.

Tuscany

Tuscany is lighter, warm and welcoming. Where the Renaissance is formal, Tuscany is meant to be used, and has the feel of the Italian countryside. This style is great for airy rooms and country kitchens with its warm colors and rustic looks.

Modern

This style actually covers a portion of the 20^th century from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. This type of furniture may have an art-deco look (1920’s), the open warmth of the 1950’s, known as mid-century, or the more humble Scandinavian look of the 70’s.

Le Corbusier is the epitome of 20^th century design. Named after Swiss architect Jeanneret, this line of armchairs and chaises have distinctive names such as LC1 or LC3. This line of furniture is sold exclusively by Cassina, who bought the rights from Jeanneret himself in 1964.

Contemporary

The contemporary look is simple and minimalistic. Famous brands like Edra and Poltrona Frau contrast greatly with more modern designs like Poliform, Flexform and Zanotta. They are sleeker and devoid of the heavy look and whimsical designs of the Renaissance style, and lack the warmth of Tuscany. Despite the stark nature of this furniture, it is very popular with the wealthy and the famous throughout the world.

Natuzzi

Natuzzi is one of the Italian furniture manufacturers who has a more modern style. Their Italsofa brand is known for its quality and durability. They make leather sofas, and Italian leather is famous for its quality. They also carry a range of armchairs, tables and other accessories to help create a complete look.

The founder of the company, Pasquale Natuzzi, was only 19 years old when he began making furniture in 1959. Coming from a long line of cabinet makers, Pasquale sold armchairs and end tables to local Italian customers.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Natuzzi began to export his furniture, and he didn’t market to the US until the 1980s. At that time, his first piece to be sold in America went for about $1,000, and his popularity in the states grew rapidly.  His Italsofa brand is very popular in the United States, as well as the rest of the world.

Cassina

Cassina didn’t have to wait as long to become popular as Natuzzi. Created by two brothers in 1927, they created custom pieces for cruise lines and hotel chains early in their careers, allowing them to earn a reputation for quality. The sale of the rights of the Le Corbusier line was in recognition for their dedication to taste and creativity. This reputation has continued over time, and they continue to work with well-known designers around the world. Vico Magistretti and Gaetano Pesce are just two of the many top designers who have worked with Cassina.


Italy is known for its taste and opulent products. Whether it is cars, wine, furniture or clothes, if it is Italian made it is a status symbol of wealth and taste. This appeal goes beyond design, and extends to quality. Many manufacturing companies in Italy are family owned, and the way they make their products today, stems from knowledge that has been passed down through the generations.

There are types of furniture out there that are expensive but not comfortable or durable. Italian furniture manufacturers such as Natuzzi and Cassina use quality products and pay attention to details to make a product that will last. So, whether your style is Renaissance, Tuscany or the modern flair of Le Corbusier, look to Italian furniture to give you the look and comfort that is meant to be used.

Industry

Industry is the main contributor to Italy’s economy. The major producers are small, family-owned companies. Italy’s most important industries include:

• Machinery
• Iron and steel
• Cars
• Textiles
• Clothing
• Ceramics

Most of Italy’s manufacturing plants are located in the North. The service sector, which has grown to contribute 73% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, (GDP), is also focused mainly in northern Italy.

Agriculture

While most of Italy’s agriculture is located in the less-developed South, Italy has a total of 2.6 million farms. Small family-run farms of less than 5 hectares comprise 94% of Italy’s farms, which contributes to the South’s higher unemployment rate.

Italy is the largest wine producer in the world and one of the leaders of olive oil production. Other crops that exist on Italian farms, North and South include:

• Citrus
• Corn
• Rice
• Sugar beets
• Wheat
• Dairy

Southern Italy is also known for its citrus and fruits in addition to grapes and olives. Overall, agriculture only contributes to 1% of the nation’s GDP and is hampered by Italy’s underground economy.

Italy’s Underground Economy

Italy has made great strides in trying to curb its underground economy, although some experts think it contributes 15% of the country’s GDP. The darker side of the economy of Italy is prevalent in agriculture, service industry and construction. The Italian government has tried to make changes in graft and other contributors to the black market, as well as create more employment opportunities for women and young men. They have made improvements, but the economic crisis that hit the rest of the world had an impact on Italy as well.

Current Economic Issues

The global economic crisis has hit Italy with high unemployment and financial issues. The national unemployment rate rose from 6% in 2008 to about 8.4% in 2010. The nation has suffered from high public debt that amounts to over 100% of its GDP. The Italian government has tried to curb spending, but the high debt issues make this difficult.

Overall, the economy of Italy is the 8^th largest in the world and the 4^th largest in Europe in terms of its Gross Domestic Product. In terms of purchasing power or PPP, Italy is the 5^th largest in Europe and ranks as the 10^th largest globally.

Imports and Exports

Italy ranks 8^th in the world for its imports and 9^th for its exports. Italy’s export partners include Germany, France, Spain, China, Spain and Russia. As part of the European Union (EU), Italy has special relationships with member nations, especial in terms of its Wine exports.

Italy’s largest imports include:

Alfa Romeo Spider
The Alfa Romeo Spider was first manufactured as the Giulietta Spider. It was created at the request of Max Hoffman, a famous importer to the US in the 1950’s. In the 1960’s, Alfa Romeo exported the Spider and other models to the US, and the Spider was featured in the film classic “The Graduate” starring Dustin Hoffman.

The Spider has gone through some changes over the years, but it has always been a rag top modeled after Romeo’s Brera. In addition to the Spider, Alfa Romeo is known for the MiTo and the Giulietta. They are also famous in Grand Prix racing for motorsport sponsorship and manufacturing.

Ferrari GTO
Ferrari has been around since 1929, but they mainly manufactured racing cars. In 1947 they created the first sports car that was street legal called the 125s. The 250 GTO was the first of their supercars line, designed to be sleek, fast, and expensive. Ferrari is a symbol of class and speed, and many wealthy car enthusiasts believe that Ferrari’s are a status symbol.

Although those who aren’t as familiar with cars recognize the Ferrari name and symbol of a rearing horse, there are several different models. The California Grand Tourer with a V8 engine and the 458 Italia are the latest popular models. Ferrari is still well-known in the racing circuit, especially in Formula One, where it is famous for its racing cars.

Fiat 500
Fiat has been around since 1894 and is known for several models of Italian cars, including the newer Fiat 500 and Punto Evo. In 2009, they were the world’s ninth largest car manufacturer and they were Italy’s largest manufacturer of automobiles. They are best known for their supermini vehicles that are fast and great on gas. The Punto Evo comes in three different models: 3-door, 5-door and van. They are only sold with diesel or gas engines with 5 or 6-speed manual transmissions.

Fiat has formed relationships with General Motors, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia. In 2009 they acquired 30% of ownership in Chrysler, and as of 2011 own 53.5% of the company.

Lamborghini Diablo
Like with Maserati and Ferrari, many recognize the Lamborghini name but may not know the different models they sell. The Diablo was the sports car that made Lamborghini famous, especially in the US. The Countach is another popular car produced by Lamborghini, but these two models were replaced by the Gallardo and Spyder.

Lamborghini began in 1963 and is actually known for its farm equipment. Its founder was a sports car enthusiast and was determined to make improvements in what he saw as deficiencies in the Ferrari line. Despite its struggles and financial hardships, Lamborghini is still known as a luxury sports car manufacturer.

Lancia Ypsilon
The Ypsilon is one of Lancia’s newest superminis. It is a 5-door hatchback and is produced with the Musa, and Delta, other vehicles in the small family car market. Lancia has been around since 1906 and became a part of the Fiat Group in 1969. It is known for naming its cars after letters in the Greek Alphabet.

Maserati Gran Turismo
Maserati is a well-known manufacturer, but has actually been owned by several different companies over the years, including the French car company Citroen. It was founded in 1914 and, like many Italian car manufacturers, began creating racing cars for motor sports.

It became a part of the Fiat Group in 1993. The Gran Turismo is a Grand Tourer and has a V8 4.2 liter engine. Its many sports models are well known in the racing world, especially in Europe.

Pugani Zonda
Pugani is the elite in sports cars and has many vehicles that are custom made for its rich clients. This company is younger than many of the other top Italian car manufacturers; it has only been around since 1992. The Zonda has a V-12 Maserati engine and was modeled after the jet fighter design. This vehicle was inspired by, and created for, car enthusiasts in Europe.

Italian cars are best known in the Formula One and Grand Prix racing arenas. Their manufacturers have gone through many difficult times, including ownership by the Italian dictator Mussolini during World War II. They have survived these changes and hard economic times to be considered the best of the best in the sports car industry. They are the status symbol of the young, the rich and the powerful and the envy of many sports car enthusiasts. Many American sports cars have strived to duplicate Italy’s success but never quite made it.

Industrial activity in this country has been aided largely by the liberal investment and business policies favored by the government. Italian light manufacturing consists mostly of the automotive, chemical and white goods industries. Together, the products manufactured by these industries constitute a major portion of the exports of Italy. Apart from a handful of large industries, the size of most of the manufacturing industries is small to medium. These industries mostly produce niche products and luxury goods that have a dedicated market among other European countries such as Germany, France, Spain as well as the United States and Japan.

Automotive Industry: The very mention of Italian automobiles calls to mind the names Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Fiat and Lancia. The fact that this is by no means an exhaustive list is testimony to the diversity in the range of automobiles produced by Italian manufacturers. There are Italian cars for every kind of budget manufactured by these companies. In addition to automobiles, there are also industries that manufacture machine parts or precision machinery, most of which are either consumed by local industries or exported.

Textiles and Clothing Industry: Italy has some of the world’s best known clothing and textile brands. In addition to catering for the luxury segment, the success of this Italian industry lies in the production of casual and designer wear at affordable prices and of high quality. The retail distribution network of such products is very strongly developed.

Food Processing: With famous names such as Parmalat, Nestlé and Barilla, the Italian food processing industry contributes a significant amount to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to the larger food processing units run by these companies, there are also numerous small and family-run food processing units that produce cheese, sausages, chocolate, pasta and ham. The global po

pularity of Italian food h

as driven the growth in this sector for the last few years.

This is not a comprehensive listing of the goods manufactured in Italy – there is much more to industrial activity in Italy. Aviation, cheese, perfumes, wine, jewelry, olive oil – these are the many products manufactured in Italy that are exported largely to the European market. Whatever be the industry, the quality of the products and the superior design have made the ‘Made In Italy’ brand a byword among buyers of the products.