Acimac’s promotional activities abroad have begun in earnest in two of the leading outlet markets for Italian ceramic and brick technologies, India and Brazil. After organizing an institutional stand at Cevisama in Valencia, the Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers’ association has participated in two international trade fairs for the sector, the recently concluded Indian Ceramics expo, and Revestir, March 9-12.

The delegation of Italian companies present at the Indian Ceramic fair included BMR, Capaccioli, Cimes, Forni Ficola, Gabbrielli Technology, Stylgraph, TCK, Sacmi, System, Air Power, Omis International, Bedeschi, Newtech and Bernini.

India is a market with excellent growth potential for our companies,” commented Paolo Gambuli, director general of Acimac. “Although ceramic tile production has grown constantly in recent years and is now close to 400 million sq.m/year, this is not sufficient to cater for the sharply increasing demand which is rising in step with the improved standard of living of the country’s 1.15 billion inhabitants.”

“The growth in earnings of a large portion of the population is also pushing up demand for high-quality products that can be made only using Italian technologies,” continued Gambuli.

After India, Acimac moved on to Brazil for Revestir, the largest exhibition of tile and stone in the South American continent, held in São Paulo. Italian technology is showcased in the Italian pavilion under the banner of Tecnargilla do Brasil, featuring the participation of Air Power, BMR, Capaccioli, CMF, Ficola, Martinelli Ettore, Sacmi, System and Siti – B&T Group. Ancora and Smalticeram also took part in the exhibition with their own stands.

Brazil is the second largest tile producer and consumer in the world, as well as one of the main trading partners of the Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers. “Brazil accounts for around 80% of the 145 million euro turnover generated by our companies in South America,” notes Gambuli. “This is why we have been amongst the sponsors of Revestir ever since it was founded and contribute to the show with a pavilion organised in cooperation with the Italian Trade Commission ICE and a technological focus day, also called Tecnargilla do Brasil, which addresses major process innovations in the ceramic sector and includes talks given by Italian professionals and companies.”