Vittorio Tabacchi: 2004 Safilo's overview

In 2004 the chairman of Safilo, Vittorio Tabacchi, celebrated the group's 70th anniversary and 40 years of activity at the facility at Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), in addition to being awarded an 'honoris causa' degree in mechanical engineering.

Despite the adverse economic situation, in the first nine months of 2004 the Safilo group totalled billings of 713 million euros (an upturn of 10% at constant exchange rates, and 6% at current rates, compared to the first nine months of 2003).

However, the chairman recently spoke out against the competitive devaluation of the dollar, which could lead to a weakening of European companies, and counterfeiting. He had a 'close encounter' with the latter in Padua last Saturday: 'I was walking along the listòn', he told Il Gazzettino, 'when I came across dozens of illegal traders. It looked like an Arab souk. Huge sheets were spread on the ground where they had laid out products of all kinds: bags, belts, bracelets, glasses. They were all counterfeit and had no certification. In other words, unfair competition which causes our economy huge damage. I sent a petition to the people concerned. I think it is disgraceful that no-one stands up against this illegal traffic'.

Going on to talk about China, Tabacchi underscored: 'As a producer of designer articles, Safilo is not afraid of competition. In 2004, we opened a subsidiary in China which is beginning to give good results. According to our analysts, out of a population of one billion 300 million, at least 100 are able to purchase western designer products. We will therefore increase our sales personnel in China and await the results'.

Tabacchi has excluded new acquisitions for the year that has just begun and for 2006: 'We'll be concentrating on reorganization and fostering the development of the commercial area', he said. In the meantime, January will see the launch of the new line by American designer Marc Jacobs, a rising star in the fashion world, and during the year there will be further expansion of the line of contact lenses worn by the numerous athletes sponsored by the company.

(Source: Il Gazzettino)