FUTURE VISIONS AT THE ANFAO ASSEMBLY

The ANFAO members' assembly, held yesterday at Palazzo Bembo, Luiss Hub Dolomiti University in Belluno, provided an opportunity to assess the performance of the eyewear industry and to discuss forecasts for the coming months in the context of both Italian and international markets.

During the public session, President Lorraine Berton's address covered a range of topics concerning the association's outlook, from collaboration with social partners to attention to the role of women, from promoting Made In Italy to activities supporting internationalization, emphasizing the importance of ANFAO in serving the industry.

"About six months after taking office as ANFAO President, I wish to share the guidelines that will shape our work in the coming years. The global economy is undergoing a transitional phase, with significant challenges arising from environmental, technological, and geopolitical factors, as well as increasing inflation.

The sector closed a positive 2023. Exports, which are the core of our business, proved to be a driving force. 2024 began less favorably, with confirmation of a lack of dynamism in global trade, precisely due to worsening international political tensions. Our exports in the first quarter of 2024 grew overall in value by 2.3%. The monthly trend is slowing down compared to the first two months of the year. The trend in our two main reference markets, the United States and France (which together account for about 35% of exports), was negative in the first quarter of the year."

However, the President emphasized how the eyewear sector is capable of embracing new opportunities through emerging technologies, accelerated digitalization, and a growing awareness of sustainability, which are redefining competitiveness parameters.

Lorraine Berton also highlighted the determination to strengthen ANFAO's role. "Our association must increasingly become an essential point of reference for companies in the sector. Being present also means actively participating in working groups with institutions, engaging in dialogue with political authorities, and collaborating with other associations within the territory, in Italy, Europe, and internationally.

Our commitment will also be aimed at enhancing ANFAO's presence within the Confindustria System. A first step in this direction is the request to actively participate in Working Groups on Internationalization, Industrial Policy, and Protection of Made in Italy: these are strategic Tables where we want and need to make an impact."

During her address, the President emphasized the quality of Italian production as an invaluable asset. "We will promote Made in Italy globally, enhancing our excellence and supporting companies in the continuous improvement of production processes."

Another front is sustainability, in which the association strongly believes and invests consistently. "In the coming months, we will see the first CSE, Certified Sustainable Eyewear, certifications issued by ANFAO in collaboration with CERTOTTICA to companies committed to this journey: a new standard for product sustainability in the eyewear world certifying the complete eyewear and its components. This is a very important project for the eyewear world to enhance our members' commitment to improving the environmental performance of the supply chain."

Another point Lorraine Berton emphasized is the importance of youth, education, and skills, which represent the future of businesses. "ANFAO is engaged with EBO and CERTOTTICA, which play a crucial role in discussing topics such as e-commerce, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation. Therefore, I am considering collaborations with technical institutes and universities to develop specialized courses and master’s programs focused on the needs of our sector, as well as mentoring programs where experienced professionals pass on their knowledge to young talents.

In particular, I would like to mention the Copernico project, a digital updating platform promoted by ANFAO, funded by EBO, and implemented by ABLE. This initiative is aimed at entrepreneurs, managers, executives, professionals, employees, and specialized workers, involving various work areas. Copernico will issue certificates to participants, offering new skills, continuous training, and innovative forms of continuous learning and e-learning. The project includes approximately 200 hours of proprietary content focused on digital transformation and sustainability, reserved for companies enrolled in the Able project."

Lorraine Berton also announced the promotion of welfare policies to improve workers' well-being and promote inclusion. "We believe that an inclusive work environment that respects diversity is essential to attract and retain the best talents. We will develop guidelines and best practices to help companies implement these policies and promote awareness and training programs on these topics, including women's empowerment.

I remember that the eyewear industry has developed thanks to women's work. Achieving substantive – not just formal – equality is a civilizational goal that also benefits competitiveness: all statistics tell us that the most inclusive systems are those that work best."

Finally, internationalization, which has always supported the sector. "About 90% of what we produce is aimed at export. Over time, our companies have demonstrated unparalleled ability and flexibility in expanding into all markets. ANFAO supports them with a dense program of workshops and collectives, events and trade missions, incoming activities, studies, and research in collaboration with ICE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through an annual promotional plan.

MIDO is the best expression of internationalization for our sector, with the incoming activity of international buyers. It is the leading trade fair in the sector and, as such, is and will remain the beating heart of our eyewear industry," she concluded, "We are also working on a renewed and enhanced edition of DaTE in 2025."