We gathered a series of thoughts on the current Italian leather goods scene from Claudio Giaquinto, general manager of the P&C company and the brand named after his family.
What do you think is the current situation of the leather goods industry in Italy?
Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, industries in the leather goods sector have nevertheless experienced double-digit growth in exports, and specifically, we at P&C are running internationally recognized medium-term commissions. The market trends point to a prosperous future, and it is precisely now that we need to work harder and not stop, continue to invest, especially in young people. Aiming at the new generation means focusing on fresh, quick minds that are attentive to societal developments, but no less competent. We see this every day in our company: the boys and girls who start working for us have incredible skills, they are carriers of important know-how, to which they know how to add that "hunger" typical of those who are young.
In your opinion, in what ways can you "invest in young people"?
In many ways, one out of many is to continuously invest in the structure of the company itself and in training, to keep it in step with the times, so that it does not turn out to be one of those classic "dinosaur companies" that unfortunately we are so used to seeing in Italy, regardless of the sector of reference. Our long historical tradition of expertise in the manufacture of leather products is passed down from generation to generation, both at the entrepreneurial and worker levels. Through mentoring, we train our young people on the importance of and respect for raw materials, a fundamental element for any company dedicated to artisan manufacturing, the starting point of true Made in Italy.
Does the market also seem to present a trend toward "rejuvenation"...?
Certainly. The leather goods sector in Italy has always been intrinsically linked to the high quality of products, and today those who are increasingly attentive to quality standards are precisely the younger generation. This is precisely why it is important to bring youth from the
production, so that we can interpret the needs of that entire generation on the consumer side.
