Italy looks to growth in exports

While the frame sector grew by 9.8 per cent, sunglasses managed to offset losses in Asia, down 30 per cent, with stronger market penetration in Europe and the US, according to figures released by ANFAO, the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers' Association. Commenting on the figures, ANFAO president Paolo Baiocchi said that Italian eyewear was going through a period of transition after 10 years of exceptional growth. He added that small and medium-sized companies had experienced a slump, while major players posted record sales volumes. 'The market is increasingly buyer driven. Manufacturers are now forced to accept conditions which are much less favourable than those negotiated a few years ago,' he said. Seventy per cent of Italian eyewear is exported, with 17,900 people employed in 1,510 manufacturing units. A presentation on Italian-made product will be made at Milan's Mido on May 8 at 5.30pm in the main conference hall. There will also be a workshop on Italian fashion and a presentation of the new Italian eyewear Internet site, showing the latest collections.