Italy - Covid-19: Italianleatherneverstops, Assopellettieri and Unic support the industry

The label Made in Italy which is so appreciated worldwide is determined to fight this emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic. While companies and the main trade associations are asking the government for substantial aid, Italian leather manufacturers and tanneries are joining forces to support the industry.

#italianleatherneverstops: Italian leather doesn't stop

"Our country was suddenly and severely affected by the health emergency caused by the coronavirus, a momentous emergency with which in recent history, the nation has never had to contend to. The Italian Government has adopted exceptional containment measures, which we hope will produce positive results as soon as possible. It is certainly a difficult situation we are experiencing, but the Italian tanning companies, such as Unic-Concerie Italiane we are honored to represent and to continue their activities with renewed strength, courage and awareness," said Gianni Russo, president of Unic, in an official press statement.

"Italian tanneries, with a solid and responsible business vision and a significant and growing financial commitment, have always been at the forefront in the search for sustainable solutions and are a guarantee of quality for the entire supply chain. Even in difficult times like the present, they are able to demonstrate their preparation and reliability", added Russo, launching the hashtag #italianleatherneverstops.

Assopellettieri, who is at the forefront of Italian leather goods, further added to the statement, "This condition is forcing us to rethink our way of living, working, socializing; but it is precisely in times of crisis that the resources inherent in humankind are revealed: stubbornness, genius, solidarity, the ability to adapt, the search for new solutions, all accompanied by a great sense of responsibility. This is a responsibility demanded by the Italian Government, which is adopting exceptional containment measures that, with the collaboration of all, we hope will soon have the positive feedback we hope for," said Franco Gabbrielli, President of Assopellettieri.

"Right from the start, Assopellettieri has provided a ‘help desk’ service for all member companies with the aim of supporting them in making difficult decisions regarding the management of the production cycle, workers and company finance, as well as keeping them updated in real-time, through the information service also via social networks, on the main economic and business issues involved in the emergency", stated Gabbrielli.

Italian leather goods represent an export share of over 8.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2019. "We will defend with all our strength this sector and the small and medium enterprises that represent its beating heart, the pride of an Italy that works hard, bends but does not break and knows how to circle around its excellence, even more so in difficult times," said the president of Assopellettieri.

Photo: courtesy of Unic