Tuesday, April 8th, was the last day of the 35th edition of OroArezzo, the International Gold, Silver and Jewelry Trade Exhibition, at Arezzo Fiere e Congressi. In four days, the 2014 OroArezzo saw participation by around 500 exhibiting companies and 280 buyers from more than 80 countries, with over 12,000 visitors.
| Date | number of operators | % compared to 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 April | 3,464 | (+10.6%) |
| 6 April | 4,228 | (+ 8.3%) |
| 7 April | 3,276 | (+ 8.4%) |
| 8 April | 1,926 | (+ 4.5%) |
| Total | 12,894 | (+ 8.5%) |
Wholesalers at the fair were up by 13.5%, while retailers saw a 4% drop, a figure that confirms difficulties on the domestic market, which is still very weak due to steeper taxes and a consequent reduction in spending power.
“We must begin a relaunch of the gold-jewelry sector, leveraging quality, manufacture, excellence and originality Made in Italy. This exhibition marks the start of an undertaking that must be followed through immediately with innovative projects establishing a new direction”. These are the words of the new president of Arezzo Fiere e Congressi, Andrea Boldi.”We have seen increases in foreign operators with particular interest from Gulf and Maghreb countries and an important return of operators from the United States. Good results also from the Bi-Jewel section dedicated to fashion jewels, with lots of orders already signed”.
This year, OroArezzo brought attention to the important issue of customs duties, thanks to a speech, during the inauguration ceremony, by the Minister for constitutional reforms and relations with Parliament, Maria Elena Boschi. She focused on support to SMEs, in particular to further promote export and in an attempt to review customs duty agreements also with the United States and Japan .
The fair also hosted Cash&Carry, the section that matches buyers and producers who sell “off the shelf”, and the machinery section, reserved for manufacturers of jewelry technology.
A unique event that showed the Arezzo production district at its very best. In 2013 it registered a 21.47% increase in exports over 2012 with a turnover of more than 2 billion euros in jewelry and gold. Exports to the United Arab Emirates accounted for around 35% of total Italian jewelry exports.
The 2014 edition focused on quality products, teamed with typical creativity and artisan skill Made in Italy and also welcomed visitors with a new look that marked a different direction taken in terms of image. The main player of this makeover was Gold Up/future, the structure at the entrance housing selection of jewels from the Oro d’Autore Collection, exclusive creations by 28 stylists, artists and designers including Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce e Gabbana, Etro, Moschino, Giò Pomodoro, Ettore Sottsass, Salvatore Fiume, Enrico Baj and Dario Fo, produced by companies exhibiting at OroArezzo. A concept curated by Beppe Angiolini, art director of OroArezzo and President of the Italian Chamber of Fashion Buyers, which will soon be starring in other locations in Italy and abroad.
The splendid venue of Palazzo Lambardi, a historic building in the center of Arezzo, hosted the Première 2015 prize-giving ceremony, the contest that for 24 years has celebrated gold-jewelry companies on show at OROAREZZO. Prizes were awarded to 13 “preview 2015” jewels and to the 3 trendiest jewels in the “Bi-Jewel” fashion jewelry section: New this year was the “Best Visual” prize, which went to the 2 most creative displays.
At OroArezzo there was also debate about the digital economy and Arezzo gold jewelry companies during the meeting “The Arezzo gold jewelry district on the web - current position and potential developments”, organized by the Arezzo Chamber of Commerce. “Districts on the Web” is the project developed by Google and Unioncamere, with patronage by the Ministry of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Arezzo Chamber of Commerce. The intention is to promote digitalization of 20 Italian districts, spreading the advantages of digital technologies and in this way facilitating encounter between SMEs and youngsters.
Gold and jewelry will be back in Arezzo again from 28 to 27 October with Gold in Italy, the first fair dedicated exclusively to gold jewelry Made in Italy, which will also host Bi-Jewel and Cash&Carry.
FEEDBACK FROM COMPANIES AT THE FAIR
Carlo Ditria, sales director of Bluoro (Arezzo)
“We worked really well on Saturday and Sunday, overall it went better than we expected. Our clients were all happy, there were lots of buyers and the layout too was striking, made a good impression outside. I thought the whole setting was more polished. Talking with colleagues I heard positive things said, also about the Meeting Club formula, which proved to be a useful tool for matching producers and buyers".
Karizia Spa - Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza)
“OroArezzo this year had more buzz to it than in previous years. We felt there was a more proactive climate, our company got good feedback, from both existing clients and contacts with new buyers”.
Gino Diluca - Cameo Italiano (Naples)
“This is the second time we have taken part in this show. It felt very busy and I am convinced that it is an event with great potential, a spring diary date that is a must for this kind of company. There is also good synergy with producers in Arezzo for our articles.
