Member Article

Artimondo - The world's largest craft fair

“Artigiano in Fiera”, the world’s largest craft fair – first held in 1996 and taking place from November 29th until December 8th in Milan is famous for its large variety of products and association with working handicraft businesses from all over Italy.

Artimondo.co.uk is an online version of the fair which brings together over 800 local artisans with more than 20,000 unique items. Now UK customers, that appreciate intelligent consumption, can order delicacies, hand-made fashion or furnishing accessories directly from only one source throughout the year. Otherwise these products are only available at the fair in Milan or in various little shops of the handicraft businesses - scattered all over Italy and Europe.

“Craftsmanship and local products communicate an identity and represent the beating heart of a region,” says Antonio Intiglietta, CEO of operating company Gestione Fiere SpA. “We have always been committed to give a dedicated platform to these small craft businesses with their cultural diversity, creativity and devotion. After the success of the Artigiano in Fiera with its now 3,000 exhibitors, the development of an online marketplace was just the next logical step.” In fact this offer matches the sense of time: according to recent studies on consumer behaviour, UK consumers set great value upon local products, quality and sustainability.

Beside local specialties such as goat ham from Lombardy, at Artimondo you also a wide range of handmade fashion, from Italian shoes to sportswear and unique pieces of jewelry. Leisure goods, food, handicrafts, furnishings and natural cosmetics round off the offering. Using different search and filtering functions – for example on origin, price or handcraft business – customers can find their personal favorites amongst more than 20,000 products.

“Behind every product there is not only a name but foremost a face and a unique story. Our mission is to make these characteristics visible,” explains Stefano Intiglietta, vice chairman of Gestione Fiere SpA and responsible for the e-commerce marketplace.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Pacini .