HOMI, the trade fair dedicated to the world of home living and its trends is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 January 2023 at fieramilano (Rho). It is an important trade fair for inspiration and business opportunities. With the goal of making exhibitors more aware of the value of their creations by making their products stand out, HOMI asked some international buyers how their customers perceive Italian brands. Their assessments are unanimous.

"The value of Italian products is very high in our country," says Tayyar Akkubayov owner of Real Group, Azerbaijan - which has been retailing home decorations and children's toys since 2000 - emphasising that the main value is always the quality and creative design of the products.

Terrie Viets - owner of Solari (USA), which sells home décor, tableware, linens, art glass, wall art, corporate gifts, as well as outdoor tables and accessories such as bags and Murano jewellery - has equally clear opinions. “I have been selling only Italian imported goods for over 20 years. My customers recognise the quality and design offered by Italian manufacturers. Moreover, the range of customised options these manufacturers offer is unlimited. In my experience, Made in Italy is a strong selling point.

The same considerations apply to the Japanese market: “Italian products are popular in Japan,” confirms Hideki Matsumoto, President of Eccellente, an Osaka-based importer of Italian and European furniture, lighting, clocks, and glassware. The Company sells to designers, hotels and wedding venues. “The design and quality of Italian products are good. The design of Italian products is very clever, original and colourful. And the quality is one of the highest. So many Japanese choose them in their lives,” he says.   

In Europe, Patrick Hallmann, Head of Purchases at the historic shop in the heart of Dusseldorf Hermann Franzen, which since 1820 has been dealing in Premium & Luxury products such as Hérmes, Lalique, Baccarat, Christofle, Baobab, Meissen, KPM and many others, has also reassuring words.  “For me, Italian products have that something extra that you can hardly find in other countries. Craftsmanship, love for detail, luxury... Italian style and its cultural values are in every product we sell in our shop. We are always looking for new inspirations from the land of La Dolce Vita.”