After making a mark in 85 countries across the globe, Fratelli Guzzini, leading Italian manufacturer of homeware products, is all set to make its foray in the Indian market in partnership with Indian company Eurolite.
The company will open its shop-in-shops in various large-format retail stores as also shopping arcades across the country. The brand has already tied up with Shoppers’ Stop and The Next Shop, and is also in talks with other retail giants.
Making a presentation at the launch, Domenico Guzzini, president, Fratelli Guzzini, discussed the eight-decade-old history and design philosophy of the brand.
“Our company represents one of the most significant realities of the Italian style. Our products are present in many Italian and international homes. Looking at the changing trends, Fratelli Guzzini could not do without entering India,” said Guzzini.
Fratelli Guzzini has partnered Eurolite for its India operations.
“We have been associated with the Guzzini Group for last four years, as it introduced its lighting business in India. We have understood the credibility of Fratelli Guzzini across the world and take pride in introducing it in India,” Akash Kakkar, director, Eurolite, told Indiaretailing.
Asked what their preliminary market research revealed, Kakkar said: “We did not do any market survey. It was just a confidence about the brand and our gut feeling that inspired us to bring it into the country. Secondly, we’ve travelled a lot and understand what the trends are, and likewise, what a consumer in India wants.”
Kakkar ruled out any possibility of exclusive brand outlets for near future and said that the company is aiming at a pan-India presence through its shop-in-shops in multi-brand outlets. He also confirmed that all Guzzini products will only be imported and there are no plans to set up a manufacturing facility in the country.
Answering a query on the brand’s target segments, Kakkar explained, “The price points of the products are varied and depend upon the design. Price of a mug, for instance, may vary from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500. Hence our target segment is medium to upper class.”
The product portfolio includes containers, utensils, cutlery, and small electrical appliances as also furnishings.
Frateli Guzzini is popular for its innovative designs that keep pace with time, while retaining its traditional aspects. Starting from handcrafting of ox horn to acrylic moulding and now gas-assisted injection moulding technology, the brand is appreciated for its ability to combine modern materials with antique culture.
Frateli Guzzini is part of the Iniziative Guzzini Group that also includes Teuco and iGuzzini Illuminazione. Established in 1912, the company clocked euro 330 million turnover in FY 2006, and has extended its employees count to 1,850 in 2006, from 1,778 a year ago.
– Ranjan Kaplish
