Innovation, design and quality: Italian industry reaffirms its status as a global benchmark.

From 18^th to 20^th November, METSTRADE Amsterdam will open its doors to the world as the leading international trade event for operators working across the marine industry components, accessories and equipment sector.

Confindustria Nautica, the Italian Marine Industry Association, will also be present in full force alongside a significant representation of Italian innovation with a collective of 82 companies, organised in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency as part of the Made in Italy Promotion Plan, promoted by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“The strength that drives the Made in Italy brand throughout the boating sector finds its expression not only in the quality of the products, but also in the very identity of our industrial system,” commented Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica. “The Italian marine equipment and components segment continues to champion its excellence as an international benchmark, chosen for its unmatched materials, innovation and design.

The Italian production model combines craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, which in 2024 led the equipment and components segment to reach a turnover of almost €2 billion, confirming our country’s competitiveness on global markets” (data from the 2024 statistical analysis in “La Nautica in Cifre LOG” compiled by Confindustria Nautica and Fondazione Edison).

Made in Italy equipment and components will be represented in Amsterdam by one of the most impressive national collectives to date, with 82 companies exhibiting their products across a total surface area of 1,757 square metres, divided between Hall 12 and the Superyacht Pavilion (Hall 8).

The ability to build relationships and networks reflects the strength of a sector that stands out not only for its style and innovation, but above all for its industrial solidity, cohesion and international competitiveness.

In this vein, Italy’s participation in METSTRADE sees the return of the “Aperitivo Italiano”, a moment dedicated to conviviality and networking between companies, clients and suppliers. Held on 19^th November at the Confindustria Nautica / Italian Trade Agency institutional stand, this year’s event will also take on a more widespread formula, counting on the involvement of several exhibitors from the Italian Pavilion.

It is precisely this systemic approach that underpins the global leadership of Made in Italy production within the recreational boating sector, a leadership that has continued into 2024: the turnover of the boatbuilding sector and the production of marine components and engines reached an all-time high of €8.60 billion, establishing a growth rate of 3.2%.

Exports of national boatbuilding production fuelled and supported this increase, reaching a peak of €4.23 billion in 2024, confirming Italy as the leading exporter, with a 25% share of the world market.

International recognition of the quality and innovation of Italian production is further confirmed by the seven nominations achieved by Italian companies at the DAME Design Awards, which recognise the best products presented at METSTRADE and evaluated for functionality, environmental impact and aesthetic qualities.

These nominations confirm that the Italian component supply chain continues to stand out for its design capabilities, sustainability and advanced research.

• Deck Equipment: Jake by Easysea; Stick on K presented by Ropeye
• Electronic & Electrical Systems: Voltlab by AS Labruna s.r.l.
• Manufacturing, Support Products & Materials: CorkMood by Marine Cork by Sace Components and Goccia by Guidi s.r.l.
• Personal Equipment: VSG rescueID by Veleria San Giorgio
• Safety & Security Aboard: Tek by Marine Teknology
• METS is also a key event for discussing the most pressing technical topics in the sector. Confindustria Nautica – Italian Marine Industry Association will participate with its delegates in the Superyacht Forum, the Council Meeting of the European federation EBI, and numerous ICOMIA technical meetings and workshops, such as the Board of Directors meeting, the Sustainability Committee, the Superyacht Division, the Technical Committee, and the Trade and Market Intelligence Committee.