Blue Thread, Green Vision
Interview with Alberto Candiani, Managing Director of Candiani Denim S.p.A.
For over 85 years, Candiani Denim from Italy has set standards in the manufacturing of high-quality denim. As a 4th generation family business, Candiani combines artisanal skill with innovative approaches to sustainable textiles. Managing Director Alberto Candiani speaks with Wirtschaftsforum about developments and challenges in the industry as well as the future of the denim market.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Candiani, how has your company developed from its beginnings to today?
Alberto Candiani: Candiani was founded in 1938 by my great-grandfather Luigi Candiani in Robecchetto, initially manufacturing fabrics for work clothing. In the 1960s, my grandfather Primo Candiani recognized the market potential and built a larger, vertically integrated factory on the outskirts of town including weaving, spinning, dyeing, and finishing facilities. In the 1970s, inspired by his passion for indigo dyeing, he began denim production. This segment quickly became our main business. Today, we are leaders in sustainable denim production and export 90% of our goods, primarily to the USA, Germany, and other European countries.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability plays a major role for Candiani. How does this influence your production and corporate culture?
Alberto Candiani: Since the establishment of the Parco del Ticino in the 1970s, we have had to comply with strict environmental regulations. This has led us to focus on efficiency and resource conservation from an early stage. Sustainability is not just a buzzword, but part of our DNA. We are constantly developing innovative technologies to produce in a more environmentally friendly manner. An example of this is our Bio-Stretch Denim ‘Coreva’, which uses natural rubber instead of synthetic fibers. This technology makes the fabric fully biodegradable and recyclable. Our goal is to continuously minimize the ecological footprint of our entire production chain while ensuring the highest quality. In addition, we maintain a close connection to our location – many of our employees have been part of the Candiani family for generations.
European Business: How is the current global crisis affecting your company?
Alberto Candiani: The energy crisis of 2022 was one of the greatest challenges in our history. Our energy costs increased fivefold in the short term. For a company like ours, which relies on stable operating costs, this was a massive cut. Electricity and gas bills rose to 31% of revenue, whereas previously they were only 6 to 7%. Thanks to our solid financial structure, innovative strength, and sustainable orientation, we were nevertheless able to survive. Today, we are stable and look to the future with optimism, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
European Business: Which markets are especially important for Candiani and how do you see the international development?
Alberto Candiani: The US market is of central importance to us and accounts for more than 30% of our revenue. Germany follows with about 10%, although its market share has slightly decreased over the last few years. Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, and France are also important markets for us. In Italy itself, our market share remains comparatively small at 10%, although the Made in Italy label is a strong argument worldwide. We are continuously working on developing new markets, such as in the Far East. Our strategy is to build long-term relationships with our customers and to further expand our position as a premium provider of sustainable denim.
European Business: What visions do you have for the coming years?
Alberto Candiani: Stability and continuous development are our main goals. Over the past few years, we have overcome many crises – from the pandemic to the energy crisis and geopolitical tensions. Our vision is to remain a stable, innovative company that focuses on sustainable technologies. This includes projects such as regenerative agriculture for cotton and biodegradable materials. We aim to increase the share of our sustainable products and develop new technologies that are both ecologically and economically sensible. If the geopolitical situation stabilizes, we see 2025 as a year of growth and opportunities.
Wirtschaftsforum: What personally motivates you to drive your company forward every day?
Alberto Candiani: My passion for denim and our family history are my biggest drivers. It fills me with pride to be part of a company that has lasted over four generations and continues to produce innovations. I am particularly excited by the challenge of developing new, sustainable solutions and creating a product that is recognized worldwide. The thought that our denim is worn in millions of jeans around the world gives me new energy every day and motivates me to continue making a positive contribution to the fashion industry and the environment.