Artigiano in fiera is back. Over 2,800 exhibitors expected and focus on 'bio'
President Intiglietta: 'A showcase for micro and small enterprises, the backbone of our economic system'
3' min read
Key points
3' min read
A choice of life, even before being a professional choice. For Antonio Intiglietta, president of Ge.Fi. and creator of the Artigiano in Fiera event, this is the phenomenon that more than any other has characterised the world of small and very small businesses in recent years, the undisputed protagonists of the Milan trade fair scheduled from 30 November to 8 December in the Fiera Milano premises in Rho. There will be approximately 2,800 exhibition stands on more than 150 thousand square metres of exhibition area, with 602 new companies present. Over one million visitors are expected.
Being a craftsman, a life choice
."I was very impressed to meet these artisans, including many young people,' says Intiglietta, explaining the genesis of the theme chosen this year. 'They are often young people who have studied at university, completed a doctorate, perhaps abroad, and travelled the world, but then returned to their homeland, taking over their parents' companies or creating new ones themselves, using the most advanced technologies and marketing techniques to innovate even in traditional sectors.
A choice, adds Intiglietta, motivated basically by three reasons. "The work they do is a story about themselves, a communication of their humanity, creativity and sensitivity. It has to do with their life, not just with achieving goals,' adds the president of Ge.Fi., the company that organises Artigiano in Fiera.
Secondly, they return to their origins, to the place where they were born and raised, and this gives them a sense of belonging and a life more in line with a desire for fulfilment that they might not have elsewhere. Finally, all this is within a new modality: 'They apply technology and their skills to make tradition a contemporary proposition,' explains Intiglietta, with a great sensitivity towards nature and natural processes, without forcing or adding anything that could be harmful to those who receive these products - as demonstrated by the presence this year of no less than 456 companies active in the organic and vegan sector.
Focus on 'living well'
.In order to give greater visibility to this fast-growing market at global level, this year's Artigiano offers a focus on products related to 'living well', which encompasses several categories, from food to fitness and personal care products, and which today accounts for between 5 and 10% of the world's GDP.
