Searching for the Stars of the South

Discover, valorise and recount the excellent enterprises of Southern Italy. Stars of the South, the initiative of Il Sole 24 Ore in partnership with the international research and analysis company Statista, is back to discover these extraordinary success stories in order to recount them in the second edition of the Stars of the South 2025 classification, which will highlight the companies that have achieved extraordinary goals in the area's entrepreneurial panorama. Until 27 September it is possible to apply. To participate click here. The final result will be a list of 200 companies that will be published in March 2025.

The premise at bottom is simple: in the heart of Southern Italy reside not only enchanting beauties, but also entrepreneurs and businesswomen who, with their boldness, determination and talent, have turned challenges into opportunities, bringing the name of the region to the top, proving that success knows no geographical boundaries. "After a first edition of the project that made us discover so many stories of success and resilience, we can't wait to start again with the new registration phase," says Lisa Dei, head of research for Statista. "There was so much enthusiasm from the companies that participated last year, and we are not surprised: we have always been convinced that southern Italy had excellent realities that it is right to celebrate. For this year we hope for an even wider participation, so as to give the voice and visibility they deserve to the many companies and workers that contribute to the success of Southern Italy and the country'.

A ranking, with its relative ranking, that is in truth much awaited by companies that aim to measure themselves and their performance (economic, social) in a complicated context such as the south of the country. "The last and first edition collected over 300 entries, allowing 200 companies to be awarded for the best performance in relation to the growth of their turnover, the number of their employees, and their tangible and intangible assets," says Andrea Sorrenti, business analyst at Statista. "Among the most awarded sectors were 'Industrial Production', 'Food and Beverage' , 'E-commerce' and 'IT and software'. This is an interesting sign that the south of Italy does not live off manufacturing alone. One of the aims of the project is precisely to unearth the rare gems of the economic fabric of southern Italy, and we are very curious to see which will be the Stars of Southern Italy 2025'.

The announcement states 'that among the applications received, the best-performing companies from 2020 to 2023 will be selected by Statista for inclusion in the "Stars of Southern Italy 2025" ranking.

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