THE FUTURE OF THE FASHION SUPPLY CHAIN DEPENDS ON STRENGTHENING SMES

Luca Sburlati appointed new President of Confindustria Moda

The revival and resilience of the Italian fashion supply chain depend on strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises.

This is the key message that emerged from the General Assembly of Confindustria Moda, held in Milan, where Luca Sburlati was elected President of the association for the 2025–2029 term.

Sburlati, from Turin, is the current CEO and minority shareholder of Pattern S.p.A. He will lead the sector at a crucial time: the fashion-textile-accessory industry — which employs over 500,000 people and generated €90 billion in 2024 (80% of which came from exports) — is now facing complex challenges, including a decline in exports (-5.3% in the first half of 2024) and growing difficulties among SMEs.

“Only a strong, united, and innovative entrepreneurial fabric can keep Italy at the center of the global fashion scene.”

— Luca Sburlati

The empowerment of SMEs is therefore at the heart of a new industrial vision, where competitiveness, sustainability, and cohesion become the key pillars.

Confindustria Moda is preparing to face the coming years with leadership committed to enhancing the widespread excellence of Made in Italy, focusing on collaboration, transparency, and innovation to build the future of the supply chain.

TWO MAIN DIRECTIONS FOR THE NEW MANDATE

1. Tactical action to manage global uncertainty

Sburlati highlighted the need for timely measures to support businesses — particularly SMEs — in a context marked by geopolitical instability, rising energy costs, and international competition.

2. Structural consolidation strategy for the supply chain

With 60% of companies in the sector generating revenues between €5 and €30 million, strengthening SMEs becomes essential to ensure the competitiveness of the entire Italian fashion system.

PROGRAMMATIC PILLARS OUTLINED BY SBURLATI

Government support measures

• €250 million to support the sector’s ecological and digital transition

• Grants and incentives to help SMEs overcome current economic difficulties

• Business aggregation: encouraging networks and alliances among SMEs to increase efficiency and face global markets

• Internationalization through dedicated financial tools: easing access to preferential financing to help companies establish a presence abroad

• Lead company responsibility: introducing a system to ensure transparency, legality, and quality throughout the supply chain