Oroarezzo: Where Italian Craftsmanship Meets Global Commerce

The Grand Opening Ceremony

The 45th edition of Oroarezzo is poised to kick off with an official opening ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. This prestigious event will commence at 12 noon in the Auditorium, featuring opening remarks from prominent institutional figures. Among the distinguished speakers will be Maurizio Ermeti, President of the Italian Exhibition Group; Alessandro Ghinelli, Mayor of Arezzo; Alessandro Polcri, President of the Province of Arezzo; Massimo Guasconi, President of the Arezzo-Siena Chamber of Commerce; and Ferrer Vannetti, President of Arezzo Fiere e Congressi. Following the initial greetings, a dynamic roundtable discussion will delve into critical industry topics. Participants in this discussion will include Cristina Squarcialupi, President of Federorafi; Maurizio Forte, Central Director for Export Sectors at the Italian Trade Agency; Leonardo Marras, Councilor for Economy, Production Activities, Credit Policies, and Tourism for the Region of Tuscany; and Senator Maurizio Gasparri, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This gathering of leaders underscores the significance of Oroarezzo as a platform for both showcasing Italian craftsmanship and fostering international business relationships within the jewelry sector.

Exhibition Insights and International Reach

The event will host a substantial number of exhibitors, totaling 350, with a strong representation of Italian companies making up 84% of the participants, complemented by 16% from international markets. The exhibition is expected to draw a significant international presence, with over 350 international buyers being hosted through a partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, in addition to more than 100 buyers from Italy. These international buyers will converge from a diverse array of 59 countries, with the United States leading in terms of attendance, followed by Romania, Hong Kong, Poland, Mexico, Argentina, and Morocco. Geographically, Italian gold and jewelry companies exhibiting at the show will largely hail from Tuscany, accounting for 51% of the total, with Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Campania also contributing significant representation. The exhibition will encompass various facets of the industry, including manufacturing and production technologies, an extensive display of precious and semi-precious stones, components and semi-finished products, packaging solutions, and cash & carry options. Additionally, a dedicated "Precious Fashion" section will showcase fashion jewelry and components for fashion accessories, reflecting the evolving trends in the industry.

The Global Standing of Arezzo's Gold Sector

In 2025, Arezzo maintained its prominent position as Italy's primary hub for the export of gold, silver, and jewelry products. Data compiled by the Confindustria Federorafi Research Center from ISTAT figures reveal that the district's exports reached nearly 4.6 billion euros. While this figure represents a 41% decrease compared to 2024, Arezzo still commanded a substantial 34.8% share of Italy's national jewelry exports. Following Arezzo in export volume were Vicenza, with 20.3%, and Alessandria, contributing 17.6%. Analyzing the destination markets, Turkey remained the largest importer, with 1.552 billion euros, despite a significant 67.2% reduction. The United Arab Emirates followed, showing robust growth with 812.3 million euros, marking a 9.9% increase. Exports to the United States amounted to 450 million euros, experiencing a 10.2% decline. In contrast, France saw an increase of 6.7% to 282.9 million euros, and Hong Kong's imports rose by 7.6% to 216.8 million euros, indicating shifting market dynamics and emerging growth areas for Arezzo's gold industry.

Strategic Insights for the Business Community

A pivotal component of the event program is "The Global Outlook 2026 – Global goldsmithing markets and practical tools for business growth," marking Oroarezzo's inaugural international conference. This significant event is scheduled for Monday, May 11, and is organized by IEG in collaboration with Confindustria Federorafi, AFEMO, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the Italian Trade Agency. Further contributions are provided by Confindustria's Research Center, IC&Partners, Confindustria Assafrica & the Mediterranean, and SACE (Italian Export Credit Agency). Giuseppe De Filippi, Deputy Director of TG5 Mediaset, will moderate the conference, which is designed to explore strategic areas, identify new market opportunities, facilitate access to credit, and offer solutions for financial risk management. The overarching goal is to equip businesses with tangible tools to tap into new demand and diversify their export strategies. Additionally, the third edition of "Precious Fashion 2027–2028 – Impulse," organized by Leather & Luxury, will return, showcasing future trends. The event program also includes meetings hosted by Club degli Orafi and Intesa Sanpaolo, discussions by the Confcommercio Federpreziosi Observatory, an event by AIFM, and the awards ceremony for the 35th edition of the Première contest, featuring 53 competing companies, celebrating innovation and excellence in the sector.

Arezzo: A Hub for Global Connections and Cultural Exchange

The program is meticulously designed to facilitate networking and interaction among industry professionals, leveraging Arezzo's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Key events include an Opening Cocktail in the picturesque Piazza Grande, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to connect in a vibrant setting. Additionally, international buyers will be treated to a guided tour of the historic city center, allowing them to immerse themselves in Arezzo's renowned history and charm. These curated experiences are intended to cultivate stronger relationships and foster new business opportunities within the international community, seamlessly blending professional development with cultural appreciation. The aim is to create an environment where collaboration flourishes, and participants can explore both the commercial and cultural richness that Arezzo offers.