GIMAV Buyers Days - 140 B2B Meetings Between 9 North American Buyers and 16 Italian Companies

A dedicated initiative for the hollow glass sector brought together Antonini, O-I and Zignago Vetro.

Italian companies and 5 visits to production facilities. These are the key figures from the first edition of the GIMAV Buyers Days USA & Canada, held from 2 to 6 November in collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency, with the involvement of its headquarters in Rome and offices in Houston and Vancouver. 

The initiative reflects GIMAV’s ongoing evolution towards an Association increasingly committed to listening to its member companies and monitoring market developments, translating their needs into concrete activities designed to help them compete internationally. The Buyers Days embody this approach through tailored meeting schedules and opportunities for direct dialogue between Italian machinery manufacturers and potential customers. 

140 Meetings to Bring Companies and Customers Closer Together

The B2B meetings enabled buyers to engage directly with Italian companies, discussing technologies and production requirements. Visits to FOREL, ADI, Adelio Lattuada, CMS and FENZI complemented the meetings, giving the delegation an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the companies’ facilities, expertise and operations. 

Direct engagement with suppliers addresses a specific competitive need: combining the quality of Italian technology with closer customer relationships. Technical support, responsiveness and supply reliability are key factors in purchasing decisions, particularly in geographically distant markets.

US and Canadian Markets: Data Presented by ICE 

The decision to focus on North America reflects the importance of these markets for Italian companies. According to data presented by ICE during the institutional session on 3 November, Italy remained the leading supplier of glass-processing machinery to the United States in 2025, with exports worth USD 186.6 million and a market share of 26.45%, ahead of Germany, China and France. 

In Canada, according to data presented by ITA Canada, imports of Italian glass machinery increased by 23.36% in 2025 compared with the previous year. These figures highlight the importance of maintaining an active presence in both markets and building long-term relationships with end users. 

Nancy Mammaro on GIMAV’s Role

“Our companies face increasingly strong international competition every day. GIMAV’s role is to listen to them, understand how the economic landscape is evolving and develop initiatives that respond to their needs. The 140 B2B meetings held during this first edition demonstrate our commitment in concrete terms: opportunities to showcase technologies, understand customer requirements and establish new business relationships.

Company visits also allow buyers to see first-hand the expertise and production capabilities of our manufacturers. We want the Association’s activities to become increasingly valuable in supporting companies as they operate in international markets,” said Nancy Mammaro, President of GIMAV. 

Hollow Glass Takes Centre Stage with a Visit to Antonini

GIMAV’s commitment to addressing companies’ needs also extends to the hollow glass sector. 

Alongside the Buyers Days programme, GIMAV organised a visit to Antonini involving O-I and Zignago Vetro, creating an additional opportunity for direct dialogue between a technology supplier and glass manufacturers. 

Antonini, which also supported the Buyers Days as an event supporter, hosted this initiative separately from the five company visits undertaken by the North American delegation. The activity is consistent with GIMAV’s commitment to developing targeted initiatives for the different segments of the glass industry, fostering dialogue between technology manufacturers and the companies that use their solutions. 

International Dialogue and VITRUM 2027

The institutional session on 3 November welcomed Lakisha Woods, President of the National Glass Association (NGA), further strengthening dialogue between GIMAV and the US association. 

The delegation was also introduced to VITRUM 2027, scheduled to take place from 16 to 19 November at Fiera Milano Rho, and received an official invitation to attend the next edition. 

Eight Supporters Behind the First Edition

The Buyers Days were made possible with the support of eight companies: Adelio Lattuada, ADI, Antonini, CMS, FENZI, FOREL, Officina Meccanica Schiatti Angelo and Triulzi Cesare Special Equipments. 

GIMAV extends its thanks to the supporters, participating companies, buyers and ICE – Italian Trade Agency for their valuable contributions to the initiative.

With this first edition, GIMAV launches a format that can be expanded to other markets, shaping future initiatives around companies’ needs and the opportunities offered by different countries.

The objective is to provide companies with targeted business opportunities based on market analysis and direct engagement with customers.