The Consorzio Centopercento Italiano in Scandicci, near Florence, is set to receive recognition from Italian leather association, Associazione Italiana Manifatturieri Pelli e Succedanei (AIMPES).
The award will be given during a gala evening 'La Borsa in Festa' taking place in Milan this Saturday, March 1 during the international leather fair.
Consortium president Andrea Calistri said: ''It is an honour for us to be recognized during the most important international fair in the industry.
''It speaks to our commitment to creating new incentives for our companies so they may better face the world markets and confront the problems of counterfeiting.
''This award confirms that we were right to bet on Made in Italy''.
The Consorzio Centopercento Italiano, which brings together Italian producers in the leather industry, has become a powerful economic force over the last 10 years.
The consortium boasts 200 million euro in sales (2006) with 4.6 million pieces produced (42% by the consortium, 43% brand names and 15% private label), 67 members of which 63 are manufacturers, 4 supporting members (Carismi, Comune di Pontassieve, Savintrasport and Del Vecchia).
The total number of employees is more than 1,300, 1,500 are employed in related industries and there are 480 suppliers
