CDP and Stefano Ricci taking Italian craftsmanship to China

CDP and Stefano Ricci taking Italian craftsmanship to China

The golden rule, production is carried out entirely by hand by qualified workers and strictly made in Italy. This was the mission of designer Stefano Ricci and his wife Claudia when they founded the company that bears his name in the seventies.

The result of this choice speaks for itself. The company has been transformed from a small family business producing ties into an international fashion and luxury group, with 600 employees across the world (working in artisan production and retail) and a headquarters of more than 9,000 square metres, nestled in the hills of Fiesole. Fifty years of success and entrepreneurial vision condensed into unique creations.

These abilities lead Ricci to first build its presence in the United States with a New York showroom, and now to open the group’s first single-brand store. This determination marks the beginning of the brand’s path to consolidate its global success. The chosen city is Shanghai, based on a strategic vision of China’s future, which is ahead of its time and will be soon followed by many companies.

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti has made the decision to support the Stefano Ricci Group’s growth plans in China with a 4 million euro loan, in local currency, with funding through the Panda Bond and finalised as part of the strategic collaboration with Bank of China.

The funds will be used to support the growth and consolidation of Stefano Ricci's position in China by financing, among other things, the investment costs for construction of newly established boutiques and the renovation of existing ones.

With this loan, CDP confirms its support for Italian companies of excellence operating in China and for Made in Italy across the globe, and it is testament to its commitment to back a rapid recovery of the Italian entrepreneurial fabric following the Coronavirus emergency.

By financing Stefano Ricci, CDP is contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the UN Agenda 2030 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all).