11 March 1999: US-based Libbey Inc., one of the leading suppliers of tabletop products to restaurants and other foodservice industries, will strengthen its business in that area by becoming the exclus…
11 March 1999: US-based Libbey Inc., one of the leading suppliers of tabletop products to restaurants and other foodservice industries, will strengthen its business in that area by becoming the exclusive distributor of Italian glassware group Luigi Bormioli Spa to foodservice markets in North America. The agreement went into effect as of 1 February 1999. The pact between Libbey, and Luigi Bormioli, a privately held glassware manufacturer, capitalizes on the strengths of each firm, according to company officials. According to a recent report, the addition of Luigi Bormioli“s high-quality stemware and barware lines gives Libbey entrance into the higher end of the tabletop market in the foodservice sector, while Luigi Bormioli gains access to Libbey“s extensive sales and distribution network in North America. “It is the best marriage I could find,” said Luigi Bormioli president Marcel Trepanier. “Libbey“s reputation is one of the best, and their market penetration is the best in the business.” “The business of foodservice is where sales coverage and distribution are very important,” he added, noting Libbey“s “outstanding sales staff.” In all of its distribution centres, Libbey will stock approximately 61 stemware and barware items, according to Trepanier. “We will work with Libbey very closely to penetrate the market, to cover the market together. We“re very interested in it and will work as partners, which I think is essential to the relationship.” Luigi Bormioli“s consumer business is expected to remain unchanged. In a statement, John Meier, chairman and chief executive of Libbey, said, “This agreement is consistent with our strategic plan to expand our glass tableware business and broaden the selection of products we offer to our foodservice customers. We are excited about this opportunity to become partners with Luigi Bormioli as our respective skills and product lines complement each other. Luigi Bormioli products are renowned for their outstanding quality and design.”