10 September 1998: US-based Oneida Ltd. and the Italy-based CALP Spa (Cristalleria Artistica La Piana) announced an agreement in which Oneida will exclusively market and distribute CALP“s 24% lead cr…
10 September 1998: US-based Oneida Ltd. and the Italy-based CALP Spa (Cristalleria Artistica La Piana) announced an agreement in which Oneida will exclusively market and distribute CALP“s 24% lead crystal products in the United States, according to a recent press release. The agreement significantly expands Oneida“s line of fine quality crystal for consumer retail accounts, Oneida Chairman William D. Matthews said. The agreement takes effect early in 1999. Oneida will market CALP“s 24% lead crystal stemware, barware, serveware and related accessories in a broad selection covering a full range of retail stores and prices, Mr. Matthews said. The four CALP trademark lines – Da Vinci Crystal, Royal Crystal Rock (RCR), Primavera Di Cristallo, and Capri Crystal – will be integrated into Oneida“s existing crystal marketing programmes, the report said. CALP is one of the world“s largest manufacturers of 24% lead crystal tableware and giftware, with a technologically advanced factory at its headquarters in Colle di Val d“Elsa, Italy. Its products are sold throughout the world, including sales in the US market for the past 20 years. Mauro Faneschi, Chief Executive Officer of CALP, said the Oneida partnership fits CALP“s strategy for achieving a better penetration of the US market. He said CALP and Oneida share the same understanding of the marketplace. The two companies will combine to present customers with maximum levels of service, quality and continuity, Mr. Faneschi added. Mr. Matthews said the agreement is part of Oneida“s ongoing efforts to be a complete source of tabletop products. “Our partnership with CALP will allow us to offer fine quality crystal at all levels, from mass markets to the finest department stores and specialty stores,” Mr. Matthews said. “It“s an important step forward for providing further balance and coverage in our product offerings.”