Chanel is continuing its steady expansion in Italy to secure its luxury production chain. The French fashion house recently acquired a minority stake in Conceria Nuova Impala, a well-known tannery located in Santa Croce sull’Arno, near Pisa.
The investment, estimated at 20%, is part of Chanel’s broader strategy to gain tighter control over its supply chain.
The tannery, founded in 1958 by the Caponi and Vannucci families, specializes in calf leather used for high-end shoes and leather goods.
Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for its craftsmanship while adapting to modern environmental and ethical standards. In 2024, the company employed 37 people and reported sales of 22.2 million euros with a profit of 1.17 million euros.
This move follows a series of similar investments by Chanel in recent years. In 2019, it acquired Samanta, a tannery known for printed and embossed leathers. In 2020, it took over Conceria Gaiera Giovanni, finalizing 100% ownership by 2024.
The luxury label has also backed companies like Blupell, which focuses on hide treatment, and Co.Fa srl in Lombardy. Its Italian leather operations further expanded when the Alsatian tanneries Haas and Campelli became major shareholders in Volfoni tannery, a joint venture formed with vegetable tanning expert Volpi Concerie.
In leather goods, Chanel holds stakes in Renato Corti and fully owns Mabi International, which runs factories in Veneto and Tuscany.
Chanel has been present in Italy since 1986. By the end of 2024, it had twenty-nine subsidiaries in the country, employing over 2,500 people across manufacturing, sales, marketing, and logistics.
This series of investments shows Chanel’s long-term strategy to maintain control over the quality of its luxury products while supporting long-time partners and local craftsmanship.
Source – Fashionnetwork.com
