The General Meeting of ANFAO – the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association – was held at Palazzo Crepadona in Belluno, bringing together industry leaders to review current initiatives and outline priorities for 2026. The meeting centred on the theme “Italian eyewear at the intersection of identity and global markets,” reflecting the sector’s ongoing effort to balance heritage, innovation, and international competitiveness.

ANFAO President Lorraine Berton, alongside the Executive Board and association members, presented a full overview of activities carried out in 2025 and the strategic roadmap ahead. “The challenge we are facing is to maintain a balanced approach between staying true to our identity—rooted in an expertise that is unique in the world—and operating within increasingly competitive, demanding and fast-changing global markets,” said Berton. “This balance is where the true strength of our sector lies.”

ANFAO as a Hub for the Eyewear Industry

Throughout 2025, ANFAO strengthened its role as a central institutional player for the Italian eyewear industry through initiatives spanning internationalization, sustainability, innovation, inclusion, culture, training, and engagement with the medical profession. Many of these efforts will continue or expand in 2026.

Internationalization

International expansion remains a strategic priority. ANFAO highlighted the strengthening of its sector-specific collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which will support broader promotion of Made in Italy eyewear in global markets. In the second half of 2025 alone, ANFAO participated in initiatives such as Days of Italian Fashion in the World (Japan, UAE, Brazil and India), the Italian Eyewear Exhibition (IEE) in Paris, a business mission to Brazil, and the Italian group presence at Silmo Istanbul.

Planned for 2026 are new ITA-supported initiatives, including IEE Milano (January 30), IEE New York (March 4), and IEE Paris (September 25), with strong participation from Italian companies.

Sustainability

In partnership with Deloitte Climate & Sustainability, ANFAO launched a free training program for SMEs focused on sustainability reporting, ESG culture, and the integration of environmental, social and governance principles. A broader program is planned for 2026, covering sustainable supply chains, energy transition incentives, and bank–business relations. ANFAO is also working toward elevating CSE Certification to a European-recognized standard and supporting the adoption of circular business models.

Innovation and Digitalization

A new initiative has been introduced to help companies digitalize processes, adopt AI technologies, and develop new organizational and production models. Further details are expected to be released in the coming months.

Inclusion and Talent Development

ANFAO’s free “Walk the Talk” course on inclusive behaviours will evolve in 2026 toward attracting young talent and creating business ecosystems focused on well-being, diversity, and inclusion, with an emphasis on engaging younger generations.

Culture and Heritage

The exhibition The Lens of Time, hosted at Palazzo Flangini in Venice, has drawn strong interest and will remain on view at the M9 Museum in Mestre until February 15. The project will also appear at MIDO 2026, followed by a fall exhibition in Rome at Palazzo Piacentini, headquarters of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT).

Training and Education

New funding has been approved for Copernico 2.0, developed by ABLE-CERTOTTICA with ANFAO. The AI-supported platform enables personalized training pathways. ANFAO’s Youth Group has also launched export management training programs in partnership with LUISS Business School.

Medical Profession Engagement

ANFAO continues to promote dialogue between opticians and the medical profession through initiatives such as Eyevolution and protocols for tele-reporting.

Exports and Market Outlook

Recent data indicate that while exports to the United States are facing challenges, performance is improving in other regions. European markets such as France and Spain are showing positive results, with particularly strong growth in Eastern Europe. “These signals tell us we are heading in the right direction,” Berton noted, emphasizing continued investment in quality, reputation, and collaboration.

Upcoming Industry Events

The eyewear calendar will open with the 54th edition of MIDO, held January 31 to February 2 at Fieramilano Rho. Additional initiatives by Commissione Difesa Vista ETS are planned throughout 2026, including vision screenings and prevention activities. The independent eyewear show DaTE will take place September 12–14 in Naples at Salone Margherita.

Click HERE for the press release.

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