About Us

The Centrovetro Empoli Consortium is a leading organization in the promotion and enhancement of Tuscan glass and crystal, with a history rooted in the artisanal traditions of Empoli and the Valdelsa area, one of the oldest and most renowned regions for glassmaking in Italy. Founded on July 15, 1970, the Consortium marked a turning point for the revival of a production sector that, although present since the 15th century, had experienced a gradual decline after World War II. Today, Centrovetro brings together over 20 associated companies, representing nearly all the glass and crystal firms in the Empoli area, and is committed to supporting their growth through activities such as export promotion, international marketing, and production innovation.

Empoli, located on the left bank of the Arno River between Florence, Pisa, and Siena, has always been a vital center for the art of glassmaking. The local glass tradition originated in the nearby Valdelsa, with evidence of active glassworks as early as 1230 in the towns of San Gimignano, Montaione, and Gambassi, producing high-quality glassware appreciated throughout Italy. Over the centuries, despite hardships caused by historical events such as the Black Death and the sack of 1530, glass production rebounded and evolved into an industrial and artisanal hub of international significance. The Centrovetro Consortium was founded with the mission of preserving and relaunching this heritage, highlighting the quality, creativity, and innovation of its member companies, many of which are internationally recognized for excellence.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Consortium played a key role in coordinating raw material purchases, negotiating commercial agreements, and promoting local products at national and international trade fairs and exhibitions. In 1989, it became the Export Consortium, embracing a stronger focus on internationalization and entry into foreign markets, offering specialized services in B2B marketing, participation in international trade shows such as Ambiente in Frankfurt or the Salone del Mobile in Milan, and organizing visits from foreign delegations to member companies.

The associated companies cover a wide range of products: from blown artistic glass to hand-engraved and decorated crystal, as well as furniture accessories, lighting, giftware, and tableware. These productions are characterized by the high quality of materials, craftsmanship, stylistic research, and the ability to blend tradition with technological innovation, with increasing attention to environmental sustainability and eco-compatible production processes. Empoli glass and Centrovetro Consortium products are recognized for their transparency, brilliance, and durability, qualities that make them ideal for the most demanding and sophisticated markets.

Today, the Centrovetro Consortium is a strategic partner for small and medium-sized Tuscan glass companies aiming to enter global markets, offering dedicated services in export management, digital promotion, international communication, and business networking. The Consortium collaborates with public institutions, cultural entities, and major fairs to promote Made in Italy and support a sector that represents a significant component of both the local and national economy. The organization also supports the safeguarding of historical and artisanal traditions through cultural events, workshops, and training initiatives aimed at new generations of master glassmakers and designers.

The Centrovetro Consortium has established a strong presence in strategic markets such as the United States, Japan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union, successfully entering niche sectors where the added value of Italian craftsmanship and design stands out. Thanks to this work and the expertise of its member companies, Tuscan glass and crystal are now synonymous with elegance, quality, and innovation worldwide, helping to strengthen the image of a creative, sustainable, and cutting-edge Tuscany in the high-end production sector.

In summary, the Centrovetro Consortium of Empoli is much more than a simple association of producers: it is a successful model of territorial promotion, enhancement of historical heritage, and internationalization of artisanal and industrial glassmaking businesses, capable of combining culture, economy, and innovation to ensure a prestigious and lasting future for Tuscan artistic glass.