Italian ceramics brand Bocchi has revealed its three-year plan for growth the UK KBB market.
Bocchi was established in the 1950s and, although its products have been in the UK for five years, this is the first time the branded product will be available to retailers.
Speaking from its stand at this year’s kbb Birmingham show, Darren Paxford, sales director Bocchi UK explained the brand’s journey and why independents are key to its success.
“The brand has been operating in the UK for five years but, up until now, all of our sales have been private label,” he said. “This is the first time that we’re bringing the brand name into the UK marketplace. The kbb Birmingham show has been a fantastic platform for launch. I know a lot of people in the industry, and everyone has really been excited by what we have to offer.”
The brand is initially launching with a portfolio of kitchen sinks, basins and bathroom furniture. It has also invested in offices and a warehouse in Luton to ensure it can offer UK dealers stock when they need it. Ceramics are manufactured in Turkey but bathroom furniture for this market is being manufactured in the UK.
“I’m looking for 50 to 60, mid-high-end retail partners,” he explained. “We have a fantastic brand; great products and we have a real story to tell. We could work with hundreds of retailers but I want to build partnerships so I want to ensure I can give them the level of service they need.”
With the UK market – like many others globally – going through a challenging economic period, kbbreview was keen to understand why Bocchi felt now was the right time to launch.
“I’m really positive and optimistic,” he said. “There’s a real opportunity for Bocchi to grow here and my aim, over the next three-years is for Bocchi UK to generate £5 million turnover.
“We bring something a little different to the market. At Bocchi we’re all about colour, texture, and individuality. The ceramics market in the UK is 90% white but we’re challenging people to push their boundaries a bit more. One of the standout products on the stand is our Strata Ross Lovegrove basin in fuzzy peach the Pantone colour of the year (pictured) it’s a real statement piece. Colour is engaging for showroom displays and homes.”