Sareen Stone at Marmomacc Stone Exhibition

"Marmomacc", Verona, Italy, 2015

Our Managing Director, Duncan Blyth, visited Marmomacc 2015 in Verona recently and we ask him for his perspective on one of our industry's biggest conventions.

1. Duncan can you explain what exactly is Marmomacc?

Marmomacc is the largest exhibition in the world for the natural stone industry held over 4 days in Verona, Italy. It is also known as Veronafiere's international exhibition.

The show has a great representation from countries all around the world putting forward their product selections & latest colours & trends for all to see. The fact that this is all under one roof enables companies like Sareen Stone to meet with existing suppliers, talk about how we can improve on existing business and develop new products. One of the biggest advantages is meeting potential new suppliers with exciting new material & products for the Australian market that we can develop and introduce to our network of clients.

The show gives you everything you need to know or would like to know about stone like...

- New materials and selections in stone
- Latest trending colours
- The different finishes that can be achieved on the surfaces of stone
- Latest machinery for cutting stone and demonstrations that show it doesn't have to be one dimensional now.

2. What's your verdict? Did it live up to your expectations?

- Yes, the Verona Fair met my expectation and exceeded it. The time, money and effort that some of the factories go to in order to showcase their products is exceptional. There is literally hundreds of thousands of EUR spent on some of these stands which really showcases what we can do with the latest technology.

stone displays marmomacc

3. Do they have a theme? What was this year's theme?

- This year was all about celebrating the biggest stone community - 50th anniversary of the Verona trade show and its partners.

4. What did you think were the main trends that we can expect to see in 2016?

- Without a doubt - grey is the new black and I see this trend continuing for some time into the future, along with all the latest technology in machinery giving the factories so many different ways to finish the material - the options seem endless. Whether it's shaping, cutting or finishing the stone - it's still the same material but what is exciting is that these finishes give the same product very different looks.

5. What would you rate as the highlight of the Fair this year for you?

- Stone is stone and we can't change that too much BUT what was on display was the latest technology in the equipment & machinery now available to the quarries. This is where the real change is coming with what they are now able to do with the cutting & finishing of the stone. It will be an exciting time in the years to come, so hold onto your hats..!

natural stone exhibits marmomacc

6. There seemed to be a lot happening in the city of Verona at the time related to the Fair - large slabs of stone in the piazza. What was the vibe like?

- Well it is the world's biggest convention for the stone industry and celebrating its 50th anniversary was quite a special experience in Verona. The City was covered with memorabilia; from walking paths that take you on a trip explaining the evolution over the years of the show right through to a table tennis table made from stone; blocks of stone, and mirrors that gave you the illusion of unusual spaces within. All these attractions and the beautiful Italian people created a first class atmosphere around the City. Apparently there were over 67,000 visitors to the Fair - which is apparently a 4% increase on last year - so it's a big deal for Verona & the locals certainly seem to embrace the event.

7. Will we see anything new at Sareen Stone as a result of Marmomacc?

- Yes, there was so much to see & we are certainly planning to bring some new products into the Australian market......so watch this space in 2016...!