President Meloni’s video message to the 2025 General Assembly of Centromarca

Good afternoon everyone, and my thanks to President Mutti for the invitation.

I am very sorry not to have managed to be with you in Milan today, to attend Centromarca’s 2025 General Assembly in person, but I nevertheless wanted to send the Government’s greetings and contribution to your working sessions.

I would first of all like to thank all the association members and companies present, for the commitment and passion that have distinguished the work of Italy’s branded goods industry over the last sixty years, as well as for the sector’s contribution to our economy and the solidity of our production system.

You are a key component of Italian industry. You provide a significant contribution in terms of employment levels and what you do every day is synonymous with quality, reliability and Italian identity, not only at national level but clearly also abroad. Brands are much more than just commercial symbols; they are above all a tool to create added value and help consolidate the appeal of Made in Italy products, by strengthening those production chains largely made up of small and medium-sized enterprises and by also ensuring that typical and high-quality local products have the showcase they deserve.

The consumer goods supply chain is a strategic sector, with attention for the individual and society’s well-being in its DNA. The Government has been able to count on your cooperation in helping Italian households tackle high prices and defend their purchasing power, during a period of high inflation. I am referring to the ‘tricolour trolley’ initiative, which saw all operators in the agri-food and consumer goods supply chains come together to support consumers at what was a very complex time. This initiative reminded us of something extraordinary, which goes beyond economic indicators: we are part of one big community that does not leave anyone behind and knows how to defend the most vulnerable. The same spirit is also evident in the other measures we have implemented together, such as the ‘Dedicated to you’ card: this measure, worth EUR 500 million, for the purchase of basic foodstuffs, was strengthened by the commitment of large-scale retailers to offer cardholders an additional discount of 15%. However, I would also like to highlight the work that unites us in ensuring maximum transparency for citizens, including through the obligation to indicate the origin of raw materials on the labels of products that symbolise Made in Italy excellence.

There are many elements to our shared efforts, helping to base our productive fabric not only on profit but also, and above all, on the ability to create social value, paying attention to the needs of households and workers, enhancing human capital, bringing prosperity to the areas where they work, and taking a comprehensive view of the nation’s development.

It is a treasure we should be aware and proud of, and one we must be able to expand and enhance further, because it is only by holding each other’s hand and all rowing in the same direction that we can defend the common good and build a more united, stronger and more just Italy. We are committed, and we are convinced that you too will always be by our side.

 

Thank you once again everyone, and have a good General Assembly!

[Courtesy translation]