Speed up your entry in the Italian market
Specialize in connecting you with business partners in Italy by identifying the key decision makers “Buyer Personas”
informest consulting
25 years of expertise in internationalization services
We offer comprehensive 360° support to companies for their international growth in new markets and to enhance their business development.
Our extensive experience enables us to thoroughly understand the company’s needs and effectively support it through the market entry process, defining and implementing the most effective entry strategy to adopt in the Italian market.
We assist companies at every stage of market entry, including preliminary market research, company presentation, developing and implementing export strategies and facilitating commercial growth. This involves selecting and managing commercial partners and customers, as well as organizing B2B missions and participating in trade fairs and events.
Our proven working method and extensive experience
Over the years we have developed, enhanced and consolidated an effective and efficient working methodology, creating tailored solutions for every company looking to expand in the Italian market.
By starting with the unique needs of each organization, we design a personalized, coherent and sustainable international commercial development strategy aimed at establishing long-lasting business relationships.
Our team of Italian experts
We are a team of professionals and experts locally-established and fluent in both Italian and English. Our extensive knowledge of the local culture and market enables us to assist foreign companies in entering the Italian market effectively and in alignment with the local business mentality.
The team of local specialists has a strong network of professionals and entrepreneurs, along with direct connections to local buyers, distributors, importers, retailers and manufacturers across various sectors, as well as specialized business associations.
The sectors
We have broad, multi-sector experience and collaborate with companies of all sizes, operating both in traditional manufacturing industries and in specific market niches. Our approach involves applying a consolidate and efficient working method and customizing services based on the unique business objectives, products and services of each client.
Expertise and relationships in all sectors of Italian production and distribution
Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals
Agri-food & Organic
Wine
Clothing & Textiles
Fashion & Accessories
Furniture-Furniture
Home System & Construction
Energy & Environment
Mechatronics & High Tech
Electronics & ICT
Chemistry & Plastics
Mechanics & Mechanical Subcontracting
network
Our network of collaborations
We have a wide network of collaborations and direct relationship with local, regional and national Business Support Organization officials including Financial and Insurance Institutional Companies that support businesses in internationalization processes, SACE, SIMEST and Finest; the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy; the national agency for attracting investments and business development INVITALIA and other regional agencies. Additionally, we collaborate with local business associations, primary banking institutions, trade fair organizations. We are partners of the Development Gateway of the WORLD BANK Group for the promotion and dissemination of international procurement tenders.
Since 2010 we have been partners of the FRIEND EUROPE consortium for the Italian North East (the Consortium is part of EEN – Enterprise Europe Network, a network made up of 600 partners in 40 countries around the world), co-financed by the European Commission.
Services
Personalized business development in Italy
Partner search, client selection and B2B meetings
We provide tangible support to companies in the export development process through a personalized and flexible approach that combines direct B2B relationships with innovative digital tools.
To succeed in selling in Italy, it is essential to have a well-defined strategy that considers all aspects to prevent mistakes and minimize the loss of time and resources, and also differentiating from the increasingly competition.
The service is designed and managed by our team of Italian professionals who support the company in the preparation and planning phase of the company strategy. We adapt our actions to align with resources, timelines and business objectives, ensuring an effective, sustainable entry into the Italian market with a strong focus on sales.
The activities:
Pre-feasibility analysis of the market, with verification of the products/services offered and identification of the commercial channels and the profile of the target clients in Italy
Preliminary check up with the company to verify the project’s feasibility and evaluate expected objectives and outcomes: in-depth analysis of the company’s structure and resources, export goals, product and service analysis (including USP Unique selling point, production and capacity resources in a export perspective, etc.), feasibility verification, identification of target areas/regions and potential, definition of commercial channels and target customer profiles. With this analysis the company has an overview of the potential of its offering and market opportunities.
Customized sales-oriented strategy, preparation of promotional documentation
Definition of PERSONALIZED, SALES-ORIENTED EXPORT STRATEGIES: definition of target areas/regions and markets, market trends, analysis of competitors and prices, commercial channels, definition of target customers, commercial and promotional material, indications on necessary certifications and logistical aspects. Preparation of marketing and commercial material to support local experts in their commercial activity.
Selection of potential clients, identification of 'buyer-personas' and decision makers
Selection and presentation of potential customers interested in the proposal and starting commercial negotiations; organization of b2b meetings in Italy (or online), management and support in receiving RFQs, sending samples (on request), sending quotes.
Contact activities with Italian clients, company presentation, in-depth analysis and verification of the expressions of interest of the decision makers, feedback
Direct commercial activity and personal presentation of the company and its products and services offered to the identified decision-makers, verification of interests; report on feedback from potential Buyers (both positive and negative feedback)
Selection of interested clients, organization of b2b meetings, selection of RFQs, sending samples
Selection and presentation of potential customers interested in the proposal and starting commercial negotiations; organization of b2b meetings in Italy (or online), management and support in receiving RFQs, sending samples (on request), sending quotes.
Follow-up (support in sending quotes, management of further RFQs, feedback on samples, etc.)
Follow-up aimed at verifying collaboration terms and consolidating long-term relationships.
Organization of individual or collective missions in Italy with B2B meetings
Partner Search, B2B Meetings and Follow-Up
In collective missions, the service “Personalized Business Development in Italy with Partner Search and B2B Meetings” is tailored for each participating company. The goal is to identify potential Italian partners and customers that have target profile and are interested in the offer of the participating company.
Organization of the mission in Italy with B2B meetings with the identified potential customers. Technical-commercial support, logistical and organizational assistance, interpretation services.
Follow-up actions and consolidation of commercial relationships following the mission. This includes technical assistance in collecting RDOs and quotes, sending samples, etc.
Organization of participation in fairs and events
Preliminary buyer selection, invitation to the event and organization with customized b2b agendas
We support companies by managing their organization and participation in international B2B trade fairs and events in Italy and abroad, including in virtual mode.
Specifically, we focus on promoting the company’s presence at international events and selecting Italian importers, distributors, buyers, and agents for customized B2B meetings at the exhibition, creating a personalized and targeted agenda.
Activities include:
- Identification of the exhibition space, administrative management, layout, design and set-up of the stand, including logistics
- Verification of subsidized financial tools to support participation in the fair
- Pre-fair selection of importers, distributors, buyers and foreign agents for targeted B2B meetings at the event
- Organization of integrated events (workshops, tastings, on-site visits)
- Coordination of the b2b meeting agenda
- Assistance and interpretation service
- Post-fair assistance, including follow up with foreign buyers, collection of test orders, sending of samples and quotes.
Our References
Projects in collaboration with business support organizations
Furniture and Home System
POLISH INFORMATION AND INVESTMENT AGENCY
Organization of a trade mission with B2B meetings of nine Polish manufacturers in Italy with selection of 15 Italian distributors and agents.
Organization of a business mission of Polish manufacturing companies in Italy. Research and selection of 15 Italian distributors and agents specialized in the interior furniture sector for the nine Polish SME manufacturers (interior furniture, living area, bedroom, sofas, seats) and organization of a business mission with b2b meetings between foreign manufacturers and Italian buyers. The Italian distributors and agents were selected based on the profiles of the Polish companies and the concrete interest in their commercial offer. The B2B meetings took place in Treviso; technical-commercial, organizational and linguistic support was provided for each Polish company.
Mechanics and Mechanical Subcontracting
NORTH-EAST ITALY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGENCY
Organization of a trade mission with B2B meetings in Italy for seven OEMs and TIER 1 from Germany and Poland.
Research and selection of 15 Italian companies from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region operating in the mechanical components and subcontracting sector. Analysis of German, Polish and Italian company profiles, organization of 40 personalized b2b meetings between German, Polish and Italian companies, organization of 20 visits to company headquarters; follow-up action and support in starting collaborations (registration of suppliers, sending samples, linguistic and technical support in starting the commercial relationship).
Agro-food
UNIONCAMERE DEL VENETO (PLAT4FOOD – CO-FINANCED BY EUROCHAMBRE)
Organization of collective mission in Italy for Bulgarian, Moldovan and Georgian SMEs belong to Agrofood sector.
Planning, organization and management of an entrepreneurial mission of eight Bulgarian, Moldovan and Georgian companies in the agro-food sector with B2B meetings with Italian buyers. The activity included the search and selection of twelve targeted Italian buyers in the agro-food sector and in the GDO channel. The direct B2B meetings took place in Padua and were supported by the technical-commercial assistance of Italian commercial experts, and all organizational and logistical aspects as well as the organization of interpreting were managed.
Food and beverage
TRADE INVESTMENT AGENCY
Market analysis of Ho.Re.Ca and GDO commercial channels in Italy for the distribution of Northern Irish Agro-food products and Buyer-Personas identification.
The objective of the project was to evaluate the marketing opportunities of Irish agro-food products through the Ho.Re.Ca and GDO channels in Italy. The activities included the analysis of the HORECA and large scale channels that distribute foreign agro-food products. Research and selection of local food and drink importers, distributors and large scale retailers specialized in international food products, contact with purchasing managers for direct interviews and verification of interest in Northern Irish products. Identification of potential buyers interested in the products, analysis of the results and creation of a report final.
Furniture and Mechanical Equipment
MOSCOW-BASED CONSULTING FIRM COMMISSIONED BY THE PUBLIC BUSINESS ECONOMIC ORGANIZATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Organization of collective mission in Italy for the benefit of 12 companies in the Municipality of Moscow interested in entering the Italian market.
Planning, organization and management of a business mission of 12 Russian companies in the municipality of Moscow (mechanical equipment, furniture, carpentry sectors) with personalized B2B meetings with Italian buyers. The activity included the search and selection of targeted Italian buyers. The B2B meetings took place in Rome over two days, each Russian company had an average of six or seven B2B meetings with Italian partners. The mission was also supported by a leading Italian banking group. All organizational and logistical aspects were taken care of, as well as the organization of interpretation.
Projects for individual clients
SLOVENIAN SME
Equipment and accessories for HORECA
Research and selection of Italian distributors and clients in the Ho.Re.Ca equipment sector and organization of B2B meetings
Slovenian SME that develops an innovative equipment for the coffee machines was interested in finding potential clients in the Italian market. The activity included the research and selection of Italian distributors, importers in the HORECA sector and Italian manufacturers of coffee machines and identification of the buyer Personas. Direct contact with the purchasing managers and introduction of the company offer. Identification of the buyers interested in the product and organization of online b2b meetings for starting the negotiations.
HUNGARIAN ENGINEERING SME
Civil and industrial structural engineering
Research and selection of partners and end customers in the engineering and construction sector and organization of B2B missions in Italy.
Hungarian engineering company of 50 engineers specialized in the design of civil and industrial infrastructures was interested in proposing software designed and studied to carry out structural calculations and resistance analyzes for steel structures and mechanical design. The activity included the selection of Italian potential clients among medium-large construction companies and engineering companies. Direct contact with purchasing managers and/or technical office managers and identification of the companies interested in the software. Organization of two missions in Italy with B2B meetings with the identified clients.
AMERICAN CONTRACTOR (BASED IN CALIFORNIA) WITH INTERNAL ARCHITECTS
Contract in the residential and HORECA interior and exterior furniture sectors.
Research and selection of Italian manufacturers of high-level furniture for residential and Horeca projects in California and organization of a B2B mission in Italy.
American contractor who manages supplies in residential projects in California and Florida was interested to find Italian suppliers of high end and luxury furniture and components. The activity included a research and selection of Italian producers of interior and exterior furniture and window and door solutions that meet the requests of the American buyer. Direct contact with the sales managers for further information, presentation of the Italian profiles to the buyer and organization of the mission in Italy for direct visits to the showrooms. Following the mission, commercial relations were initiated, sending of the first RDOs and orders.
SPANISH SME
Medical Technologies
Research and selection of Italian distributors and clinics interested in the rehabilitation devices and organization of online B2B meetings.
Primary Spanish biomedical engineering company, specialized in the research, design and development of MedTech devices and robotic exoskeletons was interested in finding distributors specialized in robotic rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation clinics with innovative treatments; neurology and rehabilitation centers. The activity included an analysis of the market and sector in Italy, research and selection of Italian buyers who deal with innovative devices and MedTech for rehabilitation. After a phase of direct contact with purchasing managers for further information (technical characteristics, medical conditions that could be treated, price range were the key factors), presentation of the profiles to the Spanish company and organization of online B2B meetings. Following the initial contacts, commercial relationships with Italian buyers were started.
UKRAINIAN SMEs
Textile clothing
Research and selection of Italian distributors and agents interested in representing and distributing clothing products manufactured in Ukraine and organization of online B2B meetings.
A group of ten Ukrainian SMEs active in the production of clothing, with their own brand and for third parties, were interested in entering the Italian market and finding specialized distributors for distribution in medium-range and good quality stores. The activity included an analysis of the market and the sector in Italy, research and selection of Italian agents and distributors in the right market and customer niche. About 20 distributors and agents were selected; during the phase of direct contact with purchasing managers, products from Ukrainian companies were produced and online B2B meetings were organized with interested partners.