The Italian leather industry is set to reach nearly €29 billion in sales by 2026 on the strength of the Made-in-Italy label. Italian leather is a hotly sought-after commodity, especially in the luxury markets of France, Spain, and Germany, which are the largest consumers of Italian leather goods after Italy itself. This industry, deeply rooted in tradition and known for its unique tanning methods, is well positioned to overcome the mid-sized slump it finds itself in currently. Italian leather goods exports are anticipated to reach $1.44 billion by 2026, which amounts to a 1.2% average annual growth rate since 1999. Italy is famous for its distinctive leather tanning techniques with vegetable tanning being most associated with Italian leather and leather goods. This method, which involves using natural tannins derived from organic materials like tree bark and plants, is both time-consuming and costly, but the results are undeniable. Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather is the hallmark of Italian craftsmanship. This premium leather, taken from the outermost and most durable layer of animal hides, retains its natural texture and strength. Artisans in Italy have perfected the vegetable tanning process over centuries. But Italy’s leather industry would not be what it is without its tanneries, located in regions like Tuscany and widely considered some of the best in the world. These facilities often focus on small-batch, high-quality production, which sets Italian leather apart from mass-produced alternatives in terms of exclusivity. A caveat - the term “Italian leather” is not a legally protected label. While it typically indicates that the leather was processed or manufactured in Italy, it does not inherently guarantee a certain standard of quality. Some cheaper leathers are produced alongside premium products, which allows manufacturers to use the term “Italian leather” as a broad descriptor for a range of goods.