The hollow glass export share to Europe exceeded 53%. Extensive sales networks, effective loyalty-engendering practices, operational flexibility and attentive after-sales service were the ingredients of its success story. The official data disclosed by Gimav (the Italian trade body for glass machinery) at its General assembly in June speaks volumes. Its activity report for 2012 shows that machinery, accessories and special products for hollow glass totaled €344.75 million out of total exports of €869.5 million, up by 10.95% compared to 2011. The hollow glass industry therefore showed tremendous buoyancy and this helped it achieve record export figures. Similarly to the flat glass industry, hollow glass managed to partially recover its previous export share to Europe, With the Old Continent now representing the main outlet area for Italian production. In 2012, exports to the 26 EU countries made up 29.71% of the hollow glass exports which, when added to the 23.76% of the rest of Europe, brings the share of the European continent to over 53%. The top-ranking country was Turkey, which climbed as many as 12 positions, up by over 539%. Russia dropped from first to third place. In 2012, imports contracted by 4.89% compared to 2011, with similar results being posted by the two sectors comprising the glass processing industry: for hot working machinery and accessories (hollow glass), the downturn was 5.03%. The UK was the leading supplier with €8.76 million, up by 340.81% on 2011 data.
