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| Hiroshi Oka, president of ITOCHU Italiana and group director of ITOCHU Europe Textile Group |
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Since ITOCHU’s inception in 1858, this world-renowned trading company has grown to become one of the most successful sogo shoshas in Japan.
With a presence in 133 countries, ITOCHU has a firm commitment to its European markets, with Italy remaining at the forefront of importance for the textiles industry.
“The largest activities in Itochu Italiana lie within the textiles and fashion industries, followed by food and machinery,” says Hiroshi Oka, president of ITOCHU Italiana and group director of ITOCHU Europe Textile Group.
Due to the rapid growth and success in Italy, Oka recognizes the importance of maintaining and growing the company’s core business and top-notch image in the country.
“Thanks to our history and expertise, we have a strong reputation, which has helped us increase the number of business partners we’re working with annually,” he says.
Currently, the company works with over 100 prestigious fashion brands. Recently, it partnered with Paul Smith in the U.K.
“We are acquiring about 10 to 15 new brands per year, and we would like to see this number grow even higher over the next few years,” says Oka.
A branding expert, Oka works closely with fashion production sites, and oversees image development and export of ITOCHU’s brands internationally.
“We’re not only exporting these brands to Japan but across Asia, including China and Europe,” he says.
Adhering to the company’s philosophy of embracing customerfocused ideas to grow its business, Oka has implemented his strategies for increasing partnerships across Europe.
“We’ll continue to seek out and develop new business and investment opportunities primarily in the fashion and textiles industry, but also in machinery and food, our other business units that we’re trying to expand,” says Oka.
www.itochu.co.jp |