Plastimark continues to monitor market trends, noting a clear shift toward smaller retail spaces and preparing for significant upcoming tenders. Strategic business development activities, along with participation in key industry trade fairs, support growth across Italy, France, and Export markets. Customer interest in specific product lines confirms ongoing potential despite complex market dynamics.
ITALY – Focus on proximity stores and expansion in the North-East
Plastimark Italy observes a steady trend toward smaller retail spaces and prepares for upcoming retail conventions to boost brand visibility. New projects are aimed at opening opportunities in historically underperforming areas.
The Italian market currently shows a stable trend compared to 2026, with a clear orientation towards stores with smaller square footage, typically under 1000 square meters. At the same time, major large-scale retail (GDO) chains are experiencing internal changes due to their economic and financial situations. Regarding product interest, there is notable attention on the Pleasy, Luma, Twiga, Hybrid 180, Slimmer and MaxiTyko models. Currently, the product range is considered complete, with the sole exception of an 80-liter basket with a swinging flap, which is actively being requested by the market.
On the business development front, new projects are specifically designed to open up opportunities in areas where the branch currently underperforms, such as the North-East. However, the team reports that delivery delays are currently causing some critical issues for the business. To further boost brand visibility and engage with active and potential clients, participation in Retail and GDO conventions is planned, with the last notable event has been the Retail Summit in Bari.
BU FRANCE – Navigating a complex market with major tenders on the horizon
The French market adopts a “wait and see” approach while the team anticipates outcomes from key large-scale retail tenders. Although the market conditions are quite complicated, the team has successfully signed some beautiful references.
Product interest is primarily focused on trolleys and baskets and while there is interest in the AluNova line, no orders have been placed for it at the moment.
Significant developments are expected as the French branch awaits the results of two major tenders: one with Carrefour for trolleys , and another with Auchan for baskets. To support commercial activities and maintain a strong regional presence, the team is also preparing to participate in two local fairs in 2026, specifically in the LECLERC Lyon area on June 18th and the LECLERC Reims area on June 11th.
BU EXPORT – Growing demand for compact solutions and post-Euroshop momentum
Export activities focus on new prospects following Euroshop and managing aggressive international competition. Customer interest is particularly strong for smaller trolleys and wheeled baskets.
The Export Business Unit is witnessing a growing market demand for smaller-format shopping solutions. Specifically, there is an increasing request for trolleys smaller than 100 liters and 80-liter wheeled baskets with foldable handles, such as those used in Decathlon stores. During the Euroshop 2026 event, the most significant interest was recorded for the Pleasy 100L, the Furbo System, and the AluNova Compound.
In March and April, the team is undertaking massive post-Euroshop work focusing on new prospects, as well as developing relationships with HL Display’s partners following a recently announced partnership. Despite the positive commercial momentum, the team notes a critical challenge regarding baskets, where competition originating from Turkey and China is proving to be aggressive.
