Italtile Limited: Best Value Creation Retailer South Africa 2021

Italtile, a leading manufacturer, retailer and franchisor of tiles, sanitaryware and related products across South Africa and beyond, operates on the guiding principles of commitment to service, efficiency and harmonious teamwork. The company, founded in 1969, strives to stay in tune with the needs of its staff and customers – a tenet which was at the core of its response to the pandemic, which created unprecedented challenges. Despite logistical difficulties, the company believes it has emerged a more resilient entity, remaining on course to become the sector’s best in Africa, with an emphasis on product, price and service. The enforced work-from-home reality of the pandemic had the effect of changing lifestyles, and Italtile has capitalised on a home-improvement boom. The company works hard to maintain an ethos of partnership and empowerment – a percentage of profits are shared among employees. It also funds its own Foundation Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming communities by developing skills, and supporting activities relating to education, sport and conservation. As a supporter of the UN’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aims, Italtile’s factories rank among the most energy-efficient in the world. Its low-carbon footprint Eco-Tec tile range is recognised as a leader in the manufacture of eco-sensitive products. The company has plans to expand further into East Africa but remains faithful to its home market. The 78-year-old chairman, Giovanni Ravazzotti, still regularly visits individual stores and factories, and CEO, Jan Potgieter, admits he still considers himself “a shopkeeper”. The CFI.co judging panel has no hesitation in presenting Italtile Limited the 2021 award, Best Value Creation Retailer South Africa.