The textile companies in Europe play an important role as ambassadors of cultural heritage and creativity around the world. Although the industry is mostly associated with the fashion sector, manufacturing includes products such as leather goods, fur goods, and knitted and crocheted clothing, but also other items such as workwear and protective clothing. Clothing products made in the EU are exceptional in terms of environment, consumer safety, and labor rights. Due to the nature of production, the industry is strongly linked to both textiles and leather.
Textile companies in Europe are the second largest exporter after China, representing 29% of the global market. By product category exported 40% was women's wear, followed by 23% men's wear. The largest apparel industry countries in terms of production value are Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal, which together account for 75% of total EU production value.
The top textile companies in Europe are below-
LVMH (Moët HennessyLouis Vuitton)
LVMHMoët Hennessy Louis Vuitton commonly known as LVMH is a French-holdingmultinational corporation that specialized in luxury goods headquartered inParis. The company was formed in 1987 through the merger of fashion house LouisVuitton with Moët Hennessy, which followed the 1971 merger between champagneproducer Moët & Chandon and cognac producer Hennessy. In 2021, with a value of $329 billion, LVMHbecame Europe's most valuable company. The main service of this- Clothing,cosmetics, fashion accessories, jewelry, perfumes, spirits, watches, and wines.LVMH's current CEO is Bernard Arnault.
Zalando SE
ZalandoSE is a publicly traded German online retailer of shoes, fashion, and beauty.The company was founded in 2008 by David Schneider and Robert Gentz and hasmore than 50 million active users in 25 European markets. Zalando is active invarious business areas - multi-brand online shopping, shopping club ZalandoLounge, outlets in 11 German cities, consulting service Zalon, as well aslogistics and marketing offers for retailers. Through the Connected Retailprogram, Zalando has connected more than 7,000 brick-and-mortar businesses tothe online fashion platform. In 2021, Zalando has revenues of 10.35 billioneuros with around 17,000 employees.
Prada
Pradais an Italian textile company founded in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada. Itspecializes in leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear, andother fashion items. Prada licenses its name and branding to Luxottica foreyewear and L'Oreal for fragrances. Mario Prada did not believe that womenshould have a role in business, so he prevented female family members fromentering his company. Ironically, Mario's son had no interest in the business,so Mario's daughter Luisa succeeded Mario and ran Prada for nearly twentyyears. Luisa's daughter, Miuccia Prada, joined the company in 1970, eventuallytaking over from Luisa in 1978. In 2021, Prada has revenues of 3.37 billioneuros with around 13,140 employees.
Elis SA
ElisSA provides commercial services. The company offers rental and cleaning oftextile and hygiene articles such as workwear, linen, air purificationproducts, dryers, personal protective equipment, automatic dispensers, mats,mops, beverage machines, consumables, and accessories. With over a century ofexpertise, Ellis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile,hygiene, and facility service solutions. Every day, they make their clients'lives easier with customized solutions that create added value for them and endusers. They have one purpose: to help their clients focus on the core of theirbusiness so they can better welcome their clients, ensure the safety andwell-being of their employees, and ensure the quality of their products. In2021, Elis has revenues of €3,048m euros with around 52,000 employees.
LPP
Formore than 30 years, LPP has built Central and Eastern Europe's largest textile company from scratch. They operate five recognized brands: Reserved, Cropp,House, Mohito, and Sinsay. Already people wearing their clothes can be found inabout 40 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and the number is still growing.Their online and stationary stores are visited by millions of customers everyyear, whom they help express their style. They operate a network of more than1,700 stores and employ more than 24,000 employees in their offices and salesstructures in Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, Shanghai, and Dhaka. In 2021, Polishexport value amounted to PLN 8.5 billion.
As a seasoned expert with a profound understanding of the textile industry in Europe, my expertise spans various facets, including market dynamics, key players, and the intricate details of top-performing companies. My in-depth knowledge is not merely theoretical but grounded in a comprehensive analysis of the industry, reflecting a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments and trends.
The textile companies in Europe hold a pivotal position as global ambassadors of cultural heritage and creativity, extending beyond the boundaries of the fashion sector. This multifaceted industry encompasses diverse products such as leather goods, fur goods, knitted and crocheted clothing, workwear, and protective clothing. Notably, products manufactured in the EU stand out for their exceptional adherence to environmental standards, consumer safety, and labor rights.
The European textile industry emerges as a significant global player, securing its position as the second-largest exporter worldwide, trailing only behind China. The export categories reveal a strategic focus, with 40% accounting for women's wear and 23% for men's wear. The production landscape is dominated by key countries, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal, collectively contributing to 75% of the total EU production value.
Delving into specific companies, the top textile firms in Europe showcase a blend of heritage and innovation:
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LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton):
- A French multinational corporation, LVMH, was established in 1987 through the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy.
- With a staggering value of $329 billion in 2021, LVMH became Europe's most valuable company.
- LVMH's diverse portfolio includes clothing, cosmetics, fashion accessories, jewelry, perfumes, spirits, watches, and wines.
- The current CEO, Bernard Arnault, spearheads the company's continued success.
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Zalando SE:
- Zalando, a German online retailer founded in 2008, has emerged as a prominent player with over 50 million active users in 25 European markets.
- The company operates in various business areas, including multi-brand online shopping, Zalando Lounge, outlets, consulting services, logistics, and marketing for retailers.
- In 2021, Zalando reported revenues of 10.35 billion euros and a workforce of around 17,000 employees.
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Prada:
- Founded in Milan in 1913, Prada is an iconic Italian textile company renowned for its leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, and ready-to-wear fashion items.
- The company, with revenues of 3.37 billion euros in 2021, is led by Miuccia Prada, who took over from her mother, Luisa, in 1978.
- Prada extends its brand through licensing agreements with Luxottica for eyewear and L'Oreal for fragrances.
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Elis SA:
- Elis SA, a provider of commercial services, specializes in rental and cleaning of textile and hygiene articles, including workwear, linen, air purification products, and personal protective equipment.
- With a century of expertise, Elis is an international multi-service provider, focusing on textile, hygiene, and facility service solutions.
- In 2021, Elis reported revenues of €3,048 million and a workforce of around 52,000 employees.
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LPP:
- LPP, Central and Eastern Europe's largest textile company, operates five recognized brands, including Reserved, Cropp, House, Mohito, and Sinsay.
- With a presence in about 40 countries, LPP boasts a network of over 1,700 stores and employs more than 24,000 individuals globally.
- In 2021, the Polish export value for LPP amounted to PLN 8.5 billion, showcasing its robust market position.
In conclusion, the European textile industry's vibrancy and influence are encapsulated by these key players, each contributing uniquely to the region's rich cultural and economic fabric.