Ends distribution deal with Technika.
Italian cooking appliance manufacturer, Bertazzoni, has confirmed it will establish a local subsidiary based in Melbourne.
The local subsidiary will open on 1 March managed by former Andi-Co employee George Alikakos (pictured below), who has been appointed as general manager of the new organisation. Alikakos joined Andi-Co in 2010 as brand manager managing Hoover before moving on to national sales, marketing and operations management roles.
“Products from the 136-year-old, family-run company have, until now, been available to the Australian market via a distribution deal with Technika. However, following the creation of the new subsidiary, Bertazzoni will be the sole provider of its appliances throughout Australia,” Alikakos told Appliance Retailer.
“Known for design and cutting-edge engineering, Bertazzoni’s product portfolio includes range cookers, hobs, ovens and extractor hoods. Founded in 1882, the company, based in Guastalla, between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Parma, is run by fifth and sixth generation family members. Today the company has 250 employees and manufacturers 200,000 units annually,” he said.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work directly for a global manufacturer in the premium cooking sector and I look forward to seeing the business reach its full potential in the Australian market.”
Bertazzoni Americana cooker
Company CEO Paolo Bertazzoni thanked Technika for their work with the brand.
“Having enjoyed a successful partnership with Technika previously, we felt that the time was right to establish a dedicated operation in Australia. We are excited to launch in the Australian market and have big plans to increase our presence across the country,” Bertazzoni said.
Bertazzoni Pro cooker
“We are extremely proud of our heritage, commitment to high level engineering and precise design and very much believe that the joy of cooking can be experienced in any home, regardless of skill level.”
Bertazzoni added: “Working with passion and attention to detail, as we do very well in our country, and offering cutting-edge technology and beautifully-designed products, leads to prestigious results that are admired all over the world and we look forward to growing our business in Australia in the coming years.