Once a blanket manufacturer, now a contemporary design studio, Gandia Blasco (of Gandia Blasco Group) has indeed come a long way. Ever since its foundation in 1941, the company has been experimenting with various niches of design. But is was in mid 1980s that Gandia Blasco finally transitioned from being a textile producer to an outdoor furniture manufacturer.
Despite the change, the company has stayed true to its origin and essence and now continues to work in three parallels: Gandia Blasco, GAN Rugs, and DIABLA, each catering to their respective niche of outdoor furniture, textile and rugs, and outdoor furniture and structures. We got in touch with Alvaro Gandia-Blasco, the current CEO of Gandia Blasco Group to get a hang of developments going on within the company and in the realm of outdoor furniture.
Homecrux (HC): Thank you for taking the time out to talk to Homecrux. Please take us through your company’s history. How has Gandia Blasco evolved over the years?
José Antonio (JA): We are a family company based in Valencia since 1941 and we want to continue supporting our community. Our mission is to design innovative products that make our clients enjoy their leisure and working time. We always respect the environment and promote the usage of most eco-friendly materials with the minimum impact on our carbon footprint. Our mission is to become the leaders of the markets and bring our philosophy and lifestyle all over the world. In addition, our aim is to be the best company to work for in Spain where our staff can feel fulfilled and a part of a big family.
HC: How does Gandia Blasco differentiate itself from competitors in the outdoor furniture market?
JA: We are one of the most creative companies and we always try to be different and remain loyal to our principles regardless of what the trends are. We have been a family company since 1941 with strong values and we still keep our production facilities and HQ in our hometown. Furthermore, we have recently teamed up with a big industrial group from our area and soon we will be one of the most powerful companies in terms of production and innovation.
HC: Did you attend Salone del Mobile 2024 and 3 Days of Design? What did you exhibit at the event?
JA: We attended Salone but unfortunately we could not be part of 3 Days of Design. At Salone we exhibited new lines and extensions of collections that we have developed in collaboration with Søren Rose.
HC: What factors influence Gandia Blasco’s decisions when introducing new products in the market?
JA: There are many factors to consider when accepting new product launches. We always work with internationally renowned designers with a solid background. The designs have to be creative, innovative, and different from other existing products in the market. In addition, the products have to be interesting for our target audience (architects, retailers, hotels) with features that enable them to be successful in the market.
HC: Madrid Design Festival is Spain’s answer to Salone del Mobile, London Design Festival and 3 Days of Design but haven’t reached the pinnacle of popularity as the rest. Do you think it hinders local designers or amateurs from showcasing their talent?
JA: MDF is a very interesting initiative that has gained more popularity over the years. It’s still a very young event and I think it will need some years to consolidate. Without doubt, there is so much talent in Spain and MDF is a very good platform to promote Spanish design.
HC: What initiatives has Gandia Blasco undertaken to reduce its environmental impact? How does your company integrate sustainability into its product development?
JA: We are producing almost everything in our facilities in Valencia, we try to import the minimum possible. Our products have the highest quality and are made to last many years. For us, the most sustainable products are those that have a long useful life. Furthermore, we use aluminum and recycled fabrics so our products are almost 100% recyclable. Regarding GAN our brand of contemporary rugs and accessories, its products are made in natural wool and PET by artisans from India and Spain.
HC: Are there any emerging trends or opportunities Gandia Blasco is exploring?
JA: Our last designs are very versatile and are totally suitable for indoor spaces in hotels, houses, offices, etc. More and more of our clients are using our furniture indoors and are complementing them with our indoor carpets. We see an opportunity for growth here. We are also investing a lot in our ‘Outdoor spaces line’ composed of pergolas, daybeds, etc.
HC: How do you envision the future of the outdoor furniture industry, and where does Gandia Blasco fit into this future?
JA: We feel that everyday people all over the world are emphasizing more on the enjoyment of outdoor spaces. So outdoor furniture brands are adapting their designs to the new trends and making them more comfortable and warm. We are already launching outdoor products with an indoor look and our aim is to make our clients enjoy the outdoors as they were in their living rooms at their homes.
HC: Are there any upcoming projects or partnerships you are particularly excited about?
JA: We recently teamed up with the Gaviota group, a big and well-known industrial group based in Spain, that will allow us to become one of the biggest players in the market.
We thank Alvaro Gandia-Blasco for taking the time out of his busy schedule for this conversation.
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