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Tourist information: Business

 

Parmigiano Off Market To Boost Prices
The agriculture ministry on Tuesday authorized the withdrawal from the market of 100,000 wheels of prized Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and an equal number of Grana Padano wheels in order to stabilise their prices.
Agriculture Minister Luca Zaia said that the subsidies granted under European Union law for taking the cheese off the market would be given to charity.
''What we are faced with is not a market crisis nor one of quality but of the discrepancy between what it costs to make the cheese and what producers are able to sell it for''.
The minister said similar measures may be taken to help producers of other cheese for which cost more to produce than what they sell for.
These included TrentinGrana, a hard cheese similar to the more famous Parmigiano and Grana, Asiago, Taleggio and Pecorino Romano.
Prices for Italy's prized cheeses have fallen below their production costs in part because of the ability of major supermarkets to buy bulk quantities at lower prices.
The Confederation of Italian Farmers (Cia) welcomed the ministry move to withdraw the wheels and that producers and the major distributors now needed to sit down and re-negotiate prices.
According to Cia, a kilo of Parmigiano Reggiano in discount supermarkets costs as low as seven euros a kilo while it costs over eight to produce.
With origins in the 12th century, authentic Parmigiano is a uniquely hard but crystal-grained, crumbly and tart-sweet cheese which adorns most pasta dishes and is prized as baby food. It is not cut but wedged open.
Grana Padano is similar but whereas Parmigiano is made in the area around the city of Parma in the Reggio Emilia region, Grana is made in the Po Valley in the region of Lombardy.

Fiat Chief Confirms 2008 Targets
Despite a general market slump, Fiat Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo still believes the Italian automaker can meet its targets for 2008.
''I can confirm our targets and numbers for 2008 despite the world (credit) crisis which has severely hurt markets. As for our 2009 goals, our board will have to examine these when it holds an important meeting in Chicago on October 23,'' Montezemolo told the press on Thursday.
At that meeting, the Fiat chief added, ''we'll talk numbers and prospects for the coming year''.
After racking up a record year in 2007, in which it posted a trading profit of 3.2 billion euros, the highest ever, Fiat set as its targets for 2008 a net turnover of over 60 billon euros, a trading profit of between 3.4 to 3.6 billion euros and net profit in the neighborhood of 2.4-2.6 billion euros.
The goals also included leveling the group's indebtedness with a net cash surplus of at least 1.5 billion euros and buying back shares.
Fiat also aimed at expanding its market share in Italy and Europe and to maintain its top position in Brazil.
Turning his attention to Fiat's plans for temporary layoffs, Montezemolo said ''as (Fiat CEO Sergio) Marchionne has observed, we are unfortunately faced with a dramatic drop in demand. In order to adjust production to the drop in demand we have no alternative but to resort to temporary layoffs''.
Speaking at the Paris Automobile show earlier this month, Marchionne was cautiously optimistic that Fiat would hit its 2008 targets but admitted that the credit crunch could force the Italian automaker to lower its expectations for 2009.
For certain, the global credit crisis will probably force Fiat delay plans to buy back its own shares, Marchionne said.
''In a normal financial market Fiat would have bought back its shares at the speed of light, given their current value which is ridiculously low'', he observed.
''However, everything now must be put in the context of a global financial crisis. At times like these the utmost caution is necessary and even with the cash we have on hand, we must focus conserving and protecting,'' Marchionne added.
''I hope we won't have to downsize our goals for 2009. At present I can confirm them, they are not at risk, but we are going to have to wait and see what happens on international markets in the last quarter of 2008. We will need to assess the effect of this financial crisis and what its impact will be on the real economy,'' the Fiat CEO said.

Alfa Romeo In USA In 2010
Fiat plans to have Alfa Romeo cars back on the American market in 2010, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed here on Friday.
Speaking at the Paris Automobile Show, Marchionne explained that ''at present we are analysing how to bring Alfa Romeo to the USA and with whom, given the various alternatives we have open to us''.
''In 2010 we should have distribution under way, while in regard to production a future plant could be anywhere in North America,'' he added.
Alfa Romeo stopped exporting cars to the US in 1995.
Speaking at the Geneva Automobile Show last spring, Marchionne said that in order to be profitable in the United States, the next Alfa Romeo model would have to be produced there or at least on the same continent.
''At present we don't know where to produce it, but it is impossible to build a (standard) car in Europe and then sell it in the US at a profit,'' the Fiat CEO explained.
Establishing a sales and service network in the USA for Alfa Romeo was not a problem, Marchionne observed, ''because we have several options open to us''.
These included using the network of Fiat's American farm and earth moving subsidiary CNH.
Since then many observers thought that helping Alfa Romeo to return to the USA may have been part of a deal currently being negotiated between Fiat and BMW to produce common platforms and components for new models of their respective Alfa Romeo and Mini marques.
However, on Friday Marchionne denied that distribution in the USA was part of the deal, which is expected to be hammered out before the end of the year.
''Distribution and production are two different matters. A distribution network is already available to us and there are also other alternatives. I don't think it would make much sense to distribute them (Alfa Romeo and Mini) together. They are two products which will basically rival each other,'' the Fiat CEO explained.
Turning his attention to other Fiat activities abroad, Marchionne said that the trendy new retro-inspired 500 model, another candidate for the US market, would not be produced in the plants of Serb automaker Zastava, in which Fiat recently acquired a majority 67% stake in.
The Serb plant, he explained, would be used to produce a new A-segment or small entry-level car, which will be designed to be both highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
Fiat also has plans for a new low cost car which Marchionne said will be produced under another marque in India, where Fiat is allied with Tata Motors, and perhaps elsewhere.
Marchionne also confirmed Fiat's interest in acquiring the Spanish truck-maker Santana but ''only at the right moment''.

Tips for Doing Business in Italy - What you Need to Know
Where ever business takes you, learning the culture, etiquette and protocol of the host country is a key step to success. Italy is no exception. Just as you would prepare your presentation before a big meeting, it's important to prepare yourself by understanding the Italian customs, protocol and etiquette in a business setting.

Because Italy is a highly individualistic society, one that emphasizes family ties and individual responsibility, Italians generally prefer doing business with someone they know or have been introduced to. Use existing contacts and networks as an introduction before attempting to set up a meeting. Once you've been properly introduced or recommended, write a letter, in Italian, suggesting a meeting. This can later be followed up by email, a phone call or fax. Try to avoid scheduling meetings in August as this is a hectic time for businesses due to their employees taking time off for the summer holidays.

Now that you've scheduled a business meeting, dress to impress, just as the Italians do. Choose tasteful and stylish clothing. Men should choose expensive, sophisticated ties and well cut dark suits along with accessories such as tie clips, cuff links and fashionable watches. Women should choose simple, yet elegant outfits and add flair with accessories. It is considered fashionable, especially in summer to not wear stockings. Demureness and formality, often termed Bella Figura, are key elements in the Italian business culture. Maintaining an air of Bella Figura is believed to enhance both beauty and peace in the world. What you wear sends a clear message as to what type of person you are and will make a lasting impression. In addition, all business materials and presentations should be aesthetically pleasing to your Italian business associates.
Good manners and courtesy are essential in Italy; above all, considerateness is highly rated. Plan on shaking hands upon arriving and departing. As your relationship grows, embraces are not uncommon and signify a level of intimacy. Personal space is at a premium when people interact in Italy. Large hand gestures, freely flowing emotions and close personal contact are often present in Italian conversations. Avoid moving away or keeping your distance as this can be perceived as unfriendly. Italians are often guided by their emotions, establishing a business relationship based on trust is vital for a successful business negotiation.

Foreign business people are expected to be on time but the Italian executive might not be as prompt. Remember the rule above about courtesy being highly rated; show your consideration by arriving promptly and respecting their time. Unless invited to use first names, use the personal or professional title both in casual conversation and in written communication.

During the meeting, take your time and don't instill a sense of urgency to the presentation. Urgency is frowned upon and seen as a weakness. Instead, make small talk and show an interest in anything Italian such as their food, art, fashion or sports. Maintain good eye contact throughout the meeting to show that you are sincere and honest. Italians have a great deal of respect for authority, power and age. Always give preferential treatment to the most senior person present. Don't be surprised if your Italian counterparts interrupt each other or speak simultaneously, this is a part of the Italian communication style.

During negotiations, be prepared for last minute changes, demands and tests but remain firm. You probably won't walk away with a decision being made on the spot. Instead understand that they will want to make a careful, calculated decision. To accommodate this, bring along plenty of information to handout so the Italians can later study and analyze your proposal. Initial meetings in Italy tend to be more for establishing a relationship and evaluating potential colleagues rather than for making decisions.

Decision making tends to be a long drawn out process taking several months or more. Be patient and avoid putting on pressure as this is an affront to the Italian protocol. High pressure sales tactics don't work in the Italian business climate. Instead, decisions are often based on the impression you have made rather than on the actual business proposal. Do your part by being honest, respectable, well dressed and by following through on any verbal agreements or commitments you have made.