The 59th edition of Marmomac, the world’s leading event for the stone industry, opened yesterday in Verona, turning the spotlight on a market worth an estimated 10 billion euros.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, Cohesion Policies and PNRR; Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere; CEO Barbara Ferro; and General Manager Adolfo Rebughini, alongside ministers, ambassadors, and trade representatives from India, Brazil, Oman, Algeria, and many other nations.
Over the next four days, 1,400 companies will showcase marble, granite, ornamental stones, and processing technologies across 76,000 square meters of exhibition space, including — for the first time — the Gallerie Mercatali. With more than 50 languages spoken in its 12 halls and 8 outdoor areas, Marmomac once again proves its role as a truly global hub.
Thanks to the support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency and Confindustria Marmomacchine, the event is hosting incoming business delegations from the United States, Canada, China, India, Qatar, Brazil, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, and many other countries, strengthening its position as the international marketplace for natural stone.
The exhibition also became a stage for what organizers define as the “diplomacy of marble.” On the opening day, ITA facilitated the signing of two major cooperation agreements: the establishment of the Italian-Ethiopian Center for Marble and Granite Processing and the creation of the Italian-Algerian Committee for Marble and Granite Processing.
At The Plus Theatre (Hall 10), Marmomac hosted the Masters of Stone Award – Mastri della Pietra 2025, honoring individuals who embody excellence, vision, and dedication to natural stone culture. The 2025 awardees were:
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Giovanni Conterno (La Favorita), blending tradition with innovation through entrepreneurial vision.
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Charlie Gee, stonemason and heritage influencer, a young ambassador of stone restoration.
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Burkhard Pohl (Göflaner Marmor), pioneer of the renowned Covelano White Marble.
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Tamara Plastić, Director of the Brač Stonemasonry School, a global leader in stonecraft education.
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Paolo Camaiora, architect from Carrara, guardian of the bond between marble and architecture.
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1319 with the Ancient Corporation of Masters of Stone in Verona, the award reaffirms Marmomac’s mission: to celebrate a craft that unites history, art, and the future.
