Sardinians' Christmas spending soars to over 700 million euros, and over half a billion will be spent on food and drink alone.
These are estimates from the Research Office of Confartigianato Sardegna , which reworked ISTAT data. The analysis also shows that this year's spending is in line with last year's, which amounted to €726 million, one million more than the regional forecast for this year. At the national level, however, the total is estimated to exceed €26 billion.
On the island, the report emphasizes, many of the gifts will be prepared and made by artisan businesses.
«There are 8,015 Sardinian artisan businesses, equivalent to 29.8% of small and medium-sized Sardinian companies , which work in 47 sectors in which artisan products and services that can be given as Christmas gifts are produced, with 19,665 employees», explains Confartigianato, which this year has also launched the campaign “Let's buy local”, an invitation to give and to treat oneself.
artisan-quality products Made in Italy and Made in Sardinia.
"The data demonstrates that Sardinian artisan businesses are recognized for excellence even beyond the region's borders," comments Giacomo Meloni, President of Confartigianato Sardegna. "They preserve unique knowledge, invest in quality, and maintain a vibrant productive fabric that is part of our identity. We must continue to promote them and empower them to grow, because their work truly represents the future of our economy."
Among the gifts and purchases made by the island's artisan businesses that Sardinians will buy and exchange during these holidays, in addition to delicacies, wines, and spirits, there will also be clothing and jewelry, furniture, home textiles, glassware, tableware and household utensils, home and garden tools and equipment, games, toys, sporting goods, books, stationery and drawing materials, and personal care products . "Most of the December spending, which reaches half a billion euros, will therefore be devoted to food and beverages, a truly excellent food and wine offering," the report further emphasizes.
Spending by province will be divided as follows: Cagliari 196 million euros (135 food and drinks and 61 typical Christmas products and services), Nuoro 91 (63 and 28), Oristano 67 (46 and 21), South Sardinia 149 (102 and 46) and Sassari-Gallura 222 (154 and 69).
"Christmas is a crucial time for many artisan businesses," Meloni continues, "because it concentrates a significant portion of their production and generates significant income. When we choose an artisan gift, we're not just buying a product: we're supporting thousands of workers, short supply chains, and an economic system that redistributes value within our community."
(Unioneonline/lf)
