Murano glass industry seeks capital to expand beyond its €288 million value chain
Murano’s 160 glassmakers generated about €180 million in revenue in 2025, up 72% from 2015. The wider supply chain creates €288 million in value, but family-owned manufacturers need capital for equipment, technology and expansion in foreign markets.
Revenue rises 72% in a decade
Murano’s glass industry is seeking investment to modernize production and strengthen its position in international markets after recording substantial growth over the past decade. According to Gli Stati Generali, citing research by the Banca Ifis Studies Office, the district generated about €180 million in revenue in 2025, compared with €104 million in 2015. That represents an increase of 72% over ten years.
The district is concentrated within an area of only one square kilometre and comprises about 160 companies. Employment increased from 819 workers in 2015 to 928 in 2025. The figures show that the centuries-old manufacturing cluster has expanded both sales and its workforce, even as many businesses remain small and family-owned.
A €288 million supply chain
The sector’s economic footprint extends beyond Murano’s furnaces and workshops. When spending and activity in raw materials, energy, logistics, distribution, design and communications are included, the glass supply chain generates €288 million in value. Around €108 million of that total comes from revenue in connected industries, while approximately €45 million is paid to workers across the supply chain.
Production inputs account for 44% of the intersectoral value generated by the industry. Energy and utilities represent another 13%, reflecting the energy-intensive nature of glassmaking. Logistics and distribution contribute 18%, underlining their role in moving fragile, high-value products to international customers. Creative industries, including design and communications, account for 7% and support Murano glass in premium market segments.
Michele Balice, Banca Ifis area head for northeastern Italy, said the €288 million generated by the supply chain demonstrates the industry’s ability to create wealth, employment and economic appeal for the Venetian area. International demand is supported by Murano’s long history and distinctive craftsmanship, but manufacturers must turn that recognition into a stronger and more scalable commercial presence abroad.
Investment needed for the next phase
Growth has increased the industry’s financing requirements. Companies need to renew plants and operating equipment, adopt new technologies and develop sales operations in foreign markets. For family-controlled small and medium-sized enterprises, access to longer-term finance will be important because production modernization, brand development and international distribution require capital before they generate additional revenue.
Banca Ifis supports 325 glass supply-chain companies across Italy, including 55 in Veneto. Its services include factoring, loans, leasing and rental. The bank’s Valore Venezia programme offers Venetian SMEs financing with maturities of up to eight years for investments including plants, digitalization, trademarks, patents and commercial development abroad.
The findings were prepared for the tenth edition of The Venice Glass Week, scheduled for 12-20 September in Venice, Mestre and Murano. The industry’s central challenge is now to preserve the craftsmanship that supports premium pricing while investing in equipment, technology and distribution capable of increasing output and reaching more international buyers.