PARTNER PROFILE
mirage “In my region of Italy, which is a beautiful part of the country surrounded by mountains, Mirage is known as the leader in the ceramic tile sector.
T
FR AN I CESC O BEDIN
he association between National Tiles
visiting trade fairs (when travel was permitted). One
and Italian tile manufacturer Mirage
of the key trends over the last few years is based on
goes back many years, and it has been a
a minimalist aesthetic. In Europe in particular the
mutually beneficial and very successful
concrete effect and metallic effect are very popular,
collaboration. Mirage’s Export Manager,
however Mirage is committed to developing innovative
Francesco Bedini, has been working with Mirage
porcelain tiles across every design style for the global
since completing his studies nearly five years ago.
market.”
“In my region of Italy, which is a beautiful part of the
For the Australian market, the taste is in line with
country surrounded by mountains, Mirage is known
European trends in that a minimalist style is popular
as the leader in the ceramic tile sector. Working with
for both residential and commercial applications.
this ground-breaking company is very exciting for
Adds Francesco, “Whilst the demand for our marble
me. In my role as the Export Manager my focus is
and stone style tiles is definitely strong, it’s not as
on Australia and New Zealand, Israel and the Baltic
widely popular in Australia as it is in other the European
Republic, and National Tiles is our most significant
marketplace. Every market differs slightly based on
retailer in this sector.”
climate and culture.”
Mirage was established in 1973 and has always
The National Tiles and Mirage collaboration
been recognised in the field of porcelain tiles with
has been very successful for both parties. “I feel very
unconventional applications, including innovative
fortunate to work with National Tiles, they are such a
outdoor tiles. Every year Mirage ships around
strong partner for Mirage. They are not just a customer,
25,000 sqm metres of tiles per day, which equates to
the National Tiles team are inspiring partners in the
approximately 14 million square metres of tiles sold
development of our range. This is definitely a winning
globally each year. Leading the market in terms of
strategy for both companies, and we work closely
quality has always been important to the leadership
to ensure that we offer the best possible tiles to the
and design team.
Australian market via National Tiles.”
In terms of tile design trends, Francesco explains, “We have a marketing department dedicated to analysing worldwide trends. They communicate constantly with architects and designers as well as
58 NATIONAL TILES
