LVMH’s Métiers d’Art division buys Spanish tannery Grupo Verdeveleno

LVMH’s Métiers d’Art division has acquired Grupo Verdeveleno, a long-established, family-run Spanish tannery specialised in exotic skins. Bolstered by Métiers d’Art, Verdeveleno will be able to make further investments in product quality, the supply chain, traceability and sustainability. 

“This [operation] isn’t simply a commercial extension, but a fusion of values and visions that will revolutionise the industry,” said José Danvila, CEO of Grupo Verdeveleno. “Our company is recognised not only for its unique approach towards innovative artisanal techniques handed over across generations, but also for our commitment to traceability and sustainability. By joining [Métiers d’Art], we will enable all the labels under the LVMH umbrella to tap our know-how and benefit from our engagement in favour of responsible, sustainable manufacturing,” added Danvila.
 
Grupo Verdeveleno has applied to leather treatment the craftsmanship culture typical of the ceramics industry in the Spanish regions of Valencia, Castellón and Alicante, collaborating with local artisans representing a centuries-old tradition.

“Sustainability must be intended in more holistic fashion, incorporating economic, social and environmental sustainability for the creation of a complete ecosystem. Our method is to let company founders continue to run their business, while we contribute our expertise to operations, marketing, human resources, R&D and corporate development management. Ours is, in the most literal sense, a global community, and we are proud of being its sponsors, custodians and administrators. If we do not pay close attention to people and local culture, our continued search for excellence would necessarily be incomplete,” said Matteo De Rosa, CEO of LVMH Métiers d’Art.

Until now, LVMH’s Métiers d’Art division included 17 companies specialised in leather and metal hardware production, generating a total revenue of €700 million. Grupo Verdeveleno joins a pool that includes five producers from Italy, two from France, another from Spain and one from Portugal. The latest new entry was a Japanese company that produces denim fabric tinted with natural indigo. The division also operates breeding farms in Australia, Zimbabwe, Louisiana and France.