Italy-Mexico Award Recognizes Bilateral Business Contributions

The Italian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Mexico celebrated the 14th edition of the Italy-Mexico Award. This annual event recognizes companies that have contributed to strengthening ties between Italy and Mexico across various sectors, including business and socially responsible initiatives. 

Alessandro Modiano, Italy’s Ambassador to Mexico, emphasized the importance of the Italy-Mexico Award, as its 14th edition coincides with the celebration of 150 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Italy. "We celebrate very important figures that play a significant role in business and also contribute greatly to strengthening our 150-year relationship. It is a strong and deep relationship built on friendship and cooperation, which is growing significantly, especially in the economic and commercial sectors, as well as in cultural and scientific collaboration," Modiano added.

Categories of the Italy Mexico Award include the Award for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a Recognition for Solidarity, the Award for Large Enterprises, a Special Recognition in Art and Culture, the Award for Career Achievement, and an Honorary Award.

The SME prize was awarded to Ópticas Rosedal, represented by Juan Alamillo, CEO, Rosedal Ópticas México. With over 70 years of experience and nearly 200 employees, Rosedal Ópticas is known for its state-of-the-art optical laboratory. The company collaborates with Italian and Mexican engineers to integrate innovative technologies into its lenses. Rosedal operates more than 20 stores in Mexico, offering exclusive high-end Italian brands such as Arkanta, Llexan, and CentroStyle. Its laboratory produces over 50,000 pairs of lenses annually, featuring advanced designs for myopia control in children and specialized lenses for digital devices. Lorenzo Vianello, President, ICC, noted that the company employs Italian machinery and software for designing and manufacturing its glasses.

The award for large companies was awarded to Tesi Group, represented by Fernando Estrada, Director for the Americas, Tesi Group. Founded in 1981 in Milan and operating in Mexico since 1988, Tesi Group specializes in developing and marketing software for the healthcare sector. With more than 350 employees and Italian-Mexican capital, Tesi Group has become a key player in the digitalization of the Italian healthcare system and the largest software company in Mexico and Latin America in its field. "We are firm believers in the great opportunities that exist in Mexico and in the deep relationship between Italians and Mexicans, which is built on mutual admiration and affection for each other’s rich histories and cultures. We are very grateful to the embassy and to the Italian people for their tremendous collaboration between our two countries," Estrada added.

Patrizia Casetta received the Recognition for Solidarity for her humanitarian work, which began in the 1990s in Kenya. Since 2004, she has participated annually in specialized medical campaigns in Chiapas, providing free surgical care to vulnerable communities. “We aim to help those who are impoverished and lack the resources to access necessary care. Everything I have accomplished over the past 20 years has been possible because we work as a team, collaborating towards the same goal, helping those in need,” Casetta concluded. 

The Career Achievement award was granted to the Haber brothers, represented by Jack Haber, President, Haber Holding. Founded in the 1970s, Industrias Haber has built a strong reputation in high-quality men's clothing through partnerships with prestigious Italian brands like Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, and Boggi Milano. 

Carlos Slim, Chair, América Móvil, received the Honorary Award and the Special Recognition in Art and Culture for his significant influence on business relations between Mexico and Italy. His achievements include acquiring Condumex from Pirelli and launching the Lavazza coffee brand in Mexico, as well as expanding Italian fashion through a collaboration with Benetton in 2008. A recent agreement with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) promoted Italian brands through his Sanborns stores. The Carlos Slim Foundation was also recognized for fostering a deep connection between Italian and Mexican art and culture through the permanent exhibition of masterpieces at the Soumaya Museum.