Editor’s Note
This interview with Isidoro García-Escribano, the new president of the Córdoba Jewelers Association, highlights his deep, firsthand experience in the craft and commerce of the city’s renowned jewelry sector. He steps into a role vital to both the local economy and Córdoba’s global image, offering a unique perspective on the industry’s evolution.
Interview with Isidoro García-Escribano, President of the Córdoba Jewelers Association
Isidoro García-Escribano, the new president of the Córdoba Jewelers Association, brings firsthand knowledge of the entire process of creating and selling Córdoba’s jewelry. He assumes leadership of a fundamental and historic collective for the city’s economy and international projection.
His extensive experience across all facets of the industry gives him a clear perspective on how the sector has evolved over the last 20 years.
“Fortunately, we have changed tremendously, and I would like to acknowledge Milagrosa (Gómez), because she, let’s say, also marks a before and after in the modernization of our guild. But, in turn, practically all manufacturers have modernized their industry, making it much more sustainable. And regarding trade fair attendance, in the past two or three companies would go, and today 35 or 36 attend international fairs, such as in Hong Kong, Vicenza, Las Vegas, Dubai, Istanbul. Our international presence is very interesting and very important, and, of course, industrialization; nowadays machinery has changed everything a lot, without losing our hallmark, which is unique in the world.”
Sustainability as an Inevitable Challenge
Sustainability was one of the sector’s challenges. A special effort was needed in this area. How is the sector reacting to this challenge?
“That is an unavoidable challenge our industry has faced, because today’s consumers increasingly value ethical and responsible products, and we have worked in recent years and continue to work to ensure our processes are increasingly respectful of the environment. For example, by certifying gems with a sustainable origin, something I am asked about many times. I’ll tell you as a fact that this year in our San Eloy awards we recognized 12 companies that already have the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) certificate. This is only achieved after a hard effort demonstrating a commitment to carrying out sustainable and ethical practices within the industry.”
The Jewelry Park: Near Full Capacity
The sector also had its major project in the Jewelry Park, which in terms of occupancy didn’t quite solidify. How is it right now?
“Well, almost at 100%. A new parking lot had to be set up in what were common areas to accommodate more, plus the external parking, where there are hardly any spaces for cars. And not only that, but practically, regarding warehouse occupancy, if we’re not at 100%, we’re at 97% occupancy. Four years ago I don’t know if we were at 60%.”
The Great Goal: Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Let’s talk now about the association and its challenges. Returning to Milagrosa Gómez’s management, she had a special interest, and worked hard for it, in the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). That was the major goal. At what stage is the process?
“It is the great challenge, evidently. We are perhaps halfway. We have presented projects in the Spanish Parliament and the European Parliament and we are going to continue working with them. We have the support of the Provincial Council, that of our City Council, where, unanimously, all groups supported our proposal and we continue working on it. For us it is very important.”
What would achieving the PGI mean?
“Well, that would be, if we can compare it, like the designation of Montilla-Moriles wine or the Iberian ham from Los Pedroches. That will serve us to boost the internationalization of Córdoba’s jewelry, with a seal that distinguishes it as unique in the world.”
That connects with the other major goal you have mentioned at some point, which is to improve internationalization, right?
“Indeed. Right now we set ourselves as a goal, above all, emerging markets, such as Asia and Latin America. We are already very present throughout Europe, in the United States and in Arab countries, but perhaps our challenge right now is Asia and Latin America.”
International Sales and Presence
How is the sale of Córdoba jewelry abroad right now? What volume of your production goes abroad and what volume stays in Spain?
“It’s a figure that is not easy to say exactly, because in the national market we are very well established, obviously, and internationally we have an increasingly greater presence. That is, year by year we are increasing our sales. In the international market, our jewelry is already reaching practically all parts of the world and our exhibitors go to the most important fairs in the world. Now we already have our own street at the fairs and, furthermore, Spanish jewelry represented abroad is 100% from Córdoba. That is, we are 60% of national production, but practically 100% of those who exhibit at international fairs.”
Speaking of international fairs, Córdoba always had its own jewelry fair, Joyacor. Can it be recovered?
