Formerly recognized as the Calzedonia Group, Italian textile and apparel conglomerate Oniverse, has announced a significant manufacturing expansion into Egypt. The company intends to establish two specialized production facilities, marking a notable step in its strategy to boost supply chain resilience and global export capacity. By leveraging Egypt's private free zone regime, Oniverse aims to create an integrated manufacturing ecosystem capable of overseeing the entire production lifecycle, from initial yarn processing to the assembly of finished garments. According to the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), this project is slated to commence operations by the end of 2027 and is projected to generate over 3,000 direct employment opportunities.
Leveraging regional industrial incentives
The decision to utilize Egypt’s free zone framework offers the group critical operational advantages, including streamlined customs procedures, tax exemptions, and unrestricted profit repatriation. Francesco Ruvolo, Director - Production Operations at Oniverse, met with Mohamed Awad, Executive Chairman, GAFI to confirm, the entirety of the production output from these new units will be designated for international markets. This expansion aligns with Egypt’s broader national agenda to increase textile and apparel exports significantly, targeting a growth from $2.8 billion in 2024 to $11.5 billion by 2030. For the global fashion sector, this move underscores a broader industry trend where major apparel brands are increasingly securing geographically diverse manufacturing hubs to navigate global supply chain pressures and maintain price competitiveness.
Prominent global fashion retailer
Oniverse is a prominent global fashion retailer specializing in hosiery, beachwear, and apparel, with brands including Calzedonia, Intimissimi, and Falconeri. Founded in 1986, the group operates approximately 5,700 retail stores across 57 countries. Employing over 45,000 people, it maintains a robust financial profile with annual revenues reaching €3.5 billion in 2024.
