For more than thirty years, Gimex has followed a distinctive path in the world of packaging and solutions designed for professionals in the wine, food and specialist retail sectors. Driven by innovation in use, a strong command of regulatory constraints, and close attention to environmental challenges and market shifts, the company has built a long-term model capable of creating products that have become benchmarks—such as the iconic Ice.bag.
At a time when the sector is being reshaped by regulations, evolving customer expectations and climate imperatives, Gimex continues to grow with the same conviction: giving meaning to everyday objects and supporting, for as long as possible, the professionals who use them.
Remaining true to its ambition to innovate, propose and inspire, Gimex has developed over the years a number of concepts that have become benchmarks in their respective categories. Since 1991, the company has introduced products that are now considered essentials: windowed bags, Ice.bag, the iconic bottle cooler; Ludobag, a reusable paper bag designed for colouring; Double Vision; Sesam; and Lady Belle, an elegant shoulder bag created to free users’ hands. Gimex relies on local expertise to ensure the quality of its manufacturing, with 60% of production based in Europe. Luxury products requiring more advanced industrial know-how are manufactured in Asia. Most of these partners have worked with Gimex since its early days and share common human values and a strong professional ethic.
Regulation and the environment: a sector in transition
Faced with an ever-evolving regulatory framework, the sector now requires rigorous control of standards, compliance and traceability. Even before a product is designed, Gimex must anticipate requirements that vary from one country to another. The company continually adapts to these obligations and places environmental concerns at the heart of its approach. Material choices, product end-of-life management and the implementation of the new EUDR regulation aimed at preserving forests are all issues that have long been integrated into the company’s strategy. Recent carbon footprint assessments further extend this commitment. For Samy Gattino, the objective is not to multiply labels, but to provide coherent responses to the ecological emergency and to the need for more responsible consumption. In a context where consumers—often overwhelmed by contradictory information—are becoming increasingly wary, it is up to manufacturers to rebuild trust, clarify messages and offer tangible solutions. At the scale of a small and medium-sized enterprise, initiatives are multiplying, with full awareness that their contribution remains modest but is clearly intended to grow.
A changing customer base and an expanded strategy
Customer relationships remain one of Gimex’s core pillars. Generations may change, but loyalty endures, strengthened by tailored support, proven technical expertise and a customer service approach that is widely praised. At the same time, market developments are opening up new channels. The company is therefore accelerating its digital strategy to broaden access to its offer. Its e-commerce platforms, now available in twenty-six countries, have helped bring to light products that had remained too discreet within traditional distribution networks. Far from sidelining its long-standing partners, this channel gives them greater visibility. International orders also provide a valuable source of insight, revealing unexpected uses and feeding an active watch on emerging trends. For Gimex, staying connected to societal shifts and anticipating future market expectations is a strategic imperative.
Ice.bag: from a clever object to an iconic brand
Created in 2006, Ice.bag has established itself as a cult object in the world of wine and tableware. This flexible PVC cooler, capable of delivering optimal chilling in just fifteen minutes, appeals as much for its efficiency as for its design and practicality. Available in standard or customised versions, it naturally finds its place in the events sector, wine shops, luxury hotels, private beaches and distinctive independent boutiques. Its international reach attests to its success. Ice.bag embodies the Gimex spirit on its own: the ability to turn a simple object into a lasting, recognisable brand embraced around the world.
Source: Home Fashion News January26
