With a legacy spanning over 100 years and a presence in more than 100 countries, Tramontina has become a global name synonymous with quality, innovation, and trust. Now, the Brazilian powerhouse is setting its sights firmly on India—a market it once briefly touched through distributors in the 1980s, and is now returning to with renewed focus, local leadership, and manufacturing investments. In this exclusive conversation, Machine Edge Global Editor Sanjay Jadhav speaks with Eduardo Scomazzon, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tramontina, to deep dive into the company’s vision for India, its integration of Industry 4.0 practices, sustainable innovations, and what Indian consumers can expect from this iconic brand’s next chapter.
Tramontina has been a trusted global brand for over a century. What made India the next strategic destination for expansion? How Tramontina’s India operations will contribute to the brand’s overall global strategy?
Tramontina exports to more than 100 countries worldwide. We initially entered the Indian market in the 1980s through local distributors, focusing primarily on the hospitality sector. While that phase was relatively short-lived, our professional knives are still recognized in the Indian market today.
To build a sustained presence in India, we’ve developed a carefully curated product assortment tailored to local consumer needs and hired a senior local team to lead our marketing and sales efforts. Recognizing the importance of long-term commitment, we also decided to invest in local manufacturing.
Through our joint venture with the Aequs Group at ACPL, we aim to competitively serve both the Indian market and Tramontina units across our global network. This setup complements our existing manufacturing operations in Brazil and strengthens our global supply capabilities.
With advancements in Industry 4.0, how is Tramontina integrating automation and smart manufacturing into its operations?
Tramontina has been incorporating Industry 4.0 principles into our Brazilian operations for several years, which has significantly improved agility, efficiency, and precision in product launches. These learnings and technologies will also be extended to our factory in Hubballi, India.
How does Tramontina balance innovation with sustainability, particularly in the development of toxin-free cookware?
All Tramontina units follow a company-wide Sustainability Policy that prioritizes responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Our commitment extends to ensuring that all products are free from harmful substances. A great example is our new stainless steel tri-ply cookware line, which is a good example of our commitment to food safety.
How does Tramontina incorporate technological innovations to enhance product durability and performance?
Innovation is central to our product development. We consistently integrate new materials and technologies that enhance the quality, durability, and functionality of our products—while maintaining aesthetic appeal and offering cost-benefit ratio to consumers.
What are some of the latest R&D developments in cookware technology that Indian consumers can look forward to?
Tramontina has recently introduced a range of innovative cookware products specifically designed for the Indian market. The Titanex range of pre-seasoned cast iron cookware is designed for superior heat retention. New developments are underway, resulting in lighter weight cast iron cookware for enhanced ease of use.
We will also launch a new line of induction-compatible aluminum cookware with enhanced nonstick technology, which will complement our existing tri-ply stainless steel Aeion and Fusao lines. The new line will feature a robust assortment of shapes tailored to Indian kitchens and be available in a variety of on-trend colors.
What are your long-term growth plans for Tramontina India in terms of product diversification and retail expansion?
The JV with the Aequs Group foresees investments over the next few years in the expansion of the production of aluminum pans and a new production line of stainless-steel tri-ply, in addition to components such as glass lids that will serve both the Indian and global markets.
Beyond this, we continue to explore opportunities in other product categories where Tramontina has deep global expertise. India is a priority market for us, and we see strong potential for long-term growth across segments.