Ferragamo spoke to businessline about India’s wealthy consumers, hospitality expansion and the growing connection between Indian and Italian luxury
Edited Excerpts
The Mahindra family has stayed at Il Borro, where private villas can cost upwards of ₹52 lakh a week and premium suites more than ₹1.5 lakh a night. What attracts wealthy Indian families to the estate?
The Mahindra family chose Il Borro for a private stay in Tuscany, spending a few days experiencing our hospitality and countryside. We also welcome Indian guests for holidays and weddings.
Indian travellers appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, quality and personalised experiences. Luxury is increasingly about understanding the history of a place and experiencing something authentic.
Il Borro spans 1,200 hectares in Tuscany, combining a medieval village, vineyards, organic farming and luxury hospitality, with dinner for two at Osteria del Borro costing over ₹40,000. What makes this experience distinctive, and can it be replicated in India?
Il Borro is more than a hotel. It is a medieval village surrounded by farmland, vineyards and olive groves. We produce wine, olive oil and fresh agricultural products, integral to our farm-to-table dining philosophy. We also have artisans, including a goldsmith who creates personalised wedding rings for guests, connecting them with Tuscan craftsmanship.
India is a market of great interest for Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, with growing appreciation for high-quality dining. We aim to introduce the concept through licensing agreements with selected hotel partners, combining authentic Tuscan culinary traditions with contemporary hospitality while maintaining our standards for ingredients and service.
How advanced are discussions with Indian hotel groups, and when could the first Tuscan Bistro open?
We are already in contact with some of India’s leading hotel groups and exploring potential partnerships for 2027–2030.
We have examined opportunities in India before, but the commercial conditions were not appropriate. Locations, business volumes and partnership arrangements must work. No opening has been confirmed.
Could the proposed India–EU free trade agreement, which envisages lower import duties on European wines and gourmet products, improve the economics of bringing Tuscan Bistro to India?
The commercial development of Il Borro products in India will be closely linked to potential Tuscan Bistro openings.
Our estate produces wines, olive oil and other agricultural products. Our wines already reach international markets, including the United States and Japan.
The objective is to connect the restaurant experience with Tuscany’s food and wine traditions.
You are among Salvatore Ferragamo’s 24 grandchildren. The listed fashion business generated €977 million in revenue in 2025 and operates around 357 stores worldwide, including four in India. How important is India to Italian luxury?
India is an amazing growing market. Indian consumers value craftsmanship, family heritage, materials and quality.
I am not involved in the fashion company’s strategic management, so decisions about retail expansion belong to that business. But the appreciation for Italian craftsmanship creates a strong connection with Indian consumers.
Is an India–Milan luxury corridor emerging as Indian consumers increasingly seek craftsmanship, sustainability and experiences rather than just expensive brands?
India and Italy share an appreciation for family, tradition and craftsmanship. Consumers increasingly want to know who made a product, what materials were used and whether they are sustainable.
My grandfather believed in creativity, craftsmanship and making shoes that were beautiful and comfortable. Those values remain relevant.
Luxury is not simply about price or a famous label. It is about the people, quality and story behind an experience. That shared appreciation is why I believe Il Borro’s approach to Tuscan dining and personalised hospitality can resonate with Indian consumers.
Published on October 30, 2026
