Editor’s note: This clarifies a story previously posted on July 11.
TAMPA, Fla. (BRAIN) — Diamant srl, the Verona, Italy-based owner of Cipollini bikes and clothing, has shifted the brand’s distribution for the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to FZ Import & Distribution, a distributor owned by Diamant in Tampa, Florida.
The brand was previously distributed by Speed Brands Inc. in Miami.
Speed Brands' Joseph Roth told BRAIN on Wednesday that his company continues to sell Cipollini products and remains the brand's U.S. distributor for three more months.
Diamant CEO Phillippe Zecchetto notified dealers of the distribution change in a letter sent in mid-June. The letter said the change took effect immediately. In a release, Diamant stated that the change will lower distribution costs and allow the company to reduce prices immediately on Cipollini frames and forks and bring them in line with European pricing.
FZ Import also distributes Italian brands Alé apparel and DMT shoes in North America.
FZ Import’s president, Pietro Caucchioli said: “We’re pleased to be looking after Cipollini bikes now. We’ve already had great success with Alé clothing here in North America — with our popular custom lines and collection — and customers and dealers are also excited about DMT shoes’ new models.”
The distributor will focus on new programs for Cipollini dealers and on the Cipollini clothing line. Additionally, Cipollini will introduce exclusive editions of its NK1K and Bond bike models for the U.S. market.
