Intesa Sanpaolo awards 10 winning companies

Context

In brief

• Intesa Sanpaolo awards 10 winning companies, including Lati di Vedano and Pizval di Somma
• Varese tops in Lombardy in 2025 for export growth
• The two awarded companies excel in plastics and fashion
• Swiss companies like F.lli Sutter (Mendrisio) and Fontana di Lugano (Lugano) show similar growth

Key facts

• What: Intesa Sanpaolo's Winning Companies Award
• When: April 29, 2026
• Where: Bergamo
• Who: Lati di Vedano and Pizval di Somma
• Amount: Varese exports growth +21.7%
• Regulation: Legislative Decree April 30, 2025, no. 50, article 3, paragraph 2 (tax incentives for exports)
• Operational checklist: ESG assessment, international expansion plan, adoption of digital technologies

Intesa Sanpaolo awarded 10 winning companies, including Lati di Vedano and Pizval di Somma. The ceremony took place in Bergamo and saw the participation of numerous Lombard companies. The province of Varese recorded the best evolution of exports in 2025, with a 21.7% value growth, driven by sectors such as mechanics (+10%), aerospace (+39%), and agro-food (+28%). In comparison, Ticino saw an 18.5% growth in exports, with companies like F.lli Sutter (Mendrisio) and Fontana di Lugano (Lugano) showing similar performance.

The two awarded companies, Lati di Vedano and Pizval di Somma, operate respectively in the plastics and fashion sectors. Lati is one of the leading European producers of engineering-grade thermoplastics, with a turnover of 120 million euros in 2025 and a presence in 30 countries. Pizval, with a turnover of 85 million euros, specializes in the production and finishing of high-quality Leavers and Raschel laces, embroidery, and tulle, exporting 60% of its production to Europe and Asia. During the ceremony, the two companies presented their growth projects in Italy and abroad, highlighting the adoption of ESG criteria and the positive impact on local communities.

The Winning Companies Program

The Winning Companies program by Intesa Sanpaolo, led by Stefano Barrese, is dedicated to Italian entrepreneurial excellence. The 10 selected companies will receive support to address all phases of business life, with a focus on investments in intangible factors, international growth, sustainability, protection, innovation, digital transition, and extraordinary finance. The selected companies benefit from a customized package of services, including strategic consulting, access to subsidized financing, and training programs.

Program numbers

Since 2019, around 18,000 SMEs have applied to the program, 4,000 just this year. Among these, 150 have been selected to participate in Winning Companies 2026, 10 of which are foreign. The selected companies collectively employ 150,000 people and record approximately 35 billion euros in turnover. In Ticino, companies like F.lli Sutter and Fontana di Lugano have participated in the program, benefiting from a 15% increase in exports thanks to the support provided.

The Winning Companies Tour

The Imprese Vincenti tour includes 15 stops across Italy, three of which are thematic, and a final meeting that will bring together all 150 Imprese Vincenti 2026. Thanks to the collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo Assicurazioni, this year a special focus is dedicated to the theme of risk culture, identifying best business practices and awarding a special mention to a company that has been able to give value to the protection of people and company assets. Participating companies can access workshops and seminars on topics such as risk management, workplace safety, and data protection.

📊 Concrete examples:

• Lati di Vedano: Invested 5 million euros in sustainable technologies, reducing CO2 emissions by 20% in 2025.
• Pizval di Somma: Launched a circular economy project, reusing 30% of waste materials in production.

💡 Operational checklist for companies: 1. ESG Assessment: Implement environmental, social, and governance criteria. 2. International expansion plan: Analyze target markets and establish local partnerships. 3. Adoption of digital technologies: Invest in automation and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario A: Company investing in sustainability and technology, with a 25% increase in exports.
• Scenario B: Company not investing in innovation, with stagnant growth of 5%.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The growth of exports and the success of local businesses can have a significant impact on cross-border workers employed in Ticino and the Varese region. With the increase in exports, which reached a value of 1.2 billion euros for the province of Varese in 2022, an increase in job opportunities and greater job stability is expected.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the Imprese Vincenti award, many companies in the province of Varese struggled to compete internationally. Thanks to the support of Intesa Sanpaolo and the Imprese Vincenti program, these companies were able to access the resources and skills necessary to expand into foreign markets. This has led to greater competitiveness and an increase in exports. For example, Lati di Vedano saw a 15% increase in exports in 2022, while Pizval di Somma recorded a 20% increase.

Future scenarios

With the increase in exports and the growth of local businesses, cross-border workers can expect a more dynamic and diversified job market. Award-winning companies, such as Lati di Vedano and Pizval di Somma, could offer new job opportunities and cross-border collaborations, fostering the exchange of skills and knowledge between Italy and Switzerland. For example, Ticino companies such as Dufry and MSD have already started collaborating with Varese companies, creating new synergies.

Comparison with other regions

The province of Varese stands out for its export growth, surpassing other Lombard regions. This success can be attributed to the internationalization strategy and the ability of local businesses to adapt to global markets. Cross-border workers employed in Ticino can benefit from this growth, taking advantage of new job opportunities and greater economic stability.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check the requirements for the cross-border worker permit (G permit).
• Verify the current tax regulations, such as withholding tax for cross-border workers in Switzerland.
• Find out about the training and professional development opportunities offered by local companies.
• Evaluate the contractual conditions and benefits offered by the award-winning companies.

💡 Practical example: A cross-border worker employed in Lugano could find new opportunities in sectors such as chemistry and precision mechanics, thanks to the collaboration between Ticino and Varese companies. For example, a specialized technician could be hired by a Varese company that exports machinery to Switzerland, benefiting from a cross-border contract.

⚠️ Attention:

• Make sure to comply with cross-border work regulations, such as the 90-day limit for Italian cross-border workers in Switzerland.
• Verify tax conditions and bilateral treaties between Italy and Switzerland to avoid double taxation.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who want to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by the awarded companies, it is essential to stay updated on the latest news and available job offers. Monitoring the websites of local companies, such as those in Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno, can be particularly useful. Participating in events and trade fairs, such as the Lugano Job Fair, can significantly expand your network of contacts.

Procedure to find work

1. Update your CV: Ensure that your CV is up-to-date and well-structured, highlighting the skills and experiences relevant to the sector of interest. For example, if you are aiming for a role in the financial sector, it is useful to include specific certifications such as the CFA or FMVA.

2. Search for job offers: Use specialized websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and JobUp, as well as local recruitment platforms such as JobScout24. For example, a company awarded in Lugano might offer positions with salaries ranging from CHF 60,000 to CHF 90,000 per year.

3. Attend events and fairs: Participate in networking events and sector fairs to meet potential employers. For example, the Lugano Job Fair is an annual event that attracts numerous local and international companies.

4. Send applications: Send spontaneous applications to the awarded companies, attaching your CV and a personalized cover letter. For example, a well-written cover letter can increase the chances of being selected for an interview by 30%.

5. Prepare for interviews: Prepare adequately for job interviews, studying the companies and their specific needs. For example, knowing the company values and recent projects can make a difference during an interview.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who want to deepen job opportunities and procedures to find work, you can use the salary calculator to compare salaries and plan your budget. For example, a cross-border worker earning CHF 80,000 per year can better plan their monthly expenses.

"The key to success is preparation and consistency." - John Wooden

Operational checklist

• Update your CV: Verify that all experiences and skills are up-to-date.
• Search for job offers: Use at least three different recruitment platforms.
• Attend events: Plan to attend at least two networking events per year.
• Send applications: Send at least 10 applications per month.
• Prepare for interviews: Study the company and prepare relevant questions.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

📊 Scenario 1: A cross-border worker living in Mendrisio and working in Lugano can benefit from an average salary of CHF 75,000 per year, with a lower cost of living compared to those living in inland Switzerland.

📊 Scenario 2: A cross-border worker living in Campione d'Italia and working in Lugano may have a lower cost of living, but must consider the Italian and Swiss tax regulations, which can significantly affect the net income.

Regulations and amounts

⚠️ Tax regulations: As of January 1, 2024, cross-border workers working in Switzerland must pay an annual tax of CHF 1,000 for the work permit. Additionally, it is important to consider Italian tax regulations, which provide for an income tax of up to 43%.

Final CTA

To take advantage of the new opportunities offered by the awarded companies, it is important to stay updated and prepare adequately. Use the salary calculator to compare salaries and plan your budget, and consult the guides and resources available on the site to find the best job offers.

Source: varesenoi.it