Author: diaryofatileaddict

I have been writing about the tile industry for more than 25 years. I have started this blog to share some of my knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, ceramic tiles. I also wanted to shine a light on the work of some of the artists, architects and designers around the world who work with ceramic tiles. I was the Founding Editor of Tile UK, and I am currently the Editor of three tile-related publications in the UK: Tile & Stone Journal, The Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tile & Calibrated Natural Stone; and TDY: Tile Design Yearbook. I am also International Correspondent for Tile Today and Discovering Stone, both published in Australia. My aim with Diary of a Tile Addict is to introduce tile enthusiasts to developments in tile design, significant architectural and interior design projects that get the best out of tiles, technological developments that are driving the ceramic tile sector forward, and breaking news from tile exhibitions around the world. I will also introduce readers to some of the talented and inspiring individuals who help make the ceramic tile world so creatively diverse, technically advanced and intellectually fascinating.
News

Austrian brick giant makes market-changing tile sector acquisition

Austrian brick and roof tile giant Wiemnerberger has launched itself into the global tile maket by acquiring the fast-growing Italcer Group. Wienerberger operates more than 200 production sites in 28 countries and is the world’s largest producer of bricks, and the market leader in clay roof tiles in Europe as well as concrete pavers in Central-Eastern Europe and pipe systems in Europe. The Italcer Group … Continue reading Austrian brick giant makes market-changing tile sector acquisition

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News and Comment

ABK’s new tile brand

ABK Group has unveiled its new Gardenia&Ariana brand based on the concept of Italian Timeless. Fusing the classic aesthetic of Gardenia Orchidea (acquired by the Group in 2020) with the material innovation and technological research of Ariana (an ABK brand since 2000), the new brand is intended to expand the Group’s porcelain portfolio with a distinctive and comprehensive range. The first Gardenia&Ariana catalogue offers a … Continue reading ABK’s new tile brand

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Scottish tile distributor
News and Comment

Armatile joins ABCD group

Armatile Ltd, the well-respected multi-faceted tile company from Northern Ireland, has joined ABCD Distributors Ltd, a group of six long-established and respected UK-based independent tile distributors and retailers. Announcing the news Nick Braybrooke of CT Ipswich stated: “As Chairman of ABCD Distributors Ltd … I am delighted to announce that today Armatile Limited joined the group. This exciting news further enhances ABCD as a strong … Continue reading Armatile joins ABCD group

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News and Comment

Investments underline ceramic tile’s global strength

The increasingly global nature of the ceramic tile manufacturing sector has been underlined recently by major investments in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Algeria. As with so many modern tile factories, much of the production equipment has been sourced from Italian manufacturers. Ghani Ceramics of Pakistan has purchased a second FCC kiln from Sacmi to produce large-size ceramic tiles. With a length of 359.9 metres and width … Continue reading Investments underline ceramic tile’s global strength

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News and Comment

Italy’s MoMa Group acquires Ceramiche Ricchetti Group

The MoMa Group, based near Modena, Italy, finalised the acquisition of Ceramiche Ricchetti Group (GRC) in December 2025. The MoMa Group – which includes Ceramiche Moma, Savoia Italia, Herberia, Arpa, Idea Ceramiche, and Paul Ceramiche – now also spans the brands Cisa, Cerdisa, and Ricchetti brands. The deal only includes GRC’s production and distribution activities in Italy. Foreign subsidiaries will remain under the control of … Continue reading Italy’s MoMa Group acquires Ceramiche Ricchetti Group

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News and Comment

2025 was a record year for Brazilian stone

The Brazilian natural stone industry achieved US$1.48 billion in exports in 2025, an increase of 17.5% in revenue compared to 2024. This result surpasses the previous record, registered in 2021, claims the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas). There were also advances in the volume exported. In 2025, foreign sales totalled 2.11 million metric tons, up 2.9% on the previous year. The average export price was … Continue reading 2025 was a record year for Brazilian stone

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News and Comment

New USA show for surface fabricators

Surfex, a new USA-based trade show for the surface fabrication industry, is set to take place from 3rd to 5th November 2027 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, USA. Surfex is a fabricator-focused event developed by the Stone Equipment & Supply Alliance.  It is designed to bring together equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, tool providers, and service companies in a single unified event. “This event … Continue reading New USA show for surface fabricators

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News and Comment

WFF introduces worktop quality mark

WFF (The Worktop Fabricators Federation) is launching a quality mark to help identify surfaces that have been produced safely, in an effort to protect the health of fabricators. The new scheme is a response to the risk of silicosis which has been linked to unsafe working practices. When it goes live in 2026, consumers, designers, retailers, and specifiers will be able to use the quality … Continue reading WFF introduces worktop quality mark

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Design, Exhibitions, Revestir

Revestir confirms top global tile trends

South America’s premier tile exhibition, Revestir, attracted a good audience to the Sao Paulo Expo, Brazil in March. While it was a shame that two of the country’s most admired brands, Eliane and Elizabeth – both now owned by USA flooring giant Mohawk, were absent this year, the show still proved a successful showcase for the Brazilian tile manufacturing sector with Portobello leading the way. While Revestir … Continue reading Revestir confirms top global tile trends

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Coverings, Design, Exhibitions

Sneak preview of Tile Addict’s Coverings 2025 product picks

Coverings, North America’s top tile exhibition, has revealed a select preview of new tile and stone, and installation products, that are set to be unveiled between 29th April  and 2nd May at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA.  Coverings 2025 will be anchored by three primary sponsor pavilions – Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America, and Tile of Spain – … Continue reading Sneak preview of Tile Addict’s Coverings 2025 product picks

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Design

Laurie Salvador: An appreciation

At Cevisama, Diary of a Tile Addict learnt the sad and shocking news that Laurie Salvador, the creative force behind Nanda Tiles, had recently passed away. DOATA rarely writes obituaries, but Laurie was no ordinary lady, so Joe Simpson is proud to offer an appreciation of one of the ceramic tile sector’s defining characters. Laurie was a dedicated and passionate professional who made an indelible … Continue reading Laurie Salvador: An appreciation

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Coverings, Design, Exhibitions

Coverings unveils top tile trends for 2025

Coverings, North America’s leading showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone showcase, has curated a selection of the most significant global tile design trends for 2025. This thought-provoking selection spotlights a fusion of time-honoured craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. The list provides an inspiring first-glimpse of the inventive and captivating tile product displays that will feature at Coverings 2025 between 29th April and 2nd May at … Continue reading Coverings unveils top tile trends for 2025

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Coverings, Design, Exhibitions

Coverings 2025: Conference and education programme 

A strong schedule of educational opportunities has been announced for Coverings 2025, which takes place 29th April to 2nd May 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA. The schedule features live demonstrations, interactive learning sessions, expert Q&A panels, partner-led education, live podcasts, and much more. These address all business segments of the tile and stone industry, including architecture and design, and will … Continue reading Coverings 2025: Conference and education programme 

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Coverings, Design, Exhibitions

Coverings: The best tile show on earth

As Diary of a Tile Addict’s readers know, Joe Simpson is a huge fan of Coverings: the largest and most significant ceramic tile and natural stone conference and exhibition in North America. Having visited the show for well over 20 years, Joe values the quality and variety of exhibitors but, above all, the supporting educational programme staged by Taffy Events. It is unparalleled in its … Continue reading Coverings: The best tile show on earth

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Design Weeks & More

Surface showcase selections

Once again the Surface Design Show – the Islington-based specification showcase – provided plenty of grist for Tile Addict’s mill. The event’s main USPs – strong interior design and architectural audience, convenient location, restricted stand space, and eclectic product mix – thankfully remain intact. This means that any London-based specifier should really find the time each year for a 2 or 3 hours visit to the Business … Continue reading Surface showcase selections

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Uncategorized

Joaquin Piquet: ceramic visionary

Occasionally at Tile Addict we like to shine a spotlight on individuals who have had a profound effect on our sector, yet remain largely unknown and unacknowledged. Today it is the turn of Spanish entrepreneur Joaquin Piquet. He has recently written a very insightful article for Vigilancer (reprinted in full below) that provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the instigators of the aesthetic … Continue reading Joaquin Piquet: ceramic visionary

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Design & Technology, Tile Companies

Primus Vitoria: production paradox

Apicer’s 2024 The Art of Possibility Tour of Portugal proved hugely inspirational. It offered Diary of a Tile Addict’s Joe Simpson a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the country’s leading manufacturers, see numerous examples of ceramic street art, experience tile’s massive contribution to contemporary Portuguese architecture, and – best of all – get fully immersed in the history, heritage, and passion that drives Portugal’s … Continue reading Primus Vitoria: production paradox

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Design & Technology, Tile Companies

Recer: sublime surface selection 

One of the most respected Portuguese tile brands, Recer was founded in 1977.  Today it is a medium sized producer of porcelain tiles, and ceramic wall tiles, offering home owners and designers a wide range of contemporary solutions with its wide and diversified product portfolio. In 2022, Recer produced around 5 million sq. metres of tiles, achieving total sales of Euro 45.3 million.   Sustainable … Continue reading Recer: sublime surface selection 

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Design & Technology, Design Delights, Iconic Designs

Viúva Lamego: Tiling tradition transmogrified

Founded in Lisbon in 1849, Viúva Lamego remains a proud exponent of traditional Portuguese ceramics. But this landmark company is far more than an artisanal tile producer, although it does manufacture exquisite small format plain and decorative tiles in its unique facility in the Sintra district. The company is better viewed as an ambassador of Portuguese culture, due to its close collaboration with numerous artists, … Continue reading Viúva Lamego: Tiling tradition transmogrified

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Design & Technology

Portugal: tile tradition and technology

Earlier this year Diary of a Tile Addict was invited on a four-day ceramic tile study tour of Portugal.  As a long-term admirer of Portugal’s long and influential ceramic tradition, DOATA’s founder, Joe Simpson readily accepted the invitation. For a self-proclaimed tile addict, this wonderful tour proved to be a complete pleasure and privilege.  There were many reasons for its success.  One, was Joe’s fellow … Continue reading Portugal: tile tradition and technology

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