Orlando -- Distributors with a rich history, diverse array of products and deep passion and knowledge of their trade make the influential presence of Italian ceramic tile in North America what it is today. To recognize this important contribution, each year Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) honors an exemplary North American tile distributor with the North American Distributor Award. After surveying the numerous excellent distributors across the continent, Ceramics of Italy announced Ciot as the 2019 award recipient. In its 29th year, this award celebrates the close connection between Italian tile manufacturers and their valued North American partners.

Ciot was selected by a jury including members of the Confindustria Ceramica Board of Directors and representatives from Italian tile manufacturers. The criteria included: consistency, exemplary service as an Italian tile importer and distributor, a high caliber corporate image, inclination towards Ceramics of Italy products in recognition of their innovative design and technical qualities, and fair-trade practices in relation to Italian manufacturers. At Ceramics of Italy’s annual Serata Italiana during Coverings (this year held at Blue Martini Lounge), Giovanni Savorani, Confindustria Ceramica chairman, presented the award to Kristina Panzera, vice president of marketing and buying at Ciot. The award also includes a prize package for travel to Cersaie, taking place in Bologna, Italy from Sept. 23-27, 2019.

Celebrating its 69th anniversary this year, the Montreal-based distributor was founded in 1950 by Giovanni Battista as a terrazzo manufacturing company. By the 1960s, Ciot began importing Italian stone and ceramics, leading the charge in the North American distribution of Italian tile, and were the first overseas client for Cooperativa d’Imola. A third generation, family-run business, Ciot now has showrooms in Vaughan, Toronto, Halifax, Mississauga, Quebec City, Detroit and Brossard, and employs 580 people throughout North America.

Italian products make up 95% of their ceramic sales, and they currently carry the following Ceramics of Italy brands: Atlas Concorde, Cooperativa d’Imola, Marazzi, Ragno, Marca Carona, Coem Fioranese, Gruppo Emilceramica, Lea, Vogue, ABK, Campogalliano, Casalgrande Padana, Dom, Edimax Ermes Aurelia, Impronta, and Sichenia.

For more information visit www.ceramica.info.