The Azimut Benetti Group upholds its position for the 25th year as world leader in the manufacture of yachts over 24 metres, holding on to their top position in the Global Order Book 2025, the yearly ranking published by Boat International based on the information from 185 shipyards over 5 continents. “Twenty-five years at the top of the industry – says Giovanna Vitelli, president of the Azimut Benetti Group – are truly an ‘achievement of achievements’, the embodiment of a solid entrepreneurial vision based on an organic growth strategy, that is resilient and sustainable to create long-lasting value. This is the privilege and responsibility of a private family-run business.”

The Group is at the top of all categories with 164 units under construction (for a total of 5,905 metres), equivalent to 20% of the global market. This data reflects the record-breaking results of the last financial year, which closed on 31 August 2024 with 1.3 billion euros in revenue and an order portfolio filled until 2029. Charting this course are the strategic directives that have been followed in 25 years of leadership: a top product, quality at the heart of the manufacturing strategy, a capillary presence throughout the global market and the best people and skills.

A top product

Azimut Benetti have the widest range of yachts in the world, with Azimut working in the 12 to 44 metre segment and Benetti in the 34 to 100+ metre segment, including full custom models. Over the past twenty-five years, the Group have created innovative concepts thanks to their reinterpretation of how space should be laid out on board: The Seadeck series by Azimut and the Oasis and Veranda Deck by Benetti are only the most recent examples of a contemporary lifestyle, revolutionary for the entire industry.

On the innovation front, which today means reducing emissions, the Group’s strategy is based on using the best technology available to obtain the best results possible already in the short term. Azimut Benetti stand out for their approach based on integrating advanced naval architecture, hybrid technology and HVO biodiesel. Azimut is the only brand in the industry that has a fleet where over half is made up from “Low Emission Yachts” and has 4 different levels of electric models (from mild to full hybrid), while Benetti offers nearly its entire range in a hybrid version. In total, there are 10 hybrid mega yachts currently under construction in the Benetti shipyard and, in the B. Yond series,7 out of the 13 units sold are hybrid. Both brands have created two ranges aimed at reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible: The Seadeck series reached -40% in CO2 emissions per year of average use and B.Yond reaches -24% CO2 emissions and -80% NOx emissions.

Quality at the heart of the manufacturing strategy

Azimut Benetti Group’s production philosophy is based on two pilasters: internationalising crucial activities to guarantee the best quality and choosing the best supply chain. In order to guarantee control over with processing of the steel used in vessels under 45 metres, the Group has founded Polo Light Steel in Tuscany, to which will be added in 2025, Polo del Composito, for fibreglass and carbon fibre, a material that has been successfully used in the Avigliana facility for decades. In addition, plans are in place for expanding the production capacity of the Lusben division, for refitting large sailing yachts.

Capillary presence in global markets

The Group’s sales strategy has always stood out for its balanced division of business among three macro areas: Europe, United States and MEA-APAC. This approach allows for the strategic management of supply, while also contributing to mitigating country-risk and reducing exposure to destabilising factors. In order to best manage their clients, Azimut uses a capillary network of exclusive dealerships to manage their different areas and work with clients, with the singular exception of the direct boutiques in strategic yachting locations around the world, while Benetti work with the most prestigious brokerage houses through their area managers throughout the world.

The best people and skills

Azimut Benetti are proud of their employees, who have some of the top skills in the industry. Growth has led to the acquisition of new talent, with an increase of 18% over the last 6 years. In this expansion phase, the company is working on transmitting culture, values and skills. In order to do this, they have founded the Corporate Academy, to help teach this knowledge and skills, and to create a connection between mentors and the new generations; the “Nauticità” project invites employees to spend one or more days on board one of the Group’s yachts to enjoy what inspires them everyday – a passion for the water.

By Manuela Sciandra