For the 22nd year, Tile of Spain branded manufacturers arrived at Coverings to showcase their latest collections and technology. The 16,000-square-foot Pavilion of Spain hosted 24 ceramic and stone manufacturers. White Good & Co. Advertising attended the tradeshow to coordinate a press conference and handle all Tile of Spain public relations efforts. The event was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

During the press conference, David Portales, Tile of Spain promotion manager, revealed positive and hopeful numbers for Spanish ceramic tile. In 2008, Spain headed European production with an output of 5.4 billion square feet, representing 40% of the European Union production and 10% of the world’s output. Even though Spanish exports decreased 3.7%, Spain still accounts for 20% of the global market share ceramic wall and floor tiles, with Spanish companies selling ceramic tiles to more than 180 countries. “In other words,” said Portales, “Our piece of the whole cake is bigger, although this time the cake is a little bit smaller than it used to be.”