Panda D’Oro Awards 2026 Recognise Leading Companies in Italy–China Business Re-lations

Shanghai, 18 June 2026 – The Panda D’Oro Gala Awards, the most prestigious recogni-tion for Italian businesses in China organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Chi-na (CCIC), took place last Thursday, 18th of June, at the iconic W Shanghai – The Bund, bringing together institutions, entrepreneurs, and business leaders for an evening dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the enduring strength of Italy-China relations.

The Panda D’Oro celebrates Italian companies that choose to invest, grow, and create long-term value in China — turning complexity into opportunity and building a concrete bridge be-tween the two economies through their daily industrial and commercial presence.

The 2026 edition welcomed 650 guests, who gathered to celebrate 32 award-winning com-panies recognised for their outstanding performance in the Chinese market.

This year’s edition received 59 applications from leading companies across a wide range of sectors, reflecting the continued and growing engagement of Italian businesses in China. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on their results and achievements in 2025. Once again, the Gala confirmed its role as the flagship event of the Italian business community in China, highlighting companies that stand out not only for their performance, but for their vision, resilience, and long-term commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

The evening was honored by the presence of several Italian institutional representatives. H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to the P.R.C., and Gianni Di Giovanni, Chair-man of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (CCIC), delivered the opening remarks. They were joined by Tiziana D'Angelo, Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Giulio Bolaffi, First Counsellor of the Italian Embassy, Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Shanghai, Federico Roberto Antonelli and Francesco D’arelli, Directors of the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing and Shanghai.

Italy to the P.R.C

Ambassador  Italy to the P.R.C

Massimo Ambrosetti

Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (CCIC)

Chairman

Gianni Di Giovanni

On the Chinese side, the Gala welcomed senior representatives from local and municipal au-thorities, including Li Hong, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM), Xue Feng, President of Invest Shanghai, as well as representatives from relevant district-level authorities, reflecting the strong institutional support for Italy–China economic and business cooperation.

In his speech, Gianni Di Giovanni highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Italian com-panies operating in China:

“We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Markets are changing. Technologies are changing. Business models are changing. And the relationship between Italy and China is changing as well. But change should not be feared. Change should be understood. And where others see uncertainty, we should be capable of seeing opportunity. The Italian companies op-erating in China have demonstrated exactly this capability for decades. They have adapted. They have innovated. They have localized. And they have continued to create value even dur-ing the most challenging periods. That is why I remain confident about the future of Italy-China economic relations”.

The centerpiece of the Gala was the presentation of the Panda D’Oro Awards across 11 cate-gories, with 10 awards dedicated to Italian companies operating in China and one category recognizing Chinese organizations that have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations. The awards celebrated excellence in investment, innovation, sustainability, design, culture, and market development. 

Among the most prestigious recognitions, Bracco and Generali China Insurance received the Major Investment in China Award, in acknowledgment of their long-term commitment to the Chinese market and their contribution to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

Bracco was awarded for its continued strategic investment and consolidated presence in Chi-na, including the development of the Shanghai New South Plant project, which further strengthens its industrial footprint in the country and its long-standing commitment to the healthcare and life sciences sector. 

- Generali China Insurance was recognized for a landmark year marked by the full acquisition of 100% ownership completed in 2025 and a significant strengthen-ing of its capital base, confirming its long-term commitment and continued expansion in the Chinese insurance market.

- Chiesi and Meccalte were honored as SME Growth Champions in China, in recognition of their consistent growth and successful development within the Chinese market.

Italian companies operating in China continue to stand out for their strong focus on innova-tion, with a clear ability to combine industrial excellence, advanced technologies, and product development tailored to one of the world’s most competitive markets.

A clear example is Pirelli, which has further strengthened its leadership in China’s premium and electric mobility segment through sustained investment in R&D and a strong focus on digitalization, electrification, and advanced tyre technologies. The development of CYBER™ technology, in partnership with Bosch, represents a step forward in smart mobility solutions and software-enabled vehicle performance.

This innovative drive is also reflected in the performance of leading Italian manufacturing companies based in China, particularly in the Suzhou industrial area, including Carel, Pio-van, and Prima Power, which continue to enhance their competitiveness through automation, efficiency, and advanced production systems. 

The China Market Debut Award, introduced this year to recognize Italian companies that have successfully entered the Chinese market despite its challenges and continue to invest with a long-term vision, was presented to Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, Drago, Inxpect, Pastiglie Leone, and Ventuno.

The China-Italy Partnership Award, dedicated to Chinese organizations that have signifi-cantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations, was presented to Benlai, Shandong Chambroad Group, and Federation Classic Cars China.

- Chambroad was recognised for its long-term collaboration with the Italian industrial ecosystem and its structured cooperation with SACE and Italian institutions support-ing export and investment flows. In 2025, the company secured a €35 million SACE Push Strategy financing to strengthen cooperation with Italian suppliers and support the integration of Italian technologies into its industrial projects. - -- 

- Benlai Group, a leading DTC platform in China’s premium fresh grocery sector, was awarded for its strategic partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), aimed at promoting the authenticity and quality of Italian agri-food products in China. Through joint initiatives, the collaboration has strengthened the visibility of Made in Italy brands and expanded their presence across major Chinese cities and digital platforms.

- Federation Classic Cars China was recognized for its role in promoting automotive heritage and cultural exchange between Italy and China. The association is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of classic cars, while fostering appreciation for Ital-ian automotive design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle culture through exhibitions, events, and cross-cultural initiatives.

Beyond the awards ceremony, the Gala offered guests an immersive journey through Italian culture and creativity. Giulia Poeta, accompanied by violinist Melissa Cantarini, paid tribute to Giacomo Leopardi with readings of some of the poet’s most celebrated works. Simone Bosco captivated the audience with an immersive audio-visual electronic music performance, while Roberto Fiore and the Shanghai Nova Sinfonietta Orchestra delighted guests with a repertoire spanning from the masterpieces of Giuseppe Verdi to contemporary classical music.

The celebration continued at the table, where acclaimed Italian chef Andrea Cofini curated a menu showcasing the richness and authenticity of Italian cuisine, transforming dinner into a memorable culinary experience. The evening concluded with the traditional lucky draw raffle, featuring four grand prizes presented on stage by representatives of the sponsoring companies.

A special moment of the evening was dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contribution of the event’s financial sponsors. Representatives of the two Platinum Sponsors addressed the audience with welcome speeches: Mario Huang, General Manager of Intesa Sanpaolo Shanghai Branch, and Juan Pablo Carriquiry, CEO of Carriquiry Consulting.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to all partners who made the event possible, including 28 cash sponsors and more than 100 companies that contributed through product and in-kind sponsorships. Their collective support played a fundamental role in bringing the Gala to life and in strengthening the platform that connects Italian businesses in China.

More than an awards ceremony, the Panda D’Oro Gala 2026 reaffirmed the vitality of the Italian business community in China and the strength of the partnerships that continue to connect the two countries. By recognising entrepreneurial excellence while celebrating culture, creativity, and innovation, the event demonstrated once again that the Italy–China relation-ship is built not only on economic success, but on a shared ecosystem of long-term coopera-tion, mutual trust, and sustainable growth.

2026 Panda D’Oro Winners

Panda D’Oro Awards

• Major Investment in China: Bracco, Generali China Insurance

• SME Growth Champion in China: Chiesi, Meccalte

Innovation & Technology Award

• Generali China Life Insurance, Leonardo, Pirelli

Sustainability & ESG Impact Award

• Carel, JAS, Misano

Made in Italy Heritage Award

• Ariston, Dainese, De’Longhi, Eastant

Italy Experience & Talent Development Award

• Noname Studio, Savino del Bene

Italian Design & Architecture Award

• Milanesi Paiusco

Italian Excellence Award

• Beretta, Poltrona Frau

Italian Taste Award

• Sinodrink, 100ITA

China Market Debut Award

• Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, Drago, Inxpect, Pastiglie Leone, Ventuno

China as a Gateway to Asia Award

• GWA, Piovan, Prima Power Suzhou

China-Italy Partnership Award

• Benlai, Chambroad, Federation Classic Cars China

Special mention to the financial Sponsors of the night: Intesa Sanpaolo Spa Shanghai Branch; Carriquiry Consulting; Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A - Regional Office; Itema Weav-ing Machinery (China) Co., Ltd; Leonardo S.p.a.; OMLOG (CHINA) CO. LTD; AsecorpChina Business Consulting Co., Ltd; Beretta; BolognaFiere China Ltd.; FINCANT-IERI (SHANGHAI) TRADING CO.,LTD.; ENI; Generali China Life Insurance Co., Ltd.; JAS Forwarding (China) Co.Ltd.; Mecc Alte Nantong ltd; Pirelli Tyre Co.; Ltd, Prima Power Suzhou Co., Ltd.; SAVINO DEL BENE SHANGHAI CO.LTD; Suzhou Excellent Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.; Trenitalia; VFS Business Information Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd; Ariston Heating Solutions (China) Co., Ltd.; Chiesi Pharmaceutical (SHANGHAI) Co., ltd; Comau (Shanghai) Engineering Co., Ltd.; De‘Longhi; Hangzhou Bimbo Trade Co.,Ltd; Natuzzi Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; Zoppas Industrial Jiaxing Ltd..