La Martina has signed a new agreement to accelerate its international growth. The partnership involves BWM, a global apparel manufacturing and supply chain partner serving leading fashion and lifestyle brands worldwide, and part of Li & Fung, one of the world’s major end-to-end supply chain and sourcing company, with more than 120 years of expertise connecting global brands and retailers to production markets worldwide.
BWM will gradually take charge of product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management. The new long-term partnership aims to combine La Martina’s heritage, tradition, and creative vision with BWM’s manufacturing expertise and Li & Fung’s global supply chain capabilities earned through 120 years of expertise globally.
La Martina will retain creative direction, while BWM will oversee product development, sourcing, and manufacturing. The partnership marks a milestone for the polo lifestyle brand, which was founded in Buenos Aires in 1985 and is now selling in over 50 countries.
“La Martina began as a manufacturer of polo saddles for ponies. It pioneered the development of a complete range of equipment for players, institutions, clubs, teams, and events in this sport around the world,” said Adrian Simonetti, principal & president, La Martina.
“The trust our customers place in our brand for our manufacturing craftsmanship, products and services related to the polo lifestyle has taken us from the playing fields to becoming a global brand of polo lifestyle and polo culture. This is the value we seek for our next chapter of growth. In BWM and Li & Fung, we have found partners who share this vision,” he added
The partnership will give La Martina access to BWM’s global production and sourcing platform, expanding its operational flexibility and production capacity. Thanks to its network spanning more than 30 countries, BWM will be able to optimize production based on different product categories and target markets, improving efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. Production capabilities will extend to China, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Turkey, Egypt, and Peru.
The agreement also aims to significantly improve time-to-market. Sample production, for example, can be completed in as little as seven days, and large-scale production in about three weeks. Delivery times will be reduced from approximately 75 to 30 days, enabling a faster response to demand, more frequent restocking, and better inventory management.
“Behind every great global brand is a supply chain built on trust, craftsmanship, and operational excellence. Our partnership with La Martina reflects the confidence we have in the brand’s long-term growth trajectory,” commented Miliad Fini, CEO, BWM.
“By combining our manufacturing expertise with excellence in supply chain management, we are ideally positioned to support La Martina as it continues to expand its international presence,” Fini continued.
“We see tremendous opportunities in this partnership and are excited to bring our expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management to support La Martina’s success in international markets,” said Destan Bezmen, chairman of BWM and president of Li & Fung.