glù and the value of crafts

In the era of globalization and mass consumption, craftsmanship in Spain and product quality have acquired a new value compared to wholesale industrial production and imports. Craftsmanship is the creation of products manually by specialized artisans and it offers a series of advantages that go beyond the mere final product. These benefits include the preservation of Spanish culture,supporting local economies,and the production of unique and durable goods.

However, glù also considers a“craft"” something that is done with enthusiasm and exclusivity, in a small way, low profile, without fanfare, and that results in a great job, product, or service. It does not have to be able to be touched by hand. Craftsmanship can be blown glass or embossed leather, but also a book, a technological idea, or a way of managing a hotel. Artisan can be the daily drive and determination that leads an athlete to have no limits, a master cheesemaker to create a new piece from trial and error or a rancher to produce less quantity, but sustainable. A biodynamic vineyard, a unique design, a solitary sculptor, a chambermaid lovingly caring for that hotel floor, or a passionate waiter.

Crafts in Spain are a bastion of cultural identity. Each region has its own artisan techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. This knowledge not only reflects the history and traditions of a community but also fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride. For example, the ceramics of many areas, the fabrics of some regions, or the metalwork of others, are often not only decorative objects but also tell stories of the environment that produce them. By choosing artisanal products, consumers support the continuity of these cultural traditions, preventing them from being lost to the homogeneity of mass production. When choosing artisan services, we opt for the “boutique”, for the people, not for the quantity.

Promotion of the local economy, quality, exclusivity.

Artisans are usually small business owners who depend on direct sales for their livelihood. By purchasing artisanal products or services, consumers contribute directly to the economy of their community, since the creator usually reinvests in their environment, generating a cycle of positive economic development.

Additionally, unlike mass-produced goods, which often prioritize quantity over quality to reduce costs, artisanal products are created with care and attention to detail. Quality and durability prevail. The materials used are usually of higher quality, and the manual manufacturing process allows for careful supervision at every stage. This translates into more durable products with a lower environmental impact since their useful life is longer and they do not need to be replaced as frequently as cheap imported products.

The artisan can and must always know and control the traceability of his materials or ingredients.

Exclusivity is another added value of craftsmanship in Spain. Each piece is unique, meaning no two products are exactly the same. This contrasts with industrial production, where uniformity is the norm. For consumers looking to differentiate themselves and own something special, craftsmanship offers a personalization and uniqueness that mass production cannot match.

However, crafts in Spain face significant challenges. Price competition is one of the biggest obstacles, as artisanal products are usually more expensive due to the time and the quality of the materials used in their manufacture. For many consumers, price is a determining factor, leading them to opt for cheaper, albeit lower quality, options. To overcome this challenge, greater awareness of the value and advantages of craftsmanship is crucial, both in terms of quality and social and cultural impact. For glù it is clear: behind every item produced with care, there is a human being, a soul, a sensation, a unique idea, a person.

For this reason, glù wants to talk to all these people and ask them how they are, how they feel, how they do it, and how much passion they put into what they do, whether material or immaterial, permanent or ephemeral.

Enter the glù bubble and discover them…