We don't think it would be right to start the new year without reflecting on the successes of 2022. The past year has been incredible for our business with highlights like being able to create more than 100 new local jobs, growing into new markets and continuing to develop our technical partnerships to events across four continents. You can read more about these and other wins below. But what ties all these achievements together is that without you - our fans and supporters - none of our success would've been possible. So here's to you, and to all the journeys we'll embark on together in 2023.
TECHNICAL APPAREL PARTNER TO THE GLOBAL EPIC SERIES
Our partnership with the Epic Series of MTB Events has seen Ciovita worn by national and world champions in events across the globe. It is events such as these that drive the technical innovation of our brand. As the features and modifications we develop for this level of competition is incorporated into our own range.
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR PARTNERSHIP
We are beyond thrilled to announce that we have become the official technical apparel partner of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. This partnership will see us providing the race's official cycling kit, including the official race jerseys that will be available at the hugely popular Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo.
At Ciovita, we are committed to providing the very best technical apparel the cycling world has to offer, and we're excited to finally be a part of this prestigious event in an official capacity. Our partnership is a great opportunity to promote the sport of cycling and we're looking forward to providing the official race kit for many years to come.
This has now been added to the list of local events we're partnered with including the Virgin Active Ride Joburg 947, Trans Baviaans, Old Mutual Wealth Double Century, To Hell and Back, and Xterra South Africa to name a few.
UK STATE VISIT
In late 2022, Ciovita, along with some of South Africa's Top Brands, was invited by His Majesty King Charles III to attend a state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of The South African Department of Trade and Industry. The goal was to showcase the very best South African manufacturers and build trade relations between these two countries and we were honoured to be able to attend.
Thanks to your continued support, in 2022 alone, we were able to create more than 100 new jobs in our business and with our alignment with the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster we're working to help to rebuild and reskill the textile and manufacturing industry in the Western Cape - a very exciting opportunity indeed.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
At Ciovita we feel that we have a responsibility to our beautiful planet and we are always searching for new ways to reduce waste, recycle and upcycle to lessen the environmental impact the cycling industry has on the planet. We are working towards becoming a more socially responsible and environmentally friendly company. While we recognise that change doesn't happen overnight and we have a long road to travel, but it is important to celebrate victories along the way.
Compostable Packaging
Have you noticed our new 100% compostable bags? These bags are industrially compostable, which is a controlled process that converts waste into stable products that can be used in agriculture. Our packaging goal is to make sure each and every item arrives in your hand from a process that is socially responsible and eco-conscious.
Our Merino Collection
As part of our expanding work with natural materials, we were very proud to have launched a range of Merino-based cycling products in 2022. This launch forms an important part of the larger initiative, as merino is a 100% natural and renewable sustainable resource. It is also biodegradable, organic, and environmentally friendly. Merino wool can break down into its component parts at the end of its life.
Our Apex and Supremo Bib Shorts
Did you know that all the Lycra in our Apex and Supremo Bibs are made from recycled plastics? The fabric in our Apex and Supremo Bib Shorts consists of a composition that is 65% Recycled Polyamide (also known as Nylon) and 35% Elastane.
Our recycled tube wallets and pouches
Every bicycle tube tells a story. They have taken cyclists on countless journeys and adventures, they have been a part of big group rides or solo missions, racking up thousands of kilometers. Bicycle tubes do have a lifespan though and when they split, puncture beyond repair or become too old to be relied on anymore they, unfortunately, all share a final destination - the landfill. We have taken it upon ourselves to collect as many of these unwanted bicycle tubes as possible and create our tube wallets, saddlebags and pouches.
We will be sharing more with you this year as we keep striving to become a more eco-conscious brand and work towards that bigger goal. We cannot wait to show you what we have planned for 2023.
International Expansion
In 2022, we continued our growth on the international stage.
Our mission has always been to bring our award winning kit to a global audience and the past year has seen tremendous strides in this regard. Firstly, in our official apparel sponsorship of a variety of international events including the prestigious Epic Series of MTB Events, The World Triathlon Championship Finals in Abu Dhabi, The Nedbank Desert Dash in Namibia, and the Spinneys Cycle Challenge in Dubai, Ciovita is making its mark in the world of competitive cycling and triathlon.
We've already mentioned the Epic Series so let's take a look at the other international events.
The World Triathlon Championship is a series of events organized by the International Triathlon Union (ITU). It features the world's top triathletes competing in Olympic-distance and long-distance races. In 2022 Ciovita was made the official apparel partner for the World Triathlon Championship Finals held in Abu Dhabi, which allowed us to showcase our Tri and Multisport kit to the very best athletes in the world.
We continued our role as official apparel partner to the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, an annual event held in the United Arab Emirates. This is the premier road cycling event in Dubai and features both a professional and an amateur race, attracting participants from around the world.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is a 24 hour race that starts in Windhoek and cover 397km across the tough Namib Desert. This race showcases the extremes in temperature and environment that make Namibia so breathtaking and gives us a chance to show off how well our kit performs in these tough conditions.
In addition to partnering with these high-profile events, in 2022 we also launched a dedicated website for our United States customers. This new website allows American customers to easily access our full range of performance-focused cycling and triathlon gear, including jerseys, shorts, and accessories. With fast and affordable delivery, as well as dedicated customer service for this region. If you have friends living in the USA who are missing out on our awesome kit, why not share the link with them.
Our international expansion is a testament to the company's commitment to providing the highest-quality apparel to competitive athletes and enthusiasts alike. With the support of these major international events and the launch of our dedicated US website, we are poised for continued growth and success in the global market.
2023...let's GO!
