Over the last number of years, the Italian market has become one of the most attractive for Spanish companies looking to break into new markets. The fact that we share cultural roots, geography and a consolidated commercial relationship makes Italy a natural trade partner. However, there’s still a barrier to overcome: the language.
Although Italian and Spanish come from the same linguistic family, they’re actually more different than you’d think. Over-relying on similarities can lead to communication faux pas. Which is why foreign trade and marketing experts recommend professional Spanish-Italian translators right from the outset when embarking on an expansion process.
“Companies tend to underestimate the importance of accurate translation”, states Ana Rodríguez, internationalization consultant. “A poorly translated company presentation or a contract with terminological errors could lead to month-long negotiations breaking down.”
The strategic role of professional translation
It’s not just about translating words; it’s about getting the right message across, with legal, technical or commercial accuracy depending on the context. Which is why more and more companies are turning to Italian translation companies with a proven track record in corporate projects and specialist documentation.
The demand for Spanish- Italian translators is on the rise in industries such as food, fashion and industrial design, all deeply-rooted in Italy. Businesses are calling out forItalian translation agencies that can deal with large volumes of digital content: from product catalogs to online stores, not to mention technical support documentation.
“SMEs quite often think that machine translation is all it takes to carve out a space in a new market, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. “In Italy, communication style, tone, and getting a clear message across are highly valued,” explains Marco Bianchi, an international Bologna-based marketing expert.
The opportunities are out there, but not without doing the groundwork beforehand
Italy is the Eurozone’s third-largest economy and one of the biggest importers of Spanish products. According to ICEX data, Spanish exports to the transalpine country grew by 6.2% in 2024. Despite this growth, many projects never even get off the ground because they fail to adequately adapt their linguistic and cultural strategies.
Therefore, the language isn’t just a way to communicate; it’s a strategic asset. A company that adequately invests in localizing its materials, rather than settling for literal translations, makes a credible name for itself with potential Italian clients and partners.
A much-needed investment to compete
The internationalization process isn’t just technical or logistical; it’s inherently human. Which is why the quality of communication could be make or break. Calling on professional translators and specialized services shouldn’t be seen as an expense; it should be seen as an investment in long-term success.
At Blarlo, we go to great lengths to ensure that this linguistic and cultural transition is a bridge, not a barrier. We’ve got native Spanish-Italian and Italian-Spanish translators specializing in key industries such as legal, technical, commercial, and digital. We’re perfectly aware that each and every word matters when it comes to connecting with new markets, which is why we offer professional, accurate and bespoke translations. If you’re looking to break into the Italian market, we can help youto effectively get the essence of your message across.
