In a stunning event at the Alhambra, the 'Marca Macael" revives its Nasrid past.

The guests will be able to transfer the benefits and qualities of certain materials and a particular sector that is gaining more prestige and international projection. This was the purpose of the cultural-business event of Macael Brand. It took place within the Alhambra de Granada, whose predecessor took place at The Metropolitan Museum of New York in 2017. AEMA, Association of Entrepreneurs del Marmol de Andalucia in collaboration with Extenda–Andalucia Exportacion e Inversion Extranjera organized this brand. It includes the producers, marketers, extractive companies and stone prescribers in Macael.

The appointment, which was divided into two parts, could not have been more symbolic and spectacular. One, a presentation of Macael Brand took place in Carmen de los Martires. This was made possible by the intervention of Elisa Valero (Granada-born architect), the CEO of Extenda Arturo Bernal and Diego Martinez, vice president of the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia. Following the presentation, participants enjoyed a networking drink in which all the companies who were part of AEMA have also participated. These are: Cosentino and Marmoles Juan Tijeras; Cuellar Stone and Marmoles Gutierrez Mena; Hermasa and Cosaga Marmoles; Marmoles Naturales de Macael; Marmoles Luis Sanchez and Marmoles Perez Garcia; and AP Marbles. The day culminated in a private, nocturnal tour to the Alhambra by specialized guides who have shown guests the richness of marble at the iconic Nasrid monument that is linked to Macael. The Patio de los Leones, made from Blanco Macael marble, is undoubtedly the main protagonist in this historical-cultural context.

According to Elisa Valero (also Professor of Architectural Projects at ETSA in Granada), marble is a durable material. What can be more sustainable than the material's life cycle? It is capable of lasting over a thousand years as the Alhambra. There is no need to renew the material, but to maintain it. This avoids the need for waste production. She expressed her gratitude to Macael marble for her professional career. "Once you appreciate the material's nature, you will see that it improves over time," she said.

Diego Martinez stated that Macael's brand is defined by its ability to work with not only the local marble but also other materials. Manager Diego Martinez stated that innovation is a key focus of the Macael Group of Companies. He also highlighted that "the commitment to innovation to provide new materials, textures, and sizes that fit the new needs and trends in the market" is one of their maxims. "The specialization of teams and the training and technical know-how", "the great tradition and experience in the production natural stone, along with the investment in the most recent technology," are some of the other maxims.

Arturo Bernal commented, "In this industry, exceptional raw materials are combined avec knowledge and technology to create a unique product that has made a tremendous contribution to architecture, both contemporary and classical, including the omnipresent Nasrid tradition of Granada.". Extenda's CEO addressed the audience, assuring them that "to put your money on Andalusia natural stone for Macael Brand is to place your trust in excellence, innovation, and a unique style which makes the difference."

The Development Delegate from Granada, Mr. Antonio Granados Garcia attended the event, as did Ms. Maribel Sanchez Torregrosa (Government Delegate of Junta de Andalucia) and Mr. Vicente Garcia Egea (Tourism Delegate for Almeria).

The reverse trade mission will follow the event and take participants to Macael. They will have the opportunity to visit the marble quarries as well as the factories firsthand. The Macael brand will be the focal point of various meetings between guests and companies who have participated in the activity. The event will conclude with participants attending the 2021 Macael Awards gala next Friday, November 12.

"Marca Macael", a best-representation of an entire sector

"Marca Macael," an initiative of the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia, supports the "Fundacion Marca Macael", which is a platform that promotes the Association of Marble Entrepreneurs of Andalusia. This platform serves as a marketing and promotion tool for the sector. It provides information at an international level about the benefits, attributes, and values of Macael Marble and helps it to be recognized as a brand.

All of this is due to the entrepreneurial spirit, know-how and innovation of numerous businessmen and workers from the region of Almeria. They are capable of adapting to any task and delivering the best quality work anywhere in the world. This industry knows how to reinvent itself and resurface. There have been many advances in the extraction of the material as well as in its commercialization. Macael is now a recognized center for Natural Stone Transformation.