Share
Garbolino, the established European match and pleasure freshwater fishing brand, is continuing to evolve to meet the changing demands of anglers and retailers across the continent.
More than a decade after French tackle supplier SERT acquired the Garbolino brand, the business has undergone significant change. Two warehouse moves have culminated in its relocation to SERT’s major European distribution centre in Bordeaux – a development designed to improve operational efficiency while providing capacity for further growth.
Being part of the wider SERT group has also strengthened Garbolino’s route to market. Retailers can source the brand alongside multiple SERT-owned brands, helping extend distribution, visibility and credibility throughout Europe.
Competition fishing remains central to Garbolino’s identity. Product Manager Stéphane Pottelet brings elite-level experience, having represented the French national team for several years and held the world number-one position in pole and match fishing. His understanding of top-level competition, together with his influence within France’s match-fishing community, continues to shape product development.
In the UK, SERT/Garbolino General Manager Darren Cox brings equally valuable experience to the business. An England international in pole, match and feeder disciplines, Cox works closely with the product team to identify emerging trends and develop projects for anglers across Europe. A key current priority is strengthening SERT’s feeder-fishing proposition in the region.
The brand’s wider team of consultants and sponsored anglers also plays an important role. Active across Europe and influential in their respective markets, they provide a steady stream of news, product insight, practical fishing advice and education through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
The company says: “While Garbolino remains associated with high-specification poles and match equipment, the brand is equally focused on delivering strong-value products at realistic prices. This is expected to be particularly important in the expanding feeder sector, where demand is increasing in a number of European countries.
“For retailers, the proposition extends beyond product range. Garbolino’s partners are regularly encouraged by the margins available compared with many established brands in the market.”
The existing SERT trade catalogue already dedicates more than 160 pages to Garbolino. With new opportunities identified in growth markets and a programme of country-specific product development under way, that presence is set to increase substantially.
