The founder and CEO of IZIDA Ceramica received the prestigious European award during TECNA 2026 in Rimini, Italy
On 23 September in Rimini, Italy, Spas Shopov, founder and CEO of IZIDA Ceramica, was honoured with the ‘Tile Person of the Year – Europe’ award at Tecna Awards 2026 – an international recognition for entrepreneurial vision, leadership, and contribution to the development of the modern ceramic industry.
The award was presented within the framework of TECNA 2026 – the international exhibition dedicated to technologies and innovations in ceramic production, which took place at Rimini Expo Centre from 22 to 25 September.
European Recognition for Bulgarian Production
Spas Shopov was selected by the international jury of Tecna Awards 2026 as ‘Tile Person of the Year’ for Europe.
In the official motivation for the award, the organisers highlighted his entrepreneurial vision and leadership, which led IZIDA Ceramica to significant development, as well as the company’s consistent pursuit of high quality, innovation, and technologically advanced production.
The award places the development of IZIDA Ceramica in the international context of an industry where technologies, investments, and continuous modernisation define the future.
Among Leading Names from the Global Ceramic Industry
Tecna Awards 2026 brought together representatives of the ceramic industry from various parts of the world in Rimini. The programme included international discussions on sector development, technological investments, and the future of production.
Special participants included representatives from RAK Ceramics – UAE, Ceramica Cleopatra Group – Egypt, and NG Kütahya – Turkey, alongside leading European companies in the sector.
It was precisely in this international environment that Spas Shopov received the European award – a recognition that places the name of IZIDA Ceramica and Bulgarian ceramic production on the international stage.
Recognition for Vision, Investments, and Development
The Tecna Awards honour comes as recognition for IZIDA Ceramica’s consistent development and the vision behind transforming the company into a modern manufacturer of porcelain tiles.
For the company, modern production is not just a matter of equipment. It means continuous investments in technology, quality, efficiency, and people – with the clear goal of making Bulgarian products competitive in European and international markets.
It is precisely this direction of development that underpins the recognition given by the international jury to Spas Shopov – entrepreneurial vision, leadership, quality, innovation, and technological development.
An Award for the People Behind IZIDA Ceramica Too
Behind the individual award also stands the story of a Bulgarian company and the people who are part of its development every day.
Therefore, for IZIDA Ceramica, ‘Tile Person of the Year – Europe’ is more than a personal award. It is a recognition of the journey travelled, of the team behind the company, and of the ambition for Bulgarian production to hold its rightful place in the modern European ceramic industry.
Firmly grounded. Looking forward.
For IZIDA Ceramica, this international recognition is a source of pride, but also another reason to move forward – with investments, new technologies, and confidence in the potential of Bulgarian production.
Because good results are built over years. And recognition comes when vision, perseverance, and people stand behind them.