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EC Podcast: Europe’s top 25 paint manufacturers
How has the European coatings industry navigated a year of intense macroeconomic pressure, and which companies are bucking the trend of revenue decline? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco is joined by Damir Gagro, Editor at European Coatings, to dissect the newly released Top 25 rankings.
The discussion centers on the 4% revenue contraction across the newly released Top 25, with combined turnover slipping from 28 billion to 26.9 billion euros. Damir attributes this meaningful decline to a confluence of volatile raw material markets, trade barriers, and softer demand in key sectors. While the headline figures suggest a weak market, the reality is more nuanced; major players like Technos and BASF Coatings faced significant headwinds—ranging from transport strikes in Finland to portfolio restructuring, while mid-sized, specialized firms demonstrated resilience.
A key highlight of the episode is the performance of companies like CIN, Mipa, and Adler, which managed to achieve double-digit or strong single-digit growth. Damir emphasizes that these companies are not succeeding through passive market participation but through active strategic execution, including targeted acquisitions and a clear focus on sustainability-driven product segments like low-emission wood coatings.
Looking ahead, Gagro remains cautious. While he does not predict a dramatic rebound to previous revenue highs for 2026, he identifies a growing divergence in the market: companies that are disciplined, selective in their M&A activity, and deeply relevant to customer needs are likely to outperform, while those exposed to broad market weakness will continue to struggle in a difficult environment.
To hear the full discussion, including practical insights into the strategies for the current market, listen to the latest European Coatings Podcast:
