It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

26 February 2026

Essilor Luxottica: The Invisible Monopoly

Join co-hosts Colin Brown and Martti Wallin as they unpack another Category Leading company.
Best in the World. Based in Europe.

Essilor Luxottica is arguably the least well-known but most important company in Europe.
It is the story of two sides of a coin that became one only fairly recently and have 80% of the global eyewear market! 

A story from the Dolomite Mountains of Italy and the outskirts of Paris, not Silicon Valley. 

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Essilor Luxottica operates as an invisible monopoly in the eyewear market.
  • Eyewear evolved from a medical necessity to a fashion statement.
  • Leonardo Del Vecchio’s entrepreneurial journey is pivotal to Luxottica’s success. He put the “factory” above everything.
  • The French cooperative model laid the groundwork for modern eyewear.
  • Industrialisation transformed eyewear production and accessibility.
  • Leonardo’s early life experiences in the “orphanage” had a huge impact on his entrepreneurial journey.
  • The 1970s marked a strategic shift towards fashion in eyewear.
  • Retail became a crucial aspect of Luxottica’s business model. They owned the whole stack.
  • Essilor and Luxottica made numerous small acquisitions to grow.
  • The eyewear business remains stable despite economic fluctuations.
  • The interdependence of Essilor and Luxottica created a unique market position.
  • AI glasses represent the next evolution in the eyewear industry.
  • Del Vecchio’s focus was on continuous improvement and innovation over decades.
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