Cressi - The history of the Cressi family business

For over 80 years, Cressi has stood at the forefront of scuba diving equipment. Renowned for its handcrafted masks, spearfishing guns, and award-winning dive computers, Cressi has built a solid reputation for both innovation and quality. In this blog post, we’ll journey through the rich history of Cressi, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to its current status as an iconic brand. Prepare to uncover some intriguing insights about this legendary name!

The adventure began in 1938 when brothers Egidio and Nanni Cressi began crafting the very first masks and spearfishing guns, marking the start of their remarkable journey in the scuba diving industry. By 1943, they introduced The Sirena, the first Cressi mask, which remained a staple in their catalog for over three decades, evolving with time.

In the early 1950s, the creation of the Pinocchio Mask revolutionized equalization for divers and has since become one of the most popular and best-selling masks in history.

In 1965, Cressi pioneered the production of optical prescription masks, allowing those with vision impairments to fully experience the wonders of the underwater world. The brand also played a significant role in 1983 when Jacques Mayol broke the 100-meter barrier, diving to 105 meters in the waters off Elba.

Fast forward to 1999, when Umberto Pelizzari achieved a remarkable 150-meter depth in a freediving competition, once again highlighting the quality and innovation that Cressi brings to the diving community. In 2000, Cressi launched the Big Eyes, the world’s first mask featuring raked lenses in an upside-down teardrop shape, providing divers with an unparalleled view of their gear.

In 2011, Cressi introduced the Cressi Leonardo, a dive computer that quickly garnered accolades for its groundbreaking features. This innovative device has transformed the diving experience, enhancing both accuracy and safety underwater.

Fast forward to 2021, and Cressi is still at the forefront of innovation with the launch of Hydrosports. This new collection embodies Cressi’s rich heritage of excellence, blending tradition, cutting-edge technology, and superior quality that has been their hallmark since 1946.

Cressi stands as a beacon of quality, innovation, and tradition in the scuba diving world. From meticulously crafted masks to their award-winning dive computers, Cressi has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of diving equipment. As we gaze into the future, we eagerly anticipate the next innovations Cressi will unveil.

A bit more from Cressi:

The Cressi Philosophy  

Cressi originated as a family-run business in Italy many years ago. Upholding their fundamental values for over seventy years has enabled them to build a company that they take pride in managing and being a part of. Today, they have expanded our presence globally, and our team has evolved into a large Cressi family, growing stronger each day.  

Cressi are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and ethical workplace where every individual is valued as a team member and provided with equal opportunities for employment, growth, and career advancement.  

They hold a deep sense of responsibility towards every enthusiast of water sports. This includes the vast community of scuba divers, snorkelers, free divers, swimmers, and all those who explore the sea with our products. Our people.  

Cressi's mission is to enhance their experience in the aquatic world, ensuring it is both safe and enjoyable. When they create a new product, Cressi focus on several key principles: it must be functional, user-friendly, repairable, and, most importantly, durable.  

This is why Cressi take pride in seeing vintage regulators still in use today—it's a testament to their solid design and robust manufacturing.  

Durable products also play a crucial role in minimizing our ecological footprint.  

While it may seem like a small contribution, every little effort counts. By engaging in responsible environmental practices and consumption, Cressi can drive meaningful change for future generations and the underwater ecosystems of our planet.  

Marco Cressi

Innovation  

Cressi's journey of innovation started in 1939, when two brothers, united by their love for the ocean and their knack for technical craftsmanship, began creating unique designs. By 1946, their creations gained immense popularity, leading to the establishment of the Cressi company in Genoa, Italy. Today, Cressi stands as a global leader in water sports equipment, proudly remaining a family-owned business.

Commitment  

Unbeknownst to them, customers play a pivotal role in shaping the Cressi brand. Every aspect of the company, from product design to sales and customer service, is driven by a dedication to fulfilling customer needs and expectations. This guiding principle influences all of Cressi's business interactions, ensuring the use of top-quality materials and the highest standards from retail partners.

Passion  

The Cressi brothers merged their love for the sea with a deep commitment to their products and the customers they served. This passion is still the heartbeat of the company’s culture today. Antonio Cressi continues this legacy, embodying the same dedication to the sport that his father and uncle demonstrated. In essence, passion is woven into the fabric of Cressi, as the company remains central to the sport itself.

Evolution  

Cressi's extensive history of product innovation stems from an unwavering desire to enhance and evolve. As the sport has progressed, so has Cressi, often acting as a driving force for transformation. From creating groundbreaking products to refining manufacturing techniques, Cressi leverages a rich tapestry of technical knowledge and creative insight from its past. At Cressi, every new innovation paves the way for a brighter future.

Our land, our sea  

Just before the onset of World War II, a group of friends envisioned innovative fishing gear for the rich waters of Portofino and San Fruttuoso. Nestled between the French border and Tuscany, Liguria stands as one of Italy's smallest regions. The Italian Riviera glimmers in the azure Mediterranean, framed by mountains that plunge dramatically into the sea. Lush vegetation provides a stunning backdrop to some of the nation’s most beloved coastal resorts.  

The coastline is predominantly steep and rugged, particularly in the Riviera di Levante, while the Ponente boasts a harmonious blend of towering cliffs and sandy shores. It’s no surprise that the deep-seated love for the sea thrives in such a remarkable environment, ripe for exploration.  

“Portofino’s promontory is among the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever encountered. It’s also perfect for safe scuba diving, as its steep cliffs descend sharply into the water, reaching depths of 40 meters. This feature allows divers to stay close to the shore, enhancing both safety and enjoyment. This is one of the key reasons scuba diving originated in this region.”  

Antonio Cressi.

Cressi Headquarters  

In 1989, the company expanded its operations, relocating to Via Adamoli in the picturesque Bisagno valley of Genoa. This marked the introduction of the electronics division. Since 2008, Cressi have established a dedicated research and development team for this sector, enabling us to manufacture a variety of control instruments now essential for diving. With a workforce of 150 and four international subsidiaries, Cressi has risen to become the second leading brand in Italy and the fourth globally, with exports making up 80% of their revenue.

"I take pride in having brought back production that had previously been relocated overseas."  

Antonio Cressi  

The brand and its manufacturing processes remain deeply rooted in the original location of the company’s inception. In a time when many companies choose to outsource production, Cressi’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities continue to thrive in Genoa, Italy. This strategic positioning has been crucial to the company’s historical achievements and continues to offer a significant competitive edge in today’s market.