Qualita strikes exclusive partnership with leading upholstery manufacturer

UK-based furniture wholesaler Qualita – the Global Player category winner in The Furniture Awards 2024 – has announced a strategic partnership with Kauno Baldai, one of Lithuania’s largest and most modern upholstery factories.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Qualita’s UK expansion strategy, bringing together Qualita’s sales, customer service and logistics infrastructure with Kauno Baldai’s manufacturing expertise and quality standards.

Qualita boasts over 20 years’ experience serving both large and small retailers across the UK. With dedicated agents supporting independent shops and established accounts with many major retailers, Qualita possesses a deep understanding of the UK market landscape.

This expertise, combined with the recent addition to the team, a prominent industry designer Steve Armitage, positions Qualita well to introduce Kauno Baldai’s upholstery to the UK market.

Steve, formerly head of design for Loaf during its high-growth phase, brings a wealth of experience in designing bestselling sofas as well as cabinet furniture. His contributions promise to be instrumental in establishing Qualita’s and Kauno Baldai’s upholstery offer within the UK.

His design influence extends to the Laura Ashley cabinet product portfolio, where he has played an integral role in the success of the Garrat range, a top seller for over 20 years.

Although Kauno Baldai was incorporated in 1992, its heritage dates back to 1880, and upholstery manufacturing started there as far back as 1938. The company’s dedication to quality has continued through recent ownership changes, culminating in the construction of a brand-new factory.

Kauno Baldai currently exports its products to various European countries, and this partnership with Qualita marks its entry into the UK and Irish markets.

Beyond quality of manufacture, Kauno Baldai prioritises eco-friendliness and sustainability – a commitment evident through its use of renewable energy sources, eco-conscious packaging materials, and LNG-powered ships for delivery in certain regions.

Through this exclusive distribution agreement, Qualita will act as the sole distributor for Kauno Baldai’s upholstery products in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This collaboration will encompass private-label offerings for major retailers as well as commission-based sales to independent shops.

Pictured: Qualita founder Andrius Minicius; Kauno Baldai CEO Tomas Mauricas; and Kauno Baldais sales director Deividas Vilius