Recent times have certainly tested the mettle of Bergara, as they have for almost every company in the hunting industry, but these are challenges that the company has stood tall against thanks to its impressive history and the fact it never takes anything for granted.
“The last few years have been a mix of great effort and sacrifice accompanied by great success,” explains Guillermo Martinez, Sales and Marketing Director of Bergara’s parent company Dikar Holdings.
“We have not only been able to overcome all sorts of difficulties such as the pandemic, logistics issues, economic downfalls, and legislation changes, but we have done it by growing worldwide year after year, positioning our brand and products as a market reference and becoming an important player in the rifle manufacturing industry.”
Overcoming the difficulties is one thing but doing so while also acquiring and moving into a brand-new factory is doubly impressive – which is exactly what Bergara has done. Guillermo explains: “Not only the fact of moving factory, which is already a very complicated challenge but because we have been able to do it in one year, completely restructuring our manufacturing process and not disrupting the supply to our growing demand. This huge and amazing change grants us the opportunity to attend to the changing demand from our clients faster, better and more controlled than ever, as well as bringing the opportunity to grow even more in the next years.”
Ready to meet with the world
IWA OutdoorClassics represents a fantastic business opportunity for those companies looking to make their mark on an industry or even try to gain some market share. But it’s also hugely important for big names such as Bergara. Brands like this aren’t looking to be discovered by people at the show, they have different but no less important goals at an in-person trade show.“In the past, it [IWA] was key for us to introduce, show and present our brand,” says Guillermo.
“It was a moment where we got to meet potential partners and overall industry colleagues that have helped us to position ourselves where we are today. Nowadays, it is a great meeting point. At IWA, we are able to gather and meet with many of our partners at once.”
The value of a face-to-face meeting point is perhaps more important than ever when you consider some of the challenges the industry is facing that Guillermo has already mentioned. Another benefit for well-known brands is that when they reveal something new at a show such as IWA, people tend to get very interested. And that will be no different on stand 1-437 in hall 1 in Nürnberg this year when Bergara plans to reveal 2025 models including the B14 – a new range of entry-level thumbhole models that aims to build on the success of the Wilderness. It will also be showcasing two new rimfire rifles – the BMR X Steel and Carbon – which combine the best of both worlds in terms of being ideal for hunting and shooting at a range for practice. The aforementioned Wilderness will also be getting a new, long-awaited carbon barrel option, the Sierra Carbon. But the most significant news from this stable actually comes from another of Dikar Holdings’ brands.
Guillermo explains: “CVA is a leading brand in the US market, and we are excited to introduce it to new markets worldwide [at IWA]. As the number one brand for muzzleloading rifles and a strong competitor in the bolt-action rifle category, CVA has been a trusted name since 1971. Now, it’s ready for global expansion, and we anticipate a significant impact with this launch. I encourage everyone to come and see the CVA line-up in a special section we will hold at the Bergara booth.”
