Alé & DMT Open U.S. HQ in Portland: FZ Distribution Targets North American Growth

Italian cycling apparel and footwear brands Alé and DMT have established a new U.S. headquarters in Portland, Oregon, as part of a strategic initiative to expand their presence in the North American market. The move is spearheaded by FZ Import & Distribution, the exclusive distributor for both brands in the U.S. and Canada, which has relocated its operations to Portland to better serve the region’s competitive cycling community. The new headquarters includes a showroom designed to facilitate direct engagement with dealers, teams, and athletes, showcasing Alé’s apparel and DMT’s shoe collections. This restructuring brings a leadership team with deep industry experience and a clear focus on growth. Alé CEO Alessia Piccolo now also leads FZ Distribution, ensuring the Italian brand’s vision is closely integrated with its North American strategy. Joining her is General Manager Peter Kukula, a cycling industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, who emphasises Portland’s vibrant cycling culture as an ideal environment for the brands’ development. Both leaders highlight the importance of combining Italian craftsmanship and innovation with a market that values performance and authenticity. Alongside the physical relocation, Alé has launched an updated website and a business-to-business platform to enhance user experience for consumers and retail partners alike. These digital improvements reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its footprint and supporting its dealer network in North America. The company aims to elevate Alé and DMT to household names among serious American cyclists by expanding its custom and premium product offerings. Alé, part of the Zecchetto Group and founded near Verona, Italy, is renowned for its high-performance cycling apparel, manufactured entirely in Italy and Europe. The brand supplies a wide range of apparel for men and women, catering to different seasons and disciplines, and is affiliated with numerous cycling teams from amateur to UCI World Tour level. It also produces official jerseys for several European cycling federations and partners with major events such as the UAE Tour and the Tour of Britain, underscoring its strong presence in the global cycling scene.