Sergio Fontals (+D2): “Our challenge has always been to offer products with soul, design and closeness”
With more than 20 years of experience, +D2 has positioned itself as a benchmark in the gift sector thanks to a carefully curated selection of brands with personality, design and commitment. Sergio Fontals, co-founder and CEO of the company, talks to us about the origins of the business, its essence as a family project, the importance of sustainability and the challenges of a constantly evolving sector.
How did +D2 come about and what was the brand’s initial vision?
+D2 was founded over 20 years ago with the idea of bringing brands to our market that offered original, high-quality products at very competitive prices. Javier and Gloria, who already had experience in the sector, identified a great opportunity: there was no truly original, relaxed proposal with a positive, approachable energy. From the very beginning, the brand’s vision was to fill that gap, focusing on products with personality, accessibility and a fresh identity.
How would you define the essence or style of the company?
The essence of +D2 is defined, on the one hand, by a clear commitment to originality, design and quality across all our brands. On the other hand, it is defined by the way we work as a company: we are a family business, close and highly committed to our clients. Our involvement goes far beyond presenting attractive products; we strive to offer a carefully considered, personalised service aimed at building long-lasting relationships based on trust.
Which products best represent +D2?
Over these 20 years, we have had many products that have become true icons, such as the Luckies Scratch Map, the Kikkerland Solar Queen or the Bobino phone hanger. However, beyond individual products, one of our greatest achievements has been making the brands themselves recognisable. Brands such as IZIPIZI, Kikkerland or 24Bottles have become benchmarks within our sector and also at consumer level, reflecting years of consistent positioning and coherence.
“Sustainability influences the way we design, produce and distribute our products.”
How important is sustainability in the development of your products?
Sustainability plays a fundamental role in the development of our products. The commitment of our brands to the environment is absolute and goes far beyond manufacturing processes or the materials used. It is a global vision that influences the way products are designed, produced and distributed, with the aim of minimising environmental impact and promoting responsible, long-lasting solutions.
How has digitalisation influenced the company’s growth?
Digitalisation has been key to the company’s growth from the very beginning. We have always relied on technology and integrated it into our daily operations; in fact, 20 years ago we developed our own B2B platform and our own CRM, which was very unusual at the time. Since then, we have continued to evolve and adapt, always with the aim of optimising processes and offering the best possible service to our clients.
What type of client usually chooses +D2 products?
The variety of brands that make up our portfolio means we work with a wide range of clients within the retail sector. We are chosen by those who are looking for products with design, personality and quality, and who value working with well-known, well-positioned brands capable of connecting both with the point of sale and the end consumer.
What type of brands do you represent and what criteria do you follow when incorporating them into your catalogue?
We represent brands that offer original, high-quality and functional products, but that is not the only criterion. We place great importance on the human factor behind each brand. We particularly value that the people leading them share our vision, our values and the same level of commitment, as we believe this alignment is key to building solid relationships and long-term projects.
“The real challenge lies in adding value, originality and distinctive proposals.”
What are the main challenges currently facing the gift sector?
The gift sector faces many challenges, but one of the most motivating is continuing to find products that are capable of surprising. In today’s environment, we have almost immediate access to any product, so the real challenge lies in adding value, originality and distinctive proposals that spark interest and emotion both in the client and the end consumer.
Eco Textures is a collection made from natural fibres: linen, silk, jute and cotton. We always seek to strike a balance between economic growth, social wellbeing and environmental protection.
What is +D2’s vision for the future?
Our vision for the future of +D2 is to continue growing in a coherent and sustainable way, while keeping intact the essence that has brought us this far. We want to keep expanding our portfolio with brands that add value, design and functionality, while at the same time strengthening long-term relationships with both our partners and our clients.