Italian performance brands Alé and DMT are stepping up their North American ambitions with a new U.S. headquarters in Portland. Backed by a restructured distribution model and hands-on leadership, the move signals a serious push to build brand awareness and market share in one of cycling’s most competitive regions.
FZ Import & Distribution Moves to Portland, Oregon and Aims on Growth for Alé and DMT in North America
PEZ SEz: Alé’s Custom program is one of the best anywhere – I know because they did the last round of custom kit for PEZ – and I went inside their Italian factory to see how it’s made…
New structure, New U.S. headquarters, focuses on growth and competitiveness for the North American Market.
Portland, OR April 2026— FZ Import & Distribution, the new exclusive U.S. and Canadian distributor of Alé, DMT, has officially relocated its North American operations to Portland, Oregon. The March relocation includes the opening of a new Portland showroom, designed as a meeting point for dealers, teams, and athletes to experience Alé’s full apparel range, DMT’s shoe lineup in person.
The reorganization brings together a leadership team purpose-built for North America. Alé CEO Alessia Piccolo now also serves as CEO of FZ, bringing the brand’s Italian vision directly into the U.S. operation. Joining her is General Manager Peter Kukula, a veteran of over 25 years in the cycling industry and since 2023, running his own consultancy PKSC Management Group.
“Our goal is to make Alé and DMT names that every serious American cyclist knows and trusts,” said Piccolo. “We’re bringing Italian craftsmanship, real textile innovation, and a style-forward approach to a market that demands performance and authenticity.”
“Portland was a logical choice for us, it has one of the largest cycling communities in the country and a cycling culture that fits all the brands of the APG family,” said Peter Kukula, Alé USA General Manager. “This move and new showroom, allows us to better support the brands and the dealer network while continuing to grow our custom and premium product business.”
Alongside the move, Alé has rolled out an updated website and B2B platform aimed at improving the experience for both consumers and retail partners. These changes signal Alé’s continued investment in growing its footprint across the American cycling industry.
For more info contact – Peter Kukula peter@alebikewear.com
About Alé
Alé, owned by A.P.G. S.r.l. and part of the Zecchetto Group, was founded near Verona, Italy, and is recognized for its high-performance cycling apparel. Its collections, distributed in over 37 countries, are fully manufactured in Italy and Europe, combining Italian craftsmanship, bold design, and advanced textile innovation. Alé offers men’s and women’s lines suitable for all seasons and disciplines, ensuring maximum performance and reliability. The brand partners with cycling teams ranging from amateur clubs to UCI World Tour squads and produces official jerseys for the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) and the cycling federations of Great Britain, Denmark, France, and Slovenia. Alé also collaborates with high-profile events such as the UAE Tour, Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain, and Tour of the Alps.
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