Private equity firm Investindustrial has strategically merged US-based private-label manufacturer Winland Foods with Italy’s La Doria, creating Windoria, a new enterprise projected to generate $4 billion in sales.
This move marks Investindustrial’s complete ownership of both companies, as it previously owned Winland Foods outright and held a majority stake in La Doria.
The launch arrives at a “pivotal moment” for companies focusing on private label food, according to a statement released on September 17.
In the United States, sales of private label brands have consistently outpaced national brands for the past three years, as reported by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA).
Antonio Ferraioli, chairman of Windoria, remarked: “This new platform will enable further growth in other markets, including through acquisitions.”
Winland Foods specializes in producing private label and branded food products for foodservice and retail. Meanwhile, La Doria is known for its private label tomato-based sauces, canned goods, and dried pasta.
The merger of these entities is expected to position Windoria as a $4 billion “leader” in food manufacturing.
With 28 manufacturing plants and a workforce of 5,000 employees, Windoria boasts “global scale” and a “vertically integrated supply chain,” as highlighted in the statement.
Eric Beringause will continue as CEO of both Winland Foods and Windoria, while Ferraioli remains CEO of La Doria Group.
Additionally, Dave Barta has been appointed chief financial officer of Windoria, maintaining his role for Winland Foods.
Beringause stated: “Windoria products are now found on the shelves of supermarkets worldwide.”
He added: “As a strategic partner to leading retailers, foodservice, and food brands, Windoria offers our customers a diverse range of products to meet evolving consumer preferences, alongside a robust supply chain across multiple continents, and top-notch quality.”
Windoria’s operational scope encompasses various categories, including pasta, sauces, condiments, and canned vegetables and legumes, predominantly in private label markets across North America, the U.K., and Italy. Its integrated pasta platform includes 11 operations in North America and Europe.
In July 2024, La Doria acquired the sauces and pesto business Clas, a notable producer of Italian pesto, ready-made pasta sauces, and condiments for private-label clients.
Last year, La Doria Group also finalized an agreement to acquire the private-label dry pasta business unit of local manufacturer Pastificio di Martino Gaetano.
Moreover, La Doria has also agreed to repurchase the 13% stake held by Pastificio di Martino in its subsidiary, La Doria LDH, according to the statement.
