Investor-backed Valeo Foods Group has significantly strengthened its Italian foothold by acquiring local sweet bakery products business Freddi Dolciaria.
The financial terms of this transaction remain undisclosed.
In a statement issued today, May 2, Dublin-headquartered Valeo Foods highlighted that this acquisition aims to “enhance its position in the bakery sector,” particularly focusing on packaged wafers, cakes, and biscuits.
Founded in 1949 by Luigi Freddi and headquartered in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Freddi Dolciaria offers an extensive range of pre-packaged sponge cakes and Swiss rolls.
The company’s product lineup includes classic, filled, and layered cakes, as well as health-conscious and free-from options.
Moreover, with a dedicated team of 48 employees, Freddi Dolciaria generates an impressive annual turnover of €20 million ($22.6 million) from both Italian and global retailers, according to the statement.
Valeo Foods’ CEO, Ronald Kers, stated: “Commercially, this move strengthens and broadens our product range, introducing exclusive global licensing partnerships with leading CPGs and expanding our healthy and ‘free-from’ offerings.”
He further elaborated, “As Freddi Dolciaria joins our portfolio, we enhance our manufacturing and logistical capabilities, adding an additional, well-invested, flexible facility to support our ambitious growth plans. This marks the next step in our vision to establish Valeo Foods as the leading European champion in sweet treats.”
This acquisition will enhance Valeo Foods’ “production capacity and operational efficiency,” supporting its commitment to “sustainable, profitable growth.”
Notably, this acquisition represents Valeo Foods’ fifth in the region.
Previously, Valeo Foods acquired Italian baker Dal Colle and central European snacking business IDC Holding in 2024.
Past acquisitions include baked desserts maker Industria Dolciaria Pattini in 2023, sweet tarts producer Dolciaria Val D’Enza in 2017, and cakes and wafers manufacturer Balconi in 2015.
Valeo Foods, owned by investment group Bain Capital, operates in over 100 countries while managing a diverse portfolio of more than 90 brands, including Pedro, Rowse Honey, Fox’s, and Kettle Chips.
Additionally, Valeo Foods employs approximately 6,000 people across 30 production sites in the UK, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Canada. The company reported annual revenues of around €1.8 billion.
