Italian investment fund Fondo Italiano d’Investimento has made a significant move in the food and beverage industry by acquiring a majority stake in pasta manufacturer Pasta Berruto. This strategic acquisition involves Fondo Italiano d’Investimento purchasing a 60% stake in the Turin-based pasta producer from Webcor Investments, an agro-industrial investment group. The financial details of this transaction have not been disclosed.
The acquisition was facilitated through Fondo Italiano d’Investimento’s Italian Agri and Food Fund (FIAF), marking its second investment in the sector. The fund aims to support Pasta Berruto in enhancing its production capacity, investing in innovation, and expanding its presence in international markets.
Stefano Berruto, CEO of Pasta Berruto, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with FIAF, highlighting the shared commitment to excellence in producing high-quality Italian pasta. He emphasized the collaborative effort towards future growth and development, leveraging the company’s expertise and passion.
Pasta Berruto specializes in producing dry durum wheat semolina pasta and was established in 2004 through the merger of two pasta factories owned by the Berruto family. The company offers private-label and branded products and operates in approximately 100 countries, showcasing its global reach and market presence.
In 2023, Pasta Berruto achieved a revenue of €64.4m ($70.2m), with a significant portion of the revenue generated from international sales. The company employs around 70 individuals and operates nine production lines, producing approximately 65,000 tonnes of products annually.
Pier Felice Murtas and Marco Pellegrino, senior partners at FIAF, expressed pride in supporting Pasta Berruto and the entrepreneurial Berruto family. They emphasized the commitment to facilitating the company’s growth through increased production capacity, product innovation, and enhanced international market leadership.
Stefano and Matteo Berruto, the current CEO and plant manager, respectively, along with their sister Anna Maria Berruto, will continue to be minority shareholders in the company and maintain operational roles. The transaction is expected to be finalized next month, solidifying the collaboration between Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and Pasta Berruto in the dynamic food and beverage industry.
In conclusion, this strategic partnership between Fondo Italiano d’Investimento and Pasta Berruto exemplifies a shared vision for growth, innovation, and market expansion within the food and drink business landscape. The acquisition underscores the commitment to excellence and international success in delivering high-quality Italian pasta products to consumers worldwide.
