Turkish flour giant Ulusoy expands into pasta market with acquisition of Italian pasta firm Pastificio
TURKEY – Turkey’s largest flour producer, Ulusoy Un, has announced its acquisition of an 85% stake in Italian pasta manufacturer Pastificio Mediterranea.
The nearly US$5.76 million deal, finalized with Spain’s Cerealto Group, marks a significant step for Ulusoy Un as it strengthens its international foothold through one of Italy’s historic pasta brands.
Located in Silvano d’Orba, Pastificio Mediterranea has deep roots in the Italian pasta industry, dating back to its founding in 1908.
Known for its commitment to quality and traditional production methods, the company gained international acclaim in the 1950s and 60s with the iconic Moccagatta brand, expanding its reach into global markets.
Its production processes evolved over the decades, with the establishment of one of the region’s first automated pasta pressing systems in 1936 and a shift to a state-of-the-art plant in 2003 to meet rising demand.
Notably, the Moccagatta family will continue to be involved, maintaining their expertise and legacy within the company.
Ulusoy Un’s acquisition aims to tap into the premium pasta market, leveraging the Turkish group’s extensive raw material resources and global network.
“We will contribute to Pastificio’s growth and further expand its geographical coverage through our group’s supply capabilities and customer network,” said Eren Günhan Ulusoy, Chairperson of Ulusoy Un.
Marco Ferraroni, General Manager of Pastificio Mediterranea, expressed optimism, noting that the partnership aligns with their company’s goals and values, with both entities aiming to elevate the brand’s reach and impact.
“We are confident that together we will take our company to the next level.”
This acquisition builds on Ulusoy Un’s ongoing expansion strategy. Earlier this year, its subsidiary Soke, a Turkish flour producer, acquired a 12.65% stake in U.S.-based bread maker Rudi’s, marking Ulusoy Un’s foray into the North American market.
Pasta demand has grown consistently in recent years, fueled by a global consumer shift towards premium and artisanal offerings.
This comes after recently, Türkiye ranked second in global pasta production and export, reaching 166 countries and capturing markets across South America, Africa, and Japan.
Aykut Göymen, President of the Turkish Pasta Industry Association, highlighted Türkiye’s prominent role in the global pasta industry, noting a remarkable 984,000 tons of exports in the first eight months of 2024.
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