Valeo Foods acquires Italian sweet bakery Freddi Dolciaria
Valeo Foods stated that acquiring Freddi, which is based in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy, will enhance its presence in the bakery sector and support its expansion in the South-West region of Europe.
ITALY – Valeo Foods Group has acquired Freddi Dolciaria SpA, an Italian manufacturer of sweet baked goods, for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 1949 by Luigi Freddi, Freddi specializes in pre-packaged sponge cakes and Swiss rolls. The company also produces a variety of classic, filled, and layered cakes, as well as snack cakes, under brands such as Finesse, Dolcetto, Ballerina, Buondolce, Moretta, Dark, O’mamma, Pic-Nic, and Swiss Roll.
Additionally, it offers licensed products featuring brands like Baileys, Barbie, and Hot Wheels, along with seasonal items.
Freddi serves both the Italian retail market and international markets, generating annual sales of approximately €20 million (US$22.7M) and employing 48 individuals.
“Freddi Dolciaria is a fantastic addition to the Valeo Foods portfolio, which already includes some of Europe’s most established and beloved cakes,” said Ronald Kers, CEO of Valeo Foods Group.
The company highlighted that Freddi will strengthen its position in the packaged wafers, cakes, and biscuits segments, complementing its Balconi Italian cake and biscuit business in Southern Europe and international markets.
“As Freddi Dolciaria joins our portfolio, we are enhancing our manufacturing and logistical capabilities, adding another well-invested, flexible facility to support our ambitious growth plan,” Kers remarked.
In January, Valeo closed its acquisition of I.D.C. Holding, a Slovakia-based producer of wafers, biscuits, confections, and chocolate snacks targeting the Central and Eastern European markets.
This followed the previous year’s purchase of Dal Colle, a Milan-based manufacturer of baked goods, sweet treats, and snacks, as well as a series of earlier acquisitions, including IDP Pattini in 2023, Val D’Enza in 2017, and Balconi in 2015.
“Freddi Dolciaria has a strong legacy of producing high-quality products that consumers love. Its product range and operational footprint align perfectly with Valeo Foods. We are delighted to welcome our 48 new colleagues to Valeo Foods,” said Alberto Alfieri, CEO of Valeo Foods for South-West Europe.
Valeo Foods is an Irish multinational producer of branded food and beverage products, boasting a portfolio of over 50 international food brands sold in 90 countries worldwide.
The company specializes in sweet baked products, including wafers, sponge cakes, seasonal cakes, filled croissants, tarts, and muffins, as well as confections.
Its product range also includes salty snacks such as potato chips, tortilla chips, popcorn, veggie chips, and meat snacks, in addition to grocery items and natural sweeteners.
Owned by Bain Capital, Valeo Foods generates annual revenue exceeding €1.8 billion ($2.05 billion) and serves major retailers, discounters, convenience stores, online platforms, wholesalers, and foodservice operators in more than 100 countries.
The company employs nearly 6,000 individuals and operates 30 facilities across the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovakia, Czechia, and Canada.
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