Casalasco Tomato Consortium and ARP together: the tomato giant emerges

The general meetings of the members of the two cooperatives, held respectively on Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26, unanimously approved the operation (which will subsequently be formalized with the completion of the procedures and within the times provided by law), decreeing the creation of a strong and unique entity that positions itself as the leading group for the production and processing of industrial tomatoes in Italy and the third-largest group in Europe. The common will of the two companies to complete the merger process was based on long-shared criteria and values: the cooperative nature of the two companies, which identifies the strong link with the territory through the cultivation and self-processing of tomatoes; high quality standards and innovative traceability systems for a short and sustainable supply chain; the strategic strengthening in international markets by enhancing the added value for its members.

The new entity will bring together approximately 370 farms primarily from the provinces of Piacenza, Cremona, Parma, and Mantua, with nearly 7,000 hectares of land cultivated with tomatoes, for a total production of over 550,000 tons. The group, which currently employs approximately 1,300 employees between permanent and seasonal staff, will have over 50 packaging lines installed at the facilities in Rivarolo del Re, Fontanellato and Gariga di Podenzano (A.R.P. headquarters), generating an annual revenue of approximately 270 million euros.

The business plan for this operation aims to achieve significant operational synergies, particularly in the coordination of general services and logistics and the organization of sales, resulting in benefits in terms of profitability, as well as greater flexibility to quickly meet customer needs.

And from a commercial perspective, the expansion of the product portfolio and the establishment of new sales channels will ensure a stronger presence in international markets, strengthening the distribution of both own-brand (Pomi) and private label products. In terms of distribution, the goal is to complement the retail range of Consorzio Casalasco with the potential of the ARP's foodservice formats with a complete product line for foodservice.

“This initiative, which places the agricultural supply chain at its core, - comments Costantino Vaia, General Manager of the Casalasco Tomato Consortium- is part of a strategic project for expansion and consolidation in international markets. Completing our product portfolio and opening up new sales channels will enable us to achieve further growth and development, especially for our own-brand products, thereby making Pomì an even stronger brand. Furthermore, management synergies and the optimization of production processes will contribute to improving profitability levels.”

Paolo Voltini, president of Casalasco, states: “Beyond the economic figures and values, this aggregation represents a significant demonstration of maturity and awareness within the agricultural sector, which is embracing market challenges and taking a leading role with a strategic vision.”