The Consortium strengthens its presence in the French market

Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro and SAC S.p.a. have announced the successful completion of a share transfer agreement, which formalizes Consorzio Casalasco's acquisition of a majority stake (65% of shares) in SAC. This transaction strengthens both companies, which have long had an existing corporate relationship and collaborate commercially in foreign markets.

Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro – a leading company in the production and processing of industrial tomatoes, with a turnover of 240 million euros in 2017 and over 560,000 tons of fresh tomatoes processed, has embarked on a significant growth path in recent years. Its goal is to increasingly become the benchmark Italian company in the international tomato preserves sector, both through its own brands (Pomì, Pomito, De Rica) and for major branded industries and private labels.

Following the strengthening of its membership base and significant investments in the industrial/production chain at its plants in Rivarolo del Re (Cr), Fontanellato (Pr), and Gariga di Podenzano (Pc), the Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro continues, with this operation, its long-standing strategy of strengthening its international distribution network. This is achieved through agreements, the establishment, and acquisition of commercial companies that successfully operate in key foreign markets, thereby bringing supply and demand closer together in the sector.

This project includes, for example, the establishment of Pomì Usa Inc. for the US market in 2009, or distribution partnerships with various groups.

SAC S.p.a.., with a turnover of approximately 40 million euros in 2017, has always operated in international markets, particularly in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. There, it primarily markets and distributes tomato derivatives, sauces, and condiments, as well as canned fruit, rice, and legumes, both under its own brand (Victoria) and as private label products for retail and food service channels. The company, headquartered in Carmagnola (TO), also has a sales office in Paris. In the segment of basic tomato derivatives (pulps, purees, concentrates, and peeled tomatoes) under chain brands, it is among the top 3 operators in the French market, holding a share ranging between 35% and 40% of the total.

"The acquisition of SAC – stated Costantino Vaia, General Manager of Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro – is part of a strategic development plan that includes partnerships and acquisitions of established companies already present in international markets. We are convinced that by combining Casalasco's know-how with SAC's market knowledge, this is the first step to becoming one of the main players in the sector, also in France. The experience of the Oglino family, who will continue to manage the company, will provide a significant contribution to accelerate this development process».

For this transaction, Consorzio Casalasco was assisted by Vitale&Co as financial advisor.