Cremona, Thursday 27th August 2015: Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro, which is a farmers’ cooperative specialized in the production and processing of industrial tomato, completed the merger by incorporation of A.R.P. - Agricoltori Riuniti Piacentini, which operates in Piacenza in the tomato sector (cultivation, processing and distribution) since 1958.
The partners meetings of the two cooperatives, respectively held on 25th and 26th August, adopted the operation unanimously (with subsequent formalization according to the procedures and time limits laid down by law) and sealed the creation of a unique, strong reality positioning itself as first industrial tomato production and transformation group in Italy and as third in Europe.
The common will of the two cooperatives to complete the merger was based on the same values and standards, which have always been shared: the cooperative spirit, identifying the close connection to the land through the tomato cultivation and processing; the high quality standards, and the innovative traceability systems for a short and sustainable chain; the strategic strengthening on international markets enhancing the added value of farms.
The new cooperative will associate about 370 farms mostly among the provinces of Piacenza, Parma, Cremona and Mantua, with almost 7.000 hectares dedicated to tomato crop, for a total production of over 550.000 tonnes of fresh tomato processed. The group, which currently employs about 1.300 people, will have over 50 production lines, installed in the plants of Rivarolo Del Re, Fontanellato and Gariga di Podenzano (ARP headquarters) generating a turnover of about 270 million euros.
The strategic business plan foresees the achievement of important management synergies, particularly in general, logistic and commercial management, with subsequent benefits in terms of profitability as well as a higher flexibility to quickly satisfy the requirements of our clients.
From a commercial point of view, the development of the product portfolio and the definition of new sales channels will guarantee a stronger presence on the international markets, enhancing the distribution of both the Pomì-brand products and the private labels.
As for distribution, the target is the combination of the retail product range of Consorzio Casalasco with the potential of ARP food service sizes, with a complete line satisfying mass catering.
“This operation, which sees the agricultural supply chain having a leading role, – comments Costantino Vaia, General Manager of Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro – is part of a strategic project consolidating and expanding our presence on international markets. The enlargement of the product portfolio and the opportunity through new sales channels will permit our company further growth and development, especially for Pomì, which will be an even stronger brand. Moreover, the management synergies and the optimization of production processes will contribute to improve profitability levels.”
