Two of Europe's most recognisable pizza operations Crosta Mollica and European Pizza Group have confirmed a merger that creates a combined retail sales base of €1 billion across European grocery markets.

The deal brings together Crosta Mollica, a brand that has tripled its retail sales to €270 million since January 2024, with European Pizza Group, the producer of Wagner and Buitoni, two brands with strong positions across 10 core European markets.

David Milner, currently Chairman of Crosta Mollica, will take the role of Group CEO of the merged entity. Tom Sirett remains CEO of Crosta Mollica and Matthias Casanova continues as CEO of European Pizza Group. Both businesses will operate independently with no immediate changes to their existing structures.

Crosta Mollica's trajectory since Milner and Sirett joined in early 2024 has been notable: the brand moved from €90 million in retail sales to €270 million, securing the position of UK's second-largest pizza brand and was named Food Brand of the Year by The Grocer magazine in 2026. European Pizza Group, which was spun out from Nestlé in September 2023, has since built manufacturing capability across sites in Italy and Germany.

Milner described the merger as creating "a highly complementary portfolio," adding that the combined group's scale would be used "to accelerate growth" across its brand stable.

Existing shareholders, PAI, Perwyn, Nestlé and management, will continue to back the combined group.

Consumer behaviour is shaping the European pizza category: grocery retail is drawing volume away from delivery operators, as shoppers look for premium, restaurant-quality product at home. Both businesses are positioned within that segment.