Industrial Focus: Strategic expansion strengthens European sweet bakery manufacturing capacity.

Valeo Foods Group has completed the acquisition of assets from Melegatti 1894 S.p.A., the Italian producer of panettone, pandoro and croissants. The transaction, finalised on 2nd July 2025, forms part of Valeo's strategy to expand its baked sweet treats portfolio across European markets.

Manufacturing Infrastructure

The acquisition brings two production facilities in the Verona province into Valeo's network: San Giovanni Lupatoto and San Martino Buon Albergo. These sites specialise in seasonal cake production and filled croissant manufacturing, operating traditional slow-leavening processes alongside modern production systems.

The facilities will add manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand for Italian bakery products in international markets, whilst maintaining current production standards and recipes.

Market Position and Product Portfolio

Melegatti, established in 1894, holds market position in the Italian seasonal cake segment, particularly for pandoro and panettone. The company's founder, Domenico Melegatti, patented the original pandoro recipe in 1894, establishing the brand's technical heritage in yeasted cake production.

Current product lines include:

• Pandoro and panettone (seasonal production)

• Filled croissants

• Sweet bakery goods

  
  

Strategic Integration

Ronald Kers, Group CEO of Valeo Foods Group, stated the acquisition "marks a significant strategic step in expanding our portfolio of high-quality, well-known brands" and will strengthen presence in South-West Europe whilst opening distribution channels across Valeo's global network.

Alberto Alfieri, CEO of Valeo Foods South-West Europe, confirmed the integration will preserve existing production methods whilst enabling sustainable growth through expanded distribution capabilities.

Industry Context

The acquisition adds to Valeo's existing bakery portfolio, which includes Balconi cakes and wafers across its 30 manufacturing facilities in eight countries. With revenues exceeding €1.8 billion and operations in over 100 countries, Valeo serves major retailers, discounters, e-commerce platforms, convenience stores, wholesalers and foodservice operators.

The transaction represents continued consolidation in the European sweet bakery sector, with focus on combining traditional production methods with expanded distribution networks to access international markets.

Operational Details

Valeo Foods Group employs nearly 6,000 people across facilities in the UK, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Canada. The company operates over 90 brands and is owned by Bain Capital.

Production integration timelines and capacity expansion details have not been disclosed.