Pasta Zara, renewed as one of the leading Italian pasta makers, expected to make a significant increase in production capacity, seeking to record more volumes, all entirely destined to meet foreign demand. The president Furio Bragagnolo, speaking at Ipack- Ima press conference, said: “According to our latest industry figures, we are producing about 1.500 tons of pasta a day. But the company is thought to be targeting 300 million tons of pasta production, thanks to a new productive line which will start working in next few months.” and he added ” Our business covers markets of 106 countries where we are exporting at this time about 92% of production. And also the increased output will be aimed to serve foreign markets”.
Actually, the company is losing market shares in France in particular, even if Europe accounts for a great amount in sales. “there are some countries where we record the most of revenues, that is to say Northern Europe countries and Germany. In recent years, we registered growth in Middle East sales and nowhere is more evident a pressing demand is Northern Africa. This is a market that lacks the culture of pasta but data show that the need is rising.” And it’s up to the company to address those emerging needs to Italian pasta items.
Moreover Bragagnolo confirmed the exclusive agreement signed with GMI-Grandi Molini Italiani, the most important Italian supplier for grain, which allows Pasta Zara company exclusively to manufacture in the Trieste’s GMI production plant. “The deal represents a very important step to move forward in the supply chain. Nowadays we have mills providing 30% of output. Finally, this implies that we will reach the 70 per cent. Throughout the agreement, we will be able to produce about 400 million tons of pasta in 2017-2018 years.” Considering this picture, Bragagnolo could secure a positive valuation of the future of the company. But what about the entire Italian pasta sector? “I found” he replied” that the major threat comes from globalization: our competitors are not domestic no more. A lot of foreign companies produce and sell pasta abroad, taking advantage of lower cost with such a lower quality. The problem is that consumers abroad do not perceive differentials in standard. Low quality industry in making pasta is one of the main causes of today’s competitiveness”.