Nestlè Italiana officially announced the signing of the preliminary agreement for the sale of Moretta plant (Cuneo) business unit to Pastificio Rana SpA, which is a global leader in the fresh pasta market. The acquisition concerns all the assets of the plant and will guarantee full employment continuity for 190 workers.
The deal
Built in 1922 and renovated by Nestlè Italiana in 1990, the plant at the foot of the Piedmont Alps covers an area of 25 thousand square meters and currently produces fresh stuffed pasta and sauces under Buitoni’s brand. Further to the sale of the business unit, Nestlè Italiana and Pastificio Rana have signed an important commercial agreement: starting from the closing of the operation, Pastificio Rana will distribute and market Buitoni’s fresh pasta and sauces in the whole EMENA area (Europe, Middle East and North Africa). Exceptions are Italy and Spain, where these products will continue to be distributed and marketed directly by Nestlè.
Research and innovation
Buitoni brand is still owned by Nestlè, which confirms its importance within its portfolio: the company will continue to invest in the brand’s innovation, research, and marketing resources. The acquisition is to be finalized in the coming weeks, once the procedures of the law, of the union consultation, and of the activities necessary to guarantee the continuity in the factory’s management are completed. We are very satisfied with the agreement reached with Rana pasta company, a symbol of food excellence in our country – said Leo Wencel, Head of Nestlè Group in Italy. Buitoni’s fresh pasta and sauces have always been a symbol of high quality and emblems of the great Italian gastronomic tradition. The commercial partnership with Rana will allow us to seize growth opportunities abroad, while ensuring development and continuity of employment at the Moretta plant. Gian Luca Rana, Managing Director of Pastificio Rana, stated: We are very pleased with this acquisition, which allows us to immediately expand our production capacity, increasing volumes and providing a timely and effective response to a global market that has seen us grow for over 25 years with average rates above 15%. Moretta plant is added to those of San Giovanni Lupatoto, Paratico, Gaggiano, and Pavia. It is characterized by the presence of specialized expertise and know-how, which perfectly match the approach to quality, research, and innovation that has always distinguished our company. Moreover, the plant is part of an area with a strong agri-food vocation that we intend to further enhance thanks to its various local excellent products. Finally, this commercial partnership will allow us to sell fresh pasta and sauces of an important and historic brand such as Buitoni on markets where it is not yet present.