Sabelli group – one of the largest Italian family-run dairy companies – continues its acquisition campaign with another Italian excellence: Caseificio Val d’Aveto (Val d’Aveto dairy), a niche producer of cast yogurt and traditional cheeses in the premium segment. Caseificio Val d’Aveto was founded more than 25 years ago, when it started the production of typical Ligurian cheeses. Later on, it specialized in the production of yogurt through the ancient technique of casting. The founding shareholders – the Cella-Pastorini and Fontana families – will remain with minority interests to ensure business continuity.
Growth and acquisitions
Sabelli continues its growth through acquisitions with high added value, thanks to which the dairy group has reached a consolidated turnover of 150 million euros to date. Founded in 1921 by Nicolangelo Sabelli, the dairy resumed its activities after the World War II with Archimede Sabelli – Nicolangelo’s son – and grew up in the current plant of Ascoli Piceno. In 2016, Sabelli group acquired Trevisanalat from the private equity fund Alto Partners, laying the foundations for a leadership role in Italy in the production of mozzarella cheese and specialty dairy products. Caseificio Val d’Aveto – located in the Ligurian hinterland – generated a turnover of approximately 4 million euros in 2017 and in recent months it has achieved a significant growth in volumes thanks to the requests of specialist customers interested in the dairy’s premium products. The cast-in yogurt production is accompanied by fresh and seasoned cheeses that are typical of the Ligurian tradition.
Under the banner of Made in Italy
Simone Mariani and Angelo Galeati (in the picture above), Sabelli’s managing directors, commented: This acquisition is in line with our strategy of bringing within our group the champions of Made in Italy food industry. We are pleased to contribute to the development of Val D’Aveto brand, an excellent producer of traditional cheeses and cast-in yogurt with a unique and unmistakable taste. Graziella Pastorini, president and representative of the shareholders of Caseificio Val d’Aveto, added: We are proud that a group like Sabelli has proposed our company to join it. Our sales organization will benefit from Sabelli’s channels and our products – among which our cast yogurt certainly stands out – will be appreciated by an ever-increasing number of consumers in Italy and abroad.