On November 18th, Italian frozen pizza maker Roncadin officially opened a new production plant in Vernon Hills, Illinois, marking a significant step in its U.S. expansion. The 7,000-square-meter facility, which employs 100 staff, houses a production line capable of producing 30 million pizzas annually, using carefully sourced ingredients and traditional Italian methods. With the North American frozen pizza market valued at $6 billion, the company aims to capture a larger share, projecting revenues of $78 million by 2025, with longer-term goals of reaching $200 million.
The inauguration coincided with the PLMA trade show in Chicago, the largest North American event for private-label products. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included company executives and employees, celebrated the culmination of years of planning, as well as Roncadin’s commitment to expanding its U.S. presence.
“This new plant, a €30 million investment, is a crucial milestone for Roncadin,” said CEO Dario Roncadin. “It opens up new growth opportunities, benefiting not only the company but also the entire supply chain tied to Made-in-Italy frozen pizza.” Since entering the U.S. market in 2013 with pizzas produced in Italy, Roncadin’s products have gained traction for their authenticity. Today, 68% of its sales in North America are through private-label brands, while Roncadin-branded pizzas account for 32%.
The decision to build the new plant in Chicago, often called the “food capital” of the U.S., reflects the company’s recognition of the region’s logistical importance. A second production line, also with a capacity of 30 million pizzas annually, will be added soon, doubling output. Roncadin is also exploring the possibility of adding a line for pinsa, a traditional Roman-style pizza.
The Chicago facility will house an independent R&D department, and operations will be led by Alessio Lucchese, CEO of Roncadin Inc. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come in bringing authentic Italian pizza to the U.S.,” said Lucchese. “This achievement is the result of a diverse team, combining Italian craftsmanship with American know-how. We’re eager to show what we can accomplish.”