Intesa Sanpaolo has extended a €50 million loan to Casillo, an Italian flour producer, to support its export growth and the international launch of Altograno, a high-fiber, high-protein flour aimed at health-conscious consumers. The deal, backed by Sace’s Garanzia Futuro, reflects growing investor interest in sustainable food innovation.
Founded in 1958 in Corato, Puglia, Casillo has evolved from a grain trader into a global player in flour production, logistics, and renewable energy. The company’s latest venture, Altograno, claims to offer 40% more fiber and 50% more protein than traditional wholemeal flour, along with higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals. “This financing is central to our global strategy,” said the firm’s president and CEO Francesco Casillo. “We are bringing to market a product that redefines industry standards, backed by scientific research.”
Massimiliano Cattozzi, head of agribusiness at Intesa Sanpaolo, framed the loan as a strategic investment in Italy’s wheat sector. “This strengthens the country’s position in global grain markets, with ripple effects across the supply chain,” he said. In 2024 alone, Intesa Sanpaolo has channeled nearly €2 billion into the Italian agri-food industry, underscoring the sector’s importance to the broader economy.