French dairy giant Lactalis has announced a €27mn investment to expand and modernise its Mandara facility in Mondragone, a historic producer of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO. The plan, due for completion by 2028, will increase the site’s annual output by more than 60 per cent, from 6,000 to 10,000 tonnes.
The project includes a new warehouse and dairy, part of a wider restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and introducing new product lines. Lactalis said the initiative reflects its strategy of combining local cheesemaking traditions with innovation and international growth.
Mandara, founded in 1950 in the heart of the buffalo mozzarella region, already exports around half its production — well above the national average of 38.3 per cent, according to consultancy Nomisma. It supplies mozzarella under the Mandara, Vallelata, and Galbani brands.
The Mondragone site currently employs between 85 and 130 staff, depending on the season. Michele Fochi, general manager of Castelli & Ambrosi, said the investment would “make Mandara an even stronger player in national and international markets” while safeguarding local traditions.