Through its investment arm, Global Icecream Investments, the Italian private equity group Investindustrial has acquired a majority stake in Grupo Alacant, a Spanish producer of private-label ice cream.
Founded in 1972 by a cooperative of 35 ice cream makers based in Alicante, Spain, Grupo Alacant is among Spain’s largest independent producers. The company specializes in private-label manufacturing for retailers and co-produces for major branded ice cream firms. With annual revenues of €225 million in 2024 and a workforce of 850, it operates four modern production facilities in Alicante, Murcia, and Madrid. The firm has built a reputation for quality, food safety, and customer service.
The acquisition aims to strengthen Alacant’s position in its domestic market while funding investments to enhance productivity and accelerate international growth. Its ultimate ambition is to become a leading independent private-label ice cream manufacturer in Europe. Investindustrial brings significant expertise in the food sector, having backed companies such as Natra and current portfolio firms including Sammontana, Forno d’Asolo, Amalfi (La Doria/Winland), CSM Ingredients, and Eataly. These businesses generate €8 billion in annual sales across private-label, ingredient, and frozen bakery categories.
Andrea C. Bonomi, chairman of Investindustrial’s advisory board, expressed confidence in Alacant’s prospects. “The company operates in a sector we know intimately thanks to our track record in private-label food investments,” he said. “We are well-positioned to support its next growth phase by bolstering its position in Spain and driving its expansion abroad.”
Joaquin Lancis, Grupo Alacant’s CEO, described the deal as a strategic milestone. “Investindustrial’s deep knowledge of the private-label food sector makes it the ideal partner for our international ambitions,” he said. “With their experience and resources, we are confident that Grupo Alacant can establish itself as a leading player in the European market.”
