- Melegatti is known for artisanal cakes and traditional Italian recipes
- Acquisition strengthens Valeo Foods' baked sweet treats portfolio
Valeo Foods Group, one of Europe’s leading producers of sweets, treats and snacks, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Italian bakery company Melegatti.
Valeo Foods, whose brands include Barratt’s sweets, Fox’s mints and Kettle Chips, said the acquisition is another step forward in its strategy to expand its baked sweet treats portfolio, and reinforces its commitment to bringing authentic Italian confections and established regional brands to a wider international audience.
Founded in 1894 in Verona, Melegatti has a strong reputation for artisanal cakes - particularly pandoro, panettone and filled croissants - traditional recipes, and a rich Italian heritage.
“We are excited to welcome Melegatti into the Valeo Foods Group,” said Ronald Kers, group chief executive. “This acquisition marks a significant strategic step in expanding our portfolio of high-quality, well-known brands and underscores our commitment to excellence, innovation, and long-term value creation.
“As we integrate Melegatti into our business, we strengthen our presence in South-West Europe and open new avenues for growth across our global network — all while bringing authentic, high-quality Italian bakery treats to consumers around the world,” Kers added.
The acquisition will also enable Valeo Foods Group to strengthen its manufacturing and logistics capabilities, adding capacity to meet increasing demand while preserving the distinctive character and authenticity of Melegatti’s products.
Roberto Spezzapria, president of Melegatti, said: “Following the successful relaunch of the historic Melegatti brand in the Italian market, we are proud to entrust its future to the experience and expertise of Valeo Foods Group. We are confident that Valeo Foods will guide the brand into its next phase of international growth, while further strengthening its value and honouring its deep roots in Italian culture.”
Alberto Alfieri, chief executive of Valeo Foods, South-West Europe, added: “Melegatti is built on craftsmanship and care - values that strongly align with our own. This means that we can preserve what makes Melegatti special while continuing to grow sustainably, bringing another example of Italian food tradition and excellence to the global market. It’s an exciting new chapter for our team and our customers.”
Founded by Domenico Melegatti, the inventor of the original Pandoro, which he patented in the same year, Melegatti has over 130 years of history and remains a symbol of Italian holiday tradition.