Founded in 1949, Freddi Dolciaria is an Italian sweet bakery company headquartered in Castiglione delle Stiviere that specialises in sponge cakes.
The firm has an established presence in both the Italian retail and international markets, with an annual turnover approaching £17 million and 48 employees.
Valeo – which owns more than 90 brands including Kettle Chips, Rowse Honey, Barratt’s sweets and Fox’s mints – hopes that the acquisition will help the group accelerate its growth in the south west European region and enhance its position in the bakery sector.
The deal strengthens Valeo’s position in the packaged wafers, cakes and biscuits category, complementing its existing Balconi business.
The integration of Freddi is expected to drive sustainable and profitable growth while enhancing production capacity and operational efficiency. It also follows Valeo’s continued expansion in the region, following the acquisitions of Balconi in 2015, Val D’Enza in 2017, IDP Pattini in 2023 and Dal Colle in 2025.
Ronald Kers, CEO of Valeo, described the addition of Freddi Dolciaria to the group’s portfolio as a “fantastic” move.
“Commercially, this move strengthens and broadens our product range, introducing exclusive, global licencing partnerships with leading CPGs and expanding our healthy and ‘free-from’ offerings,” Kers said.
“As Freddi Dolciaria joins our portfolio, we enhance our manufacturing and logistical capabilities, adding an additional, well invested, flexible facility to support our ambitious growth plans. This marks the next step in our vision to establish Valeo Foods as the leading European champion in sweet treats.”
Valeo CEO for south west Europe, Alberto Alfieri, added: “Freddi Dolciaria has a strong legacy of producing high-quality products that consumers love. Its product range and operational footprint align perfectly with Valeo Foods.
“We are delighted to welcome our 48 new colleagues to the Valeo Foods. Together, we will bring Freddi Dolciaria’s exceptional products to an even wider audience and accelerate the growth of our South-West European business.”
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