ITALY— Leading Italian bakery firm Gruppo Morato furthers growth strategy with the acquisition of a majority stake in NT Food, a Tuscan company at the forefront of alternative and healthy dietary regimens, specializing in gluten-free bakery products.

Although Morato did not disclose the size of the stake nor the price paid, it was revealed NT Food’s founders, Nicoletta and Giovanna Del Carlo, will retain a minority holding and will continue to manage the business.

CFO Mr Del Carlo said: “In a very positive moment for our company, joining the Morato group is undoubtedly an opportunity to give even more strength and solidity to our path, allowing us to access important industrial synergies and giving a new impetus for foreign development.”

With a turnover of US$ 35.8 million, NT Food is a benchmark in the gluten-free and healthy products sector, Primarily thanks to the Nutrifree and Nutrisì brands.

NT Food’s products are made in three production plants entirely dedicated to gluten-free, with various production lines, including baked goods, rusks, flour blends, breadcrumbs, cookies, savory snacks, as well as sweet leavened products such as croissants, brioche, and seasonal products.

Morato’s portfolio consists of bread, bruschetta, sweet and savoury sandwiches, and wraps. The company, which has a turnover of US$303.9 million generated in Italy and Spain through retail, private label and B2B, will gain access NT Food’s production facilities to add to its existing 14 plants.

Morato CEO Stefano Maza said the deal is part of the company’s strategic plan aimed at developing the market of bakery products through consolidation in Europe.

He added that this acquisition in particular will see Morato create significant synergies at the level of product innovation, process and distribution. He expects this to open for Morato new interesting opportunities in specialized channels and segments, and strengthening its range of branded products

Last year, Morato acquired local bakery business Ro.Mar, which produces bread for B2B customers and private label. The previous year it also bought gluten-free baker Pandea from Italy’s Granarolo.

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