Italian coffee group Lavazza has purchased an 80% stake in Nims, a national distributor of coffee capsules and machines.
Padua-based Nims, which achieved a turnover of over €110 million in 2016, has been marketing Lavazza's coffee capsules for a number of years, however, the partnership between the two companies began in 1994.
"The coffee market in Italy continues to focus on individual portions, the most dynamic segment in the national market," said Antonio Baravalle, managing director of the Lavazza Group.
"Nims' integration within our group aims to significantly increase the direct consumer endorsement through a long-term coffee-focused strategy."
Coffee Growth
The deal, which is expected to be completed next year with the acquisition of the remaining 20% of Nims' capital, is an important step in the Lavazza Group's strategy for growth in the coffee capsule segment in Italy.
In line with recent acquisitions, including Carte Noire, Merrild and Kicking Horse Coffee, Lavazza says that it intends to enhance and respect Nims' brand equity by sharing skills and values while retaining its independence and autonomy.
Flavio Ferretti, who has over thirty years experience in sales and marketing at Lavazza, has been appointed as president and managing director of Nims.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
