Italian confectionery company Sperlari has acquired a majority stake in local chocolate specialities producer Dulcioliva.
The deal will see Sperlari benefit from a wide range of traditional Italian chocolate specialties, while Dulcioliva will get further opportunities for geographical synergies in terms of market presence in Europe, North America and Asia.
There is also perfect synergy between the two companies in terms of ethical choices and sustainability.
Dulcioliva does not use artificial additives, preservatives, hydrogenated vegetable fats and animal fats other than cocoa butter.
For its part, Sperlari has eliminated animal gelatine for all its candy brands produced in Italy, including Sperlari, Galatine, Saila, Dietorelle, and reduced plastic use in packaging.
A Market Leader
Dulcioliva, founded by the Oliva brothers in 1924 and based in Borgo San Dalmazzo (Cuneo), is an Italian leader in the production of Cuneesi alongside chocolate truffles, gianduiotti, pralines such as Noccioghiotti and TasteMe, spreadable creams and chocolate bars.
It has partnered with other historical Italian brands such as Fernet Branca, Caffè Borghetti and Brandy Stravecchio.
The company's turnover exceeds €8 million annually, of which around 32% is generated from exports to more than 22 countries.
For its part, Sperlari, founded in 1836 and since 2017 controlled by Katjes International Group, is one of the Italian leaders in the production of torrone, mustard and sweeteners, and is one of the most important players in the candy sector.
Some of its famous brands include Sperlari candies, Gelées, Torrone, Morbidelli, Saila, Galatine, Dietorelle sugar-free candies and Dietor sweeteners.
Dulcioliva will continue to be led by Giuseppe Oliva, one of the two grandsons of the founders, Sperlari added.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine. Article by Branislav Pekic. For more Supply Chain news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
