EFA News - European Food Agency
5,570 news found
CoffeeIllycaffè sets its sights on the United States (and ready-to-drink)
Agreement with Westrock Coffee specialized in coffee, tea, and ready-to-drink products
"The United States is a priority market for us, where we have grown double-digits over the last four years." With this in mind, Cristina Scocchia , CEO of illycaffé, announced its expansion westward.... more
PeopleNestlé, former CEO Freixe ruins the giant's Summer
Fired on the spot in September 2025, he is now seeking millions in damages
Despite the scorching heat, ominous clouds are gathering over the confectionery giant Nestlé. According to rumors reported by Bloomberg and the website foodmanufacture.uk, former CEO Laurent Freixe is... more
Conserved and jamsLa Doria acquires 100% of Solana
The target is specialized in tomato processing
La Doria has signed, with Eight Holding One S.à rl (an investment vehicle held by funds managed by Xenon Private Equity) and with the minority shareholder, a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition... more
DessertsCVC Capital Partners Acquires Irca from Advent
The acquiring company intends to support the company's internationalization and innovation
CVC Capital Partners IX has signed an agreement to acquire Irca, a global B2B manufacturer of ingredients for the food industry, food service, and artisanal channels, from Advent. Irca, headquartered in... more
Economy and financeMatteo Zoppas (Ice) confirms the strength of Made in Italy
Exports, "excellent results in May": Non-EU +4.4% in 5 months, +6.3% year-on-year
"The excellent result in May (+6.3%) brings non-EU exports from 3.9% in the first four months to +4.4% in the first five months, thanks to energy and precious metals. The US declines in May, with a -3.6%:... more
IndustryFPT engines for the agro-industry of North Africa
Iveco Group company with Bimotor and Avoni for a $3.5 billion project
FPT, an Iveco company, and its distributors Bimotor and Avoni Industrial have joined forces with Green Power Systems to power one of the largest agro-industrial projects in North Africa, set to revolutionise... more
BeverageHeineken: Rafa Oliveira is the new CEO
Four-year term, starting October 1st
Heineken's Supervisory Board today announced the appointment of Rafael (Rafa) Oliveira as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The Supervisory Board will elect Oliveira... more
FairsKoelnmesse brings Anuga in South Africa for the first time
A new chapter for the African food and beverage industry that starts in Cape Town
Koelnmesse is continuing its international growth strategy and is bringing Anuga Select South Africa to the African continent for the first time. The inaugural edition of Anuga Select South Africa will... more
Economy and financeItaly and Africa are getting closer and closer
Africa Finance Corporation signs agreements under the Mattei Plan
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent's leading institution for infrastructure solutions, signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements with key Italian partners at the AFC-Italy Business... more
Economy and financeIllycaffè denies the listing
Trieste officials have defined rumours that the company has appointed advisors as "unfounded"
I agree, I disagree, I agree... Illy has been talking about a possible listing for years, with repeated statements from its owners and various acting CEOs (see the EFA News archive), but now comes a categorical... more
Catering and hospitalityOne Rock Cap. acquires Hana Group and Eat Happy Group
EU Commission authorizes exclusive control under competition rules
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Hazel ParentCo SAS and Hazel ManCo SAS (collectively "Hana Group") of France and FCF Holding GmbH... more
IndustryPiovan, shopping in Denmark for food automation
Acquired Aasted, a leader in chocolate, bakery and confectionery equipment
PiovanGroup has signed an agreement to acquire Aasted, a global leader in the supply of innovative solutions and advanced equipment for the chocolate, bakery, and confectionery industries. The transaction,... more
Economy and financeBestie Bite wants to come to the US
$1.5 million round for hospitality video-review app
It's called Bestie Bite and it's the all-Italian app dedicated to video reviews in the hospitality sector. The company has closed a new €1.5 million funding round, subscribed via the SAFE platform and l... more
Economy and financeAmerican Express wants to acquire The Fork
Online booking platform proposed for $700 million acquisition
American Express has formally announced a proposed acquisition of TheFork, a leading online restaurant search and reservation platform in Europe, from Tripadvisor, aiming to strengthen its European restaurant... more
FairsSigep China: roadshow in Shanghai
Two days dedicated to the promotion of Italian artisanal ice cream (June 17-18)
Following the debut of Sigep USA in Las Vegas, the international network of Sigep World—organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG)—continues its global development journey with Sigep China, the roadshow sch... more
Cheese and dairy productsGrana Padano takes center stage at Taste of London
A prestigious showcase along with Prosecco Dop during one of the most anticipated events across the Channel.
Grana Padano PDO and Prosecco DOC will once again take center stage in London at Taste of London 2026, scheduled for June 17 to 21 in Regent's Park, as part of the European project “Cheers and Cheese t... more
Government actsItalian table grapes: a breakthrough in South Africa
Minister Lollobrigida signs a memorandum of understanding with her counterpart on phytosanitary procedures.
During the Business Forum currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry , Francesco Lollobrigida, and his South African counterpart , John Steenhuisen,... more
Government actsSanctions against Russia: it's the fish trade's turn
The EU imposes "substantial restrictions" on fish imports: a total ban on cod
"We wake up to the same news almost every day now. Another major Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, blindly targeting civilians. We also wake up to reports of drones violating European airspace. Some... more
Pasta and bakery productsF.lli De Cecco acquires RossoGargano
The company aims to exceed a billion in turnover
F.lli De Cecco di Filippo – Fara San Martino – has formalized the acquisition of Foggia-based RossoGargano SCApA. The binding agreement reached with RossoGargano's shareholders involves the acquisition of... more
Economy and financeCampari, third generation ready to take over?
A changing of the guard is underway: Alessandro Garavoglia and Jacopo Forloni join the company.
Is Campari ready to see the third generation at the helm of the company? It seems so, at least according to what was revealed by the Corriere della Sera, which reports that the Italian family behind the... more
NewsThe key to efficiency in the food industry
Edwin Vercruysse (Dss+): “Shifting the weight from solving to governing to prevent change”
In the food industry, performance is increasingly dependent on the ability to remain efficient while everything changes: unpredictable costs and markets, margins under pressure, stricter safety requirements,... more
Pasta and bakery productsBarilla: Sustainability made an all-round improvement
€30 million to quadruple photovoltaic capacity. Over 4 tons of soft wheat from regenerative agriculture/Annex
The downsizing of Tagliatelle packaging, which has led to a saving of 150 tons of cardboard and a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions related to transportation; the jars for ready-to-eat sauces are made from a... more
Economy and financeFerrero believes in France (and invests 60 million)
It expands its factories in Normandy and Hauts-de-France: they will produce the new Nutella Cookies
At the Choose France summit, an event promoting France's economic attractiveness to international investors, Ferrero announced a new €60 million investment in its Villers-Écalles (Normandy) site and in... more
WinesTerre Cevico celebrates Trebbiano
Sales up 8% for the restaurant business, 1 million bottles sold in Japan and Sweden
International, gastronomic, contemporary, sustainable. That is Trebbiano, an eclectic wine, simple and never boring, popular in its distribution, the “backbone” of Romagna viticulture, today, capable of... more
LiqueursDisaronno "drinks" Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras
Acquisition of two historic brands finalized, following the group's rebranding
Disaronno Group, a diversified multinational whose business lines include Spirits, Wines and Ingredients, with over 800 employees, a turnover of €370 million and operations in approximately 160 countries w... more
Government actsEU approves €54 million in state aid for Spanish agriculture
For agricultural companies affected by fuel price increases
The Commission has approved €54 million in State aid for Spain to support agricultural businesses affected by rising fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle E... more
Economy and financeAtlante acquires l'Interform from Gerber-Rauth
The target company is one of the leading European distributors of dairy products
Atlante Srl, a strategic partner of leading Italian chains for the selection, import, and distribution of food products from around the world, and also active in exporting the finest Made in Italy specialties... more
VideoRiso Scotti brings Italian tradition to the world
The group’s managers commentary: the export share and the served markets are growing
Riso Scotti brought to TuttoFood 2026 not only the Italian rice tradition, but also a product that evolves constantly and engages with new global gastronomic cultures through its established presence on... more
Catering and hospitalityLmdv launches summer campaign
Del Vecchio group starts the season with top brands
LMDV Hospitality, hub that combines catering, entertainment, beach clubs and lifestyle in an ecosystem of premium brands, led by Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, kicks off the summer season on the Costa Smeralda... more
IndustryMaschio Gaspardo opens in the United States
First Full Line Store in Illinois to Serve Yankee Farmers
Maschio Gaspardo, an international agricultural machinery manufacturing group, has opened its first Full Line Store in North America in Elburn, Illinois, in partnership with Roc-Pit Equipment LLC. The... more
FairsSigep Meets the World: After Chicago, the Fair fly to Sao Paulo
Cicero (Ieg): "Brazil is a highly important market for the Italian and international foodservice industry."
Sigep Meets the World continues its journey to the southern hemisphere. After Chicago, held on May 18 (see EFA News ), it's time for São Paulo. The international pastry, gelato, bakery, coffee, and foodservice... more
Catering and hospitalityKFC: 8 openings planned in Lombardy in 2026
Brand bets on the italian Region, investing approximately €8 million
KFC Italy is continuing its expansion strategy in the Lombardy market with the opening of two new restaurants by the end of June: the first will open in Cesano Boscone, in the renovated Porte di Milano... more
Packaging and logisticsSelf-adhesive labels: La Prensa absorbs 100% Scriba
Integration to support the growth of the acquiring company
La Prensa Etichette, an Italian group specializing in label printing and finishing for the mineral water and consumer goods sectors, has announced the acquisition of 100% of Scriba, a leading company with... more
DistributionPenny: goodbye to Italy? The company denies it
German group confirms investments in Italy for modernizations and new openings
After Carrefour, another foreign supermarket chain could leave Italy: Penny. According to rumors in Corriere della Sera, its 500 stores in Italy, despite a turnover approaching €2 billion, could end u... more
Catering and hospitalityLa Piadineria takes off
The brand opens in two airports in partnership with Chef Express
La Piadineria is entering the travel channel with two openings in collaboration with Chef Express at Milan Malpensa and Orio al Serio airports. With a combined annual traffic of over 48 million passengers,... more
FairsHip Italia: The future of hospitality showcased at BolognaFiere
The first edition of the new event, scheduled for October 19-21, 2026, has been presented
Market growth, innovation, digitalization, productivity, and staff shortages: these are some of the themes that emerged today in Milan during the official presentation of Hip Italia, the international... more
PeopleFarewell to Carlo Petrini: the founder of Slow Food has passed away at 76
Symbol of an Italian post-ideological left: ecologist, community-oriented, anti-industrial,
Late on the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026, Carlo Petrini passed away at his home in Bra (Cuneo), at the age of 76. His integrated vision of food, nature, and biodiversity gave rise to Slow Food (1986),... more
TraditionsBalsamic Vinegar of Modena, record export
The Consortium's assembly celebrates a consumer value of 1 billion euros and relaunches the UNESCO candidacy.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI continues to be one of the most powerful symbols of Made in Italy worldwide, a product that combines centuries-old tradition, cultural value, and international economic impact.... more
FairsBilbao warms up for Food4Future
Italy will be the protagonist on May 27th and 28th with some sector conferences focusing on Barilla, Molino Casillo, Amadori, Carozzi, Martino Rossi
On May 27 and 28, Bilbao will host Food4Future, one of Europe's most important events in the foodtech and agri-food innovation sector. This year, the most significant conferences will be held within the... more
FairsTuttofood: the record-breaking edition closes
Cellie (Fiere di Parma): "123,000 attendees compared to last year's 95,000"
An extraordinary edition of Tuttofood concludes today. In just two years of organization by Fiere di Parma, it has become the place to be for global agri-food. This has combined the expertise acquired... more
FairsItalian Exhibition Group: Revenues exceed €100 million in the 1Q
Profit and EBITDA growth. Peraboni (CEO): "Our solidity confirmed."
The Board of Directors of Italian Exhibition Group SpA (IEG), a leading Italian company in the organization of international trade fairs and listed on Euronext Milan, a regulated market organized and managed... more
DessertsFerrero invests over 80 million euros in Chile
New hazelnut shelling plant in the Araucanía region, strategic for the company
Ferrero has announced a new investment of $94 million (over €80.2 million) for the construction of a new plant in Chile. The new facility will be located in Cunco, in the Araucanía region, an area considered st... more
Fruit and vegetablesVignola PGI cherry: harvest expected to be around 40-50 thousand quintals
Consortium focuses on product quality to beat Italian and European competition
The Vignola Cherry PGI has returned to the market, for a positive season that will continue until early July. The Consortium's forecasts call for good production, estimated at 40,000-50,000 quintals. The... more
Cheese and dairy productsGrana Padano and Parma Ham conquer Chicago
Both PDOs will be participating in the National Restaurant Association Show (May 16-19)
From May 16 to 19, the Grana Padano Protection Consortium and the Parma Ham Consortium will be present at the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago. This is one... more
Pasta and bakery productsPasta made in Italy is unbeatable
European Court of Justice uphold Italian Antitrust's fine against Lidl for misleading labeling/Annex
Italian-made pasta always wins. This was confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which has put an end to the long legal battle over Lidl-branded pasta, or rather the use of "patriotic... more
Economy and financeSpanish company Natra interested in Witor's
21 Invest fund discusses sale of chocolate company
The investment holding company 21 Invest, led by Alessandro Benetton, has put its subsidiary Witor's, a Cremona-based company specializing in the production of chocolate products, up for sale. Rumors... more
Economy and financeBeyond Meat loses again and relies on beverages
Q1 revenues -15.8%: the company "turns" towards high-protein drinks
Sales continue to decline, especially in the restaurant sector, but Beyond Meat, the US plant-based giant (or former giant?), "sees some signs of recovery." This, in a nutshell, is the summary of the first... more
BeverageHeineken marks a change in... marketing
New global agencies to lead the brand's next phase of growth
Heineken has announced the outcome of a review of its global marketing agency ecosystem, appointing a new group of creative, production and media partners to accelerate the next phase of growth for its... more
FairsExpo FoodTech 2026: Italy as Guest Country Partner
The Italian agrifood system is the protagonist of the 2026 edition
The new edition of Expo FoodTech 2026 will be held on 27 and 28 May in Bilbao, Spain, with Italy as the guest partner country: Expo FoodTech affirms its role as an international event that anticipates... more
Studies and researchPesticides in food: risk to human health remains low
EFSA report confirms good safety level of the European supply chain/Annex
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based on the results of over 125,000 food samples collected across Europe, compliance with EU limits for pesticide residues remains high. EFSA's... more