Agrimola sells stake to Fondo Agroalimentare Italiano I

Italy’s chestnut and transformed fruits producer Agrimola has sold a stake to investment fund Fondo Agroalimentare Italiano I (FAI I).

FAI I is controlled by Unigrains, a French independent agri-food investment company.

Established in 1978, Agrimola supplies a wide range of fresh and frozen organic fruit to more than 50 international distributor clients for use in marmalades, desserts, ice creams and dairy products.

Agrimola’s CEO Luca Sassi said: “Dedicated to our sector, with a deep understanding of our industry and objectives, FAI I is a natural partner for accelerating Agrimola’s development.

“Their expertise and networks, as well as the support and international scope of Unigrains, will be invaluable in helping us seize organic and external growth opportunities both in Italy and abroad.”

The majority share of the company will be retained by Sassi.

Going forward, FAI I will support the development of Agrimola through innovation and the development of new, value-added products such as jams, layered-fruit yoghurts and baby food.

In addition, the fund will focus on expanding relationships with existing business-to-business (B2B) clients internationally.

Fondo Agroalimentare Italiano I director Francesco Orazi said: “The growth trend towards healthy foods and clean labels is driving the addition of more fruit into more recipes.

“The combination of excellent sourcing capabilities with the highest quality industrial processes enables Agrimola to respond to increasing client demand for organic, traceable and high-quality products.”