Valeo Foods Group acquired the Italian sweet bakery producer Freddi Dolciaria S.p.A, which further cements its growth in SW Europe in the packaged wafers, cakes, and biscuits category, complementing the existing Balconi business across Southern Europe and international markets. Valeo’s previous acquisitions in the region include Balconi (2015), Val D’Enza (2017), IDP Pattini (2023), and Dal Colle (2025).
Founded in 1949 by Luigi Freddi, the sweet bakery company is headquartered in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy. With a staff of 48 employees, Freddi specializes in sponge cakes, with an established presence in both the Italian retail and international markets. The company’s annual turnover is around EUR 20 million.
Ronald Kers, CEO of Valeo Foods Group, commented: “Freddi Dolciaria is a fantastic addition to the Valeo Foods portfolio, which already includes some of Europe’s most established and beloved cakes. Commercially, this move strengthens and broadens our product range, introducing exclusive, global licensing partnerships with leading CPGs and expanding our healthy and ‘free-from’ offerings.
As Freddi Dolciaria joins our portfolio, we enhance our manufacturing and logistical capabilities, adding an additional, well invested, flexible facility to support our ambitious growth plans. This marks the next step in our vision to establish Valeo Foods as the leading European champion in sweet treats.”
Alberto Alfieri, CEO Valeo Foods, South-West Europe, added: “Freddi Dolciaria has a strong legacy of producing high-quality products that consumers love. Its product range and operational footprint align perfectly with Valeo Foods. We are delighted to welcome our 48 new colleagues to Valeo Foods. Together, we will bring Freddi Dolciaria’s exceptional products to an even wider audience and accelerate the growth of our South-West European business.”
One of Europe’s major producers in its segments, Valeo Foods Group’s portfolio includes sweets, snacks, and treats. It is home to over 90 brands including Balconi cakes and wafers, Pedro confectionary, Mila, Lina and Horalky wafers, Rowse Honey, Bernard maple syrup, Barratt’s sweets, Fox’s mints and Kettle Chips. Valeo operates in over 100 countries serving major retailers, discounters, e-commerce, convenience stores, wholesalers, and foodservice operators. With revenues exceeding EUR 1.8 billion, the group employs nearly 6,000 people across 30 facilities in the UK, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Canada. Valeo Foods Group is owned by Bain Capital.
Photo: Freddi social media
