Turkish flour giant Ulusoy buys Italian pasta firm Pastificio

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye's largest flour producer, Ulusoy, has acquired an 85% stake in Italian pasta manufacturer Pastificio Mediterranea from Spain’s Cerealto group.

As part of its strategy to expand into high value-added sectors, Ulusoy acquired shares in Pastificio Mediterranea, a century-old pasta producer in Italy’s Silvano d'Orba region, according to a press release from Ulusoy on Friday.

The founding Moccagatta family will remain involved in the company, contributing their expertise and legacy.

Founded in 1908, Pastificio Mediterranea began producing pasta using traditional methods, moving to the region's first automated pressing systems in 1936. In the 1950s and 60s, the company’s products entered international markets with the iconic Moccagatta branding.

In 2003, to meet rising demand, the company shifted operations to a modern plant in Silvano d'Orba, where it continues production.

Ulusoy's Chairman Eren Gunhan Ulusoy said: "We will contribute to Pastificio's growth and further expand its geographical coverage through the group's raw material supply capabilities and its extensive network of customers in different geographies."

Marco Ferraroni, the general manager of Pastificio Mediterranea, added: "We are excited to continue our journey with an important group that shares our company's values and goals.

"We are confident that together we will take our company to the next level."

Earlier, Ulusoy's subsidiary Soke, a Turkish flour producer, acquired a 12.65% stake in the US-based bread maker Rudi’s.