Nestle Italiana Buitoni plant in Moretta, Italy
Pastificio Rana plans to acquire Nestle Italiana's pasta production plant in Moretta, Italy.
 

MILAN, ITALY — Pastificio Rana has reached an agreement with Nestle Italiana to acquire the latter’s pasta production plant in Moretta, Italy. The nearly 270,000-square-foot facility makes fresh stuffed pasta and sauces under the Buitoni brand.

Under terms of the agreement, Pastificio Rana will distribute and market the pasta and sauces throughout Europe, Middle East and North Africa. Nestle, meanwhile, will distribute the Buitoni brand pasta and sauces in Italy and Spain, the companies said.

The Buitoni brand will continue to be owned by Nestle.

Leo Wencel, Nestle
Leo Wencel, head of the Nestle Group in Italy

“We are very satisfied with the agreement reached with Pastificio Rana, a leading producer of food excellence in our country,” said Leo Wencel, head of the Nestle Group in Italy. “Buitoni’s fresh pasta and sauces have always been synonymous with quality and emblems of the great Italian gastronomic tradition. The commercial partnership with Rana will allow it to seize growth opportunities abroad, while ensuring development and continuity of employment at the Moretta site.”

Gian Luca Rana, Pastificio
Gian Luca Rana, c.e.o. of Pastificio Rana

Gian Luca Rana, chief executive officer of Pastificio Rana, said the acquisition of the plant will allow the company to immediately expand its production capacity, increase volume and provide “a timely and effective response to a global market that has seen us grow for over 25 years with average rates above 15%.”

Pastificio Rana operates 6 plants in 38 countries.