DUBLIN — In its second acquisition this year, Valeo Foods Group has purchased Italian sweet baked foods maker Freddi Dolciaria SpA.

Financial terms of the deal, announced May 2, weren’t disclosed. Founded in 1949 by Luigi Freddi, Freddi specializes in pre-packaged sponge cakes and Swiss rolls but also produces classic, filled and layered cakes and snack cakes under the Finesse, Dolcetto, Ballerina, Buondolce, Moretta, Dark, O’mamma, Pic-Nic and Swiss Roll brands and licensed brands such as Baileys, Barbie and Hot Wheels, as well as seasonal offerings.

Valeo said the addition of Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy-based Freddi will boost its presence in the bakery sector and spur its expansion in the South-West region of Europe. Serving the Italian retail and international markets, Freddi generates annual sales of about €20 million ($22.7 million) and has 48 employees.

“Freddi Dolciaria is a fantastic addition to the Valeo Foods portfolio, which already includes some of Europe’s most established and beloved cakes,” said Ronald Kers, chief executive officer of Valeo Foods Group. “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.”

Valeo noted that Freddi will fortify its position in the packaged wafers, cakes and biscuits segments, complementing its Balconi Italian cake and biscuits business in Southern Europe and international markets. The integration of Freddi also is expected to increase production capacity and sharpen operational efficiency, the company added.

“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 plan,” Kers said. “This marks the next step in our vision to establish Valeo Foods as the leading European champion in sweet treats.”

In January, Valeo closed its acquisition of I.D.C. Holding, a Slovakia-based maker of wafers, biscuits, confections and chocolate snacks serving the Central and Eastern European markets. That followed last year’s purchase of Dal Colle, a Milan, Italy-based maker of baked foods, sweet treats and snacks, and a flurry of earlier acquisitions, including IDP Pattini in 2023, Val D’Enza in 2017 and Balconi in 2015.

“Freddi Dolciaria has a strong legacy of producing high-quality products that consumers love,” said Alberto Alfieri, CEO of Valeo Foods for South-West Europe. “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.”

Dublin-based Valeo Foods Group specializes in sweet baked foods (including wafers, sponge cakes, seasonal cakes, filled croissants, tarts and muffins) and confections (including chocolate and sugar candies, chews, licorice and marzipan). Its product portfolio also spans salty snacks (potato chips, tortilla chips, popcorn, veggie chips and meat snacks); grocery items (rice cakes, baking mixes, canned foods, cooking ingredients, sauces and spreads); and natural sweeteners (honey and syrup).

Valeo’s roster of more than 90 brands includes Balconi (cakes and wafers); Pedro (confections); Mila, Lina and Horalky (wafers); Rowse (honey); Bernard (maple syrup); Barratt’s (candy); Fox’s (mints); and Kettle (potato chips), among others.