Bakkavor has moved to lower its stake in non-core operations in Italy as it increases its focus on the core markets of the UK, US and Asia.
The group revealed today (8 May) that it has sold 40% of its Italian frozen pizza operation to Dreamfood, an investment company controlled by Cristian Pederzini, the MD of Italpizza.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed but Bakkavor did reveal Dreamfood has been granted a three-year option to take control of the remaining 60% of the company.
Earlier this year, Bakkavor said it was exiting South Africa through the sale of its operations there.
Bakkavor also booked a jump in first-quarter earnings this morning with sales growth attributed to “favourable weather” and innovation.
Sales increased 4% and adjusted EBITDA was up 7%. EBITDA margin was “in line” with last year despite an inflationary cost environment, the own brand manufacturer stressed.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataCEO Agust Gudmundsson said: “It has been another quarter of good growth for the group as we partner closely with key customers and deliver new products. We expect the trading environment to continue to be challenging with the UK grocery market remaining highly competitive. However, we are confident in our strategy and are focused on the long-term objectives for the group.”
