Amadori Acquires Granarolo’s Unconventional Plant‑based Foods Business

Why It Matters

The acquisition accelerates Amadori’s entry into the fast‑growing plant‑based sector, while allowing Granarolo to concentrate on its core dairy business. It reshapes competitive dynamics in Italy’s protein market and signals heightened M&A activity in alternative proteins.

Key Takeaways

• Amadori acquires Granarolo’s Unconventional plant‑based brand and Coriano plant.
• Acquisition aims to place Amadori among top three plant‑based processors.
• Granarolo sells unit to refocus on dairy and simplify operations.
• Amadori will leverage its logistics network to expand plant‑based distribution.
• All Coriano plant employees join Amadori, keeping production in Italy.

Pulse Analysis

Amadori’s purchase of Granarolo’s Unconventional plant‑based line underscores the rapid consolidation of Italy’s alternative‑protein market. By adding burgers, sausages, nuggets and tofu under the “Unconventional 100 % Vegetale” label, Amadori instantly broadens its product slate beyond traditional poultry. The Coriano facility, already equipped for large‑scale processing, gives the group a ready‑made manufacturing hub, eliminating the time and capital needed to build capacity from scratch. This move aligns with a broader European trend where established meat producers are diversifying to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable protein options.

For Granarolo, divesting the plant‑based unit is a strategic retreat to its dairy roots. The cooperative, which reported €1.81 bn ($2.13 bn) revenue for 2025, is refocusing on milk and cheese amid modest profit pressures. Shedding the Unconventional brand simplifies its portfolio, reduces operational complexity, and frees capital for dairy innovation. The sale also reflects a market reality: dairy firms see greater margin upside in core products, while the plant‑based segment increasingly requires dedicated branding and distribution expertise.

Looking ahead, Amadori aims to become one of the top three branded players in Italy’s plant‑based processed foods sector. Leveraging its extensive logistics and sales network, the group can accelerate product rollout to supermarkets and food‑service channels nationwide. As European consumers continue to shift toward flexitarian diets, Amadori’s expanded protein offering positions it to capture a larger share of a market projected to grow double‑digit annually. The acquisition not only diversifies revenue streams but also fortifies the company against potential volatility in traditional poultry demand.

Deal Summary

Italian poultry group Amadori has completed the acquisition of Granarolo’s Unconventional plant‑based foods business, including the Coriano production site and the Unconventional 100 % Vegetale brand. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal expands Amadori’s protein portfolio and aims to position it among the top three plant‑based branded players in Italy.