Inalca Food & Beverage (IF&B) is the subsidiary of Inalca S.p.A. specialized in the international sale and distribution of typical Made in Italy food products. Founded in 2013, IF&B represents a central platform that covers the entire supply chain process. IF&B aims to be the point of reference in the Food Service Distribution Market at an international level, is a worldwide full-service specialized division that covers the entire process of exporting Italian food and beverage specialties, working mainly in the B2B sector.
IF&B brings to international markets Italian food excellences serving Ho.re.ca (Hotel, Restaurants, Catering) and specialized retail channels in over 60 countries. In recent years, the company has invested in multitemperature distribution platforms in the countries where it operates, in order to serve its customers capillary, thus guaranteeing the delivery of products in the so called “last mile”.
· Fully outsourced procurement services for Italian food and beverage specialties
· Integrated logistics and product consolidation (supply chain management)
· Commercial and distribution partnerships with local importers/distributors everywhere around the globe
Currently it has 31 distribution platforms and 4 plants in 10 countries: USA, Australia, Cape Verde, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Canary Islands and Poland. It manages a catalogue of more than 12,000 SKU representing Italian excellences.
The demand for Italian agri-food products in foreign markets is robust, showing consistent increased growth and market pe*******on with the rising popularity of global food culture, and an increased focus on good-quality, healthy and eco-conscious products: it is no surprise that the world looks to Italy to fill its growing quest for the highest quality ingredients.
The universal appeal is readily apparent, whether through the popularity of the modern celebrity-chef and food-focused television programs or through the more serene and peaceful enjoyment of sharing life's gustatory pleasures with family and friends. These days, fine food has become more widely sought after from both within and outside our homes. It is essential to the moment, transcendental in reflection, as ultimately, food is an expression of lifestyle.
The increased consumer demand for access to better food is undeniable and, as expectations become more particular, the power of Italian cuisine will continue to be called upon for its delicacy and wide variety of products and centuries-old recipes. The rich and diverse micro - climates of the country's many regions and the high-quality raw ingredients have helped establish Italy as the most approachable and identifiable ethnic cuisine across the globe. Furthermore, the various regional authenticating designations such as PGI, DOC, DOCG and PDO, combined with the oversight of the Italian national security agencies, will help to ensure the authentication and integrity of the products, boosting consumer confidence and trust.
Notwithstanding the positive scenario, Italian small and medium enterprises, ("SMEs"), are not able to take advantage of the opportunities in the international market due to structural and systemic barriers.
The inability to scale, limited financial resources or know - how, and lack of logistics support are some of the biggest impediments SMEs face. Not only do these issues keep wonderful Italian products from gaining the global recognition and audience they deserve but it keeps these companies from enjoying the benefit of growth through the export market. Admittedly, there are many hurdles and obstacles that impede the importation process of Italian food products abroad. Namely, there's a lack of product knowledge, difficulty in gathering a varied portfolio of products, trouble in financing an export operations and last but not least, the burden of dealing with customs regulations and documentation.
Inalca S.p.A.
The company, part of Cremonini Group, European leader in beef, cured meats and snack production, and food product distribution in foreign markets, is one of the few Italian companies to control the entire production chain. The company, participated by Cdp Equity (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group), in 2017 reported revenues of 1.968 billion Euro, of which 50% abroad. It has an international presence with 15 production plants (including 12 in Italy, 2 in Russia, and 1 in Canada) and 26 logistic distribution platforms (6 in Russia, 1 in Kazakistan, 4 in Angola, 3 in Algeria, 5 in Congo, 4 in Democratic Republic of Congo, 2 in Mozambique and 1 in Ivory Coast). Inalca commercializes annually more than 500,000 tons of meat, produces 100,000 tons of hamburgers, 200 million cans, with 7,200 product references (with Montana, Manzotin, Ibis and CorteBuona brands) and has 5,050 collaborators.
Cremonini Group
Cremonini, with over 16,000 employees and a turnover in 2017 of more than EUR 4 billion, out of which about 35% generated abroad, is one of the largest private food groups in Europe and operates in three business areas: production, distribution and catering. The Group, founded in 1963 by Luigi Cremonini and based in Castelvetro di Modena (Emilia Romagna, Italy), is leader in Italy in the production of beef and processed meat (Inalca, Montana, Manzotin, Ibis) and in the commercialization and distribution of food products to the foodservice (MARR). It is leader in Italy in train stations buffets, vaunts a significant presence in the main Italian airports and motorway catering and is the leading European operator in the management of on-board train catering (Chef Express). It is also present in commercial catering with its restaurants chain branded Roadhouse Restaurant.