Pernigotti and Walcor: a new Italian confectionery hub is born

PERNIGOTTI AND WALCOR: A NEW ITALIAN CONFECTIONERY HUB IS BORN — FRANCESCO PASTORE APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

A new Italian confectionery hub is born: Pernigotti and Walcor announce their merger by incorporation. The transaction, backed by the companies’ reference shareholders — including institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Invitalia — brings together two historic brands, ensuring continuity and positioning the group for new opportunities. The new entity has annual revenues of approximately €70 million and more than 340 employees (both permanent and seasonal staff), with a solid export presence in nearly 50 countries. Production activities will continue at the Novi Ligure (Alessandria) and Pozzaglio ed Uniti (Cremona) plants, maintaining the same standard of quality excellence. This strategic merger aims to streamline the corporate structure, broaden the commercial offering and improve operational efficiency, enabling more agile management and faster decision-making.

Pernigotti’s Board of Directors has appointed Francesco Pastore as the new Chief Executive Officer. With proven experience in the food & beverage sector, Pastore will lead the group through this phase of growth. Attilio Capuano, who led the companies up to this integration, was thanked for his work. Luigi Mastrobuono has been confirmed as Chairman of the Board.

“This merger demonstrates our vision of supporting and relaunching Italian excellence,” said Luigi Mastrobuono, Chairman of Pernigotti’s Board of Directors. “Now united, Pernigotti and Walcor represent a successful model for the Fund for the Safeguarding of Historic Brands. Francesco Pastore’s arrival is a fundamental step for our future.”

“I am honored to lead Pernigotti at this historic moment,” said Francesco Pastore, CEO of Pernigotti. “The merger with Walcor is more than a transaction: it is the creation of a confectionery hub that brings together tradition and innovation. My commitment will be to leverage our synergies, expand our global presence and inspire our team to reach new milestones. Together, we will build a successful future.”