Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever on Thursday said it had bought Italian artisanal ice-cream chain Grom. The first Grom gelateria was opened by Turin friends Federico Grom and Guido Martinetti in 2003 and today it has 67 outlets worldwide. Unilever said the Grom business "will remain standalone and will continue to be managed by Federico and Guido from Turin". Grom has been one of the poster boys for Italian food-industry start-ups over the last few years.
Unilever said the Grom acquisition would strengthen Unilever's ice cream portfolio and help to further capitalise on the growth of the premium gelato market. Kevin Havelock, President Refreshment Category, Unilever, said: "Unilever and Grom share the same passion for gelato and have aligned values in areas such as the sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Grom consumers will continue to enjoy the same taste and flavours they have always loved, while Unilever's scale will give access to new markets, helping Grom to fuel growth".
Angelo Trocchia, General Manager Unilever Italy said: "Unilever has deep roots in Italy, we started our operations here 50 years ago and have a beautiful portfolio of well known and loved brands, as well as four factories and 3,000 employees.
I am sure that such Italian heritage, together with our knowledge of the ice cream category, will help us work with Federico and Guido to unlock new opportunities for Grom." Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
