Ghana has banned land imports of pasta to prevent smuggling, days after inaugurating its first domestic processing plant https://t.co/mqWHcEaOiX ...

Core Viewpoint - Swiss food group Orior has acquired full ownership of Italian fresh pasta manufacturer Pastificio Gaetarelli, strengthening its position in the premium fresh pasta segment and signaling focused growth [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Orior acquired the final 81% shareholding of Pastificio Gaetarelli for a consideration in the "mid single-digit millions" [1]. - Pastificio Gaetarelli, based in Salò, has been a close operational partner of Orior's pasta-focused unit, Pastinella, for many years [2]. - The acquisition is described as a "logical and forward-looking next step" in the relationship between Orior and Gaetarelli [2]. Group 2: Operational Continuity - Gaetarelli will continue to operate as an independent company in Italy, maintaining its corporate identity and local roots [3]. - The business will be overseen by the Pastinella unit and will be part of Orior Food AG [3]. Group 3: Financial Impact - The acquisition is expected to contribute a low single-digit million amount in sales from European customers [3]. - Orior's net sales for the first half were down 2.9% at SFr304.9 million ($378.05 million), with EBIT down 55.2% to SFr4.1 million and net profit down 78.9% to SFr1.3 million [4]. - Net debt was reduced to SFr173.3 million from SFr181.4 million, but leverage remained high at 5.2x adjusted EBITDA, exceeding the target of below 2.5x [5]. Group 4: Future Projections - Orior expects net sales in 2025 to reach SFr623 million, reflecting a 1.5% decline on an organic basis, which is better than the previously forecasted 2-4% decline [6]. - The company is reviewing all strategic options for its Culinor Food Group assets, with the review expected to take a few more months [6].

Core Viewpoint - Cerealto, a Spanish private-label manufacturer, has agreed to sell its pasta business to Portuguese agri-food group Cerealis, which includes the manufacturing site in Venta de Baños, Palencia, with an annual capacity of approximately 90,000 tonnes [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The financial terms of the transaction remain confidential, and around 125 staff at the Venta de Baños site will transfer to the new owners [2]. - The acquisition is expected to create "important synergies" in strategic areas, enhancing international competitiveness for Cerealis [2]. Group 2: Strategic Focus - Cerealto aims to concentrate on its core snacking and breakfast categories, which it identifies as having the greatest potential for future growth [3]. - The pasta unit, described as "profitable," has benefited from sustained investment in recent years and is believed to reach its full potential under a specialist like Cerealis [3]. Group 3: Operational Continuity - The transaction guarantees continuity at the Venta de Baños site, with no anticipated changes to the workforce or daily operations [4]. - Cerealto's CEO emphasized the high performance and value of the pasta business, which has seen substantial capital investment [5]. Group 4: Future Steps - The agreement is subject to approvals from Spain's CNMC and Portugal's AdC, after which a transition phase will begin to ensure a seamless transfer to the new owner [5][6]. - Until the necessary authorizations are obtained, the business will continue to operate normally, fulfilling commitments to customers [6].

Company Overview - Mama's Creations, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAMA) is a deli solutions company specializing in authentic Italian foods, including meatballs, sauces, and pasta, serving both retail and foodservice channels across the United States [3]. Financial Performance - In the third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call, Mama's Creations reported a 50% year-over-year increase in revenue to $47.3 million, driven by the acquisition of Crown One and strong growth in its legacy business [2]. - Gross profit rose 56.6% to $11.1 million, representing 23.6% of total revenue, compared to $7.1 million, or 22.6% of revenue, in the prior-year quarter, with margin expansion attributed to operational efficiency improvements and scale benefits [2]. Investment Outlook - Freedom Capital analyst Georgy Vashchenko initiated coverage of Mama's Creations with a Buy rating and a $16 price target, citing the company's broad national distribution and emphasis on product quality and innovation as key factors for its positioning in the convenient, fresh meal category [1]. - The expansion of Mama's Creations' branded footprint and upcoming product launches are expected to drive continued share gains as consumer preferences evolve [1].

Core Insights - Mr. Gatti's Pizza has sold a majority stake to OneRyan Global, with terms of the deal undisclosed [1] - OneRyan Global previously invested in Mr. Gatti's, making it a 100% franchisee-operated chain [2] - Amanda S. Ryan and G. Brint Ryan will take leadership roles in the company, with existing management remaining in place [3] Company Overview - Mr. Gatti's has over 200 units open or in development and is exploring non-traditional growth avenues, including a c-store prototype and an agreement to develop 92 units within Walmart Supercenter locations [4] - The company operates large family entertainment centers averaging 12,500 square feet, offering an all-you-care-to-eat pizza, pasta, and salad bar, along with arcade games [5] - As of 2024, Mr. Gatti's had 89 open outlets, including 24 smaller formats and 53 family entertainment centers [5]

Group 1 - Portuguese firms Cerealis and Better Foods have agreed to combine their milling activities into a new jointly owned business, with a 50/50 ownership structure [1][3] - Better Foods Group claims to be the largest milling group in Portugal, while Cerealis has a long history dating back to 1919 and was acquired by investment firms in 2021 [2][5] - The merger aims to enhance competitiveness and industrial capacity in the Portuguese milling sector, responding to market transformations and value chain consolidation [3][4] Group 2 - The merger is expected to improve efficiency, investment capacity, and service delivery, benefiting customers, employees, and partners [4] - Cerealis processes over 440,000 tons of cereals annually and employs more than 760 people, with a diverse product range sold globally [5] - The deal is subject to review by the Portuguese competition authority, Autoridade da Concorrência [4]

Core Viewpoint - The US plans to significantly reduce the anti-dumping duty on Italian pasta exporters, potentially lowering it from nearly 92% to as low as 2.26% for some companies, which could alleviate the financial burden on the Italian pasta industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Duty Reduction Details - The US Department of Commerce has proposed a reduction in the anti-dumping duty from approximately 91.74% to 2.26% for La Molisana, while Pastificio Lucio Garofalo faces a duty of 13.89%, and a group of unnamed businesses is set for 9.09% [2][3]. - The current duty of nearly 92% is in addition to a 15% tariff imposed on most EU exports to the US [1]. Group 2: Industry Impact - Italian farming officials have expressed that the high anti-dumping duty would be a "mortal blow" to the pasta industry, indicating significant concern over the potential economic impact [2]. - The final results of the review regarding the anti-dumping duties are expected to be announced in March, with the duties currently on hold until that time [5]. Group 3: Government Engagement - The US Department of Commerce has indicated that Italian pasta makers have addressed many concerns raised in the preliminary determination, reflecting a commitment to a fair and transparent process [4]. - The Department will continue to engage with interested parties to consider all relevant information before issuing the final determination [4].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has decided to reduce proposed tariffs on Italian pasta producers after an investigation found that many concerns regarding unfair pricing had been addressed by exporters [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Adjustments - Proposed tariffs on 13 Italian pasta companies have been rolled back, with specific reductions noted for La Molisana to 2.26% and Garofalo to 13.98% [4]. - The remaining 11 pasta makers, including Barilla and Rummo, will now face a tariff of 9.09% [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - Previously proposed duties could have reached up to 92%, in addition to a 15% tariff on most EU imports, which posed a significant threat to the U.S. market valued at nearly $800 million for Italian pasta exporters [7]. - Companies had warned that such high tariffs could effectively exclude them from the U.S. market [7]. Group 3: Future Developments - The final tariff rates are expected to be announced on March 12, with a possibility of extension by up to 60 days [10].

Core Viewpoint - The United States has significantly reduced proposed tariffs on several Italian pasta makers after reassessing their U.S. activities, which is a positive development for the affected companies [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Changes - The U.S. Department of Commerce has lowered the tariff for La Molisana to 2.26% and for Garofalo to 13.98%, while the remaining 11 producers face a tariff of 9.09% [2]. - Initially, 13 Italian pasta companies were set to face an additional 92% duty on top of the regular 15% rate starting January 2026 [1]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Italy's total pasta exports were valued at over 4 billion euros (approximately $4.7 billion) in 2024, with the U.S. market representing nearly $800 million for Italian firms [4]. - The reassessment of duties is seen as recognition of the companies' willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities [2]. Group 3: Political Context - The tariff situation has been a source of embarrassment for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had anticipated that her relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump would protect Italian companies from additional tariffs [3].

Food fight! These founders got tired of traditional red sauce, so they're attacking the $2.5 billion pasta market with flavors like Miso-Garlic and Hot Honey Marinara. Read more: https://t.co/zWEbyB7fGp #ForbesUnder30 (Photo: Sebastian Nevols for Forbes) https://t.co/XPqXTm54ER ...