An investment of about 50 million euros between 2022 and 2025, mainly on factories: about fifteen million euros for Domori chocolate in Piedmont, 34 million euros on Dammann Frères tea in France, a couple of million euros on Pintaudi confectionery in Friuli Venezia Giulia. There is no shortage of new acquisitions for this year: "On the table is the dossier of a company that produces candies, in central northern Italy”. This is how Riccardo Illy wants to grow his Polo del Gusto, of which he is chairman and first shareholder with 95 percent through EXGI, while the rest is half owned by the Illy group and half by the Ponti family. Investing is also a way to counter contingent difficulties. "It's a difficult year for agribusiness," says Illy, "the increases in raw materials remain and are added to the logistical problems given by the critical nature of transport on the Panama Canal and Suez Canal. The repercussions of the two wars, in Ukraine and Israel, are being felt. Investing is more necessary than ever; in difficult times we need to react". The strategy is to strengthen the pole's brands: in addition to Domori, Dammann Frères and Pintaudi also Agrimontana, jams and candied fruit; Achillea, fruit juices; Prestat and Rocò Chocolates. On the subject of shareholding, Illy adds, "We are open to welcoming partners both in the operating companies and in the holding company".
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