Tarragona – Scatolificio del Garda, controlled by Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR through its specialist food supply chain vehicle Fondo Italiano Agri & Food (FIAF), has announced the acquisition of majority stakes in two Spanish companies, Graphi Red SL and Meraki Packaging SL. Graphi Red is a long-established Spanish company founded by the Porcel family and based in Les Borges del Camp, Tarragona. It specializes in the marketing and customization of primary packaging solutions, particularly for the artisanal ice cream sector. For more than 30 years, it has been the official distributor in Spain of Scatolificio del Garda products for the artisanal gelato market, playing a significant role in the development and consolidation of SDG’s presence in Spain. Meraki Packaging, which is also owned by the same industrial shareholders as Graphi Red, is an industrial company specializing in the production of “hygiene protection” paper cone covers for both artisanal ice cream shops and industrial wafer cone manufacturers. The business has grown rapidly in recent years, reaching an annual output of more than 40 million units and laying the foundations for further expansion in international markets as well as in Spain. The two acquisitions will allow Scatolificio del Garda to strengthen its direct presence across the Iberian Peninsula, leveraging Graphi Red’s well-established commercial structure and local roots while opening up new growth opportunities beyond the traditional ice cream market. The aim is to progressively expand its offering into additional segments including Ho.Re.Ca., fast food, contract catering, cinemas, entertainment and packaging for industrial applications, where demand for sustainable and customizable paper-based solutions is showing promising growth prospects. At the same time, Meraki’s integration into the SDG Group will enable wider distribution of the products manufactured at its Spanish facility through Scatolificio del Garda’s international sales network, with a particular focus on the Italian and German markets. The acquisition of Meraki will also create significant industrial synergies. The two companies will be able to progressively integrate their respective production capabilities, optimizing the use of facilities, logistics and proximity to their respective target markets. The integration of the two acquired Spanish companies will be carried out with a focus on continuity, preserving their strong ties with the local community, customers and the people who have contributed to their growth. Scatolificio del Garda will, in turn, provide Graphi Red and Meraki with its industrial, commercial and organizational expertise, while creating the conditions for local management to further accelerate their industrial and commercial development both in the Iberian market and internationally. (9colonne)