Italian poultry group Amadori has bought the Unconventional plant-based foods business from fellow Italian dairy cooperative Granarolo. The deal includes a production facility in Coriano, in Rimini province, and the "Unconventional 100% Vegetale" brand. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Strategic fit for Amadori
Amadori framed the acquisition as central to its growth strategy under the corporate brand "Amadori: The Italian Protein Company". CEO Denis Amadori said the deal marks "a significant acceleration in our growth path" and would enable the group "to become one of the top three branded players in the plant-based processed foods sector". The company will keep production in Italy and deploy its own logistics and sales network to support the brand.
The Unconventional range covers burgers and patties, meat-free sausages, nuggets, cutlets, strips, plant-based ribs, and organic tofu products. Amadori already carries plant-based offerings under its own brand, so the acquisition consolidates its presence across the broader protein category.
Granarolo's exit from plant-based
For Granarolo, the sale forms part of a broader effort to simplify its business model and focus on dairy. The plant-based unit was launched by the dairy cooperative in 2020. Chairman Stanislao Fabbrino said the company is "focusing on the milk and dairy products market" as it streamlines operations.
The disposal follows leadership changes at Granarolo, with Fabbrino appointed chairman following Gianpiero Calzolari's departure weeks earlier.
Granarolo's recent financial performance
Granarolo reported 2025 revenue of €1.81 billion, with like-for-like sales up 5.2% excluding currency effects, driven mainly by international growth and price increases. EBITDA reached €100.5 million, up 5.5% year over year. However, EBIT fell 13.8% to €28.2 million and net profit slid 43.3% to €5.5 million in 2025.
Part of Amadori's growth plan
The acquisition is the latest M&A move for Amadori. In 2023, the group acquired a 70% stake in poultry specialist Forno d'Oro to expand its production capacity and ready-to-eat offering. All employees at the Coriano plant will transfer to Amadori, which has more than 9,400 staff in Italy.