Sammontana Italia Group is expanding its North American operations with the acquisition of Canada’s La Rocca Creative Cakes.
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
In a statement, the gelato supplier described the acquisition “as an important step in the growth strategy”.
The Italian bakery products producer and distributor is purchasing the Toronto-based La Rocca Creative Cakes via its newly established entity, Sammontana North America.
Founded in 1986 by the Givens family, La Rocca operates in the retail in-store bakery business, producing cakes, desserts and frozen pastries.
The company distributes its products across Canada and the US, supplying retail stores with over 120,000 cakes per week.
In 2024, it generated revenues exceeding C$70m ($48.78m).
Sammontana Italia CEO Alessandro Angelon described the deal as a “significant step” toward the company’s growth and global expansion goals.
The company aims to “expand into foreign markets through organic growth and targeted acquisitions” in the dessert, ice cream, and frozen pastry sectors.
The acquisition is expected to complement the group’s Bindi brand, which already has a presence in North America, primarily in the food service channel.
Sammontana Italia also markets brands such as Sammontana Gelati all’Italiana, Tre Marie, Forno d’Asolo and Bonchef.
In July, the company received conditional approval from Italy’s competition regulator for its merger with frozen baked goods firm Forno d’Asolo.
By adding La Rocca, Sammontana Italia aims to strengthen its presence in Canada and the US while consolidating its position in the in-store bakery segment.
La Rocca president and CEO Michael Givens described the deal as an “incredible opportunity” for La Rocca.
“With our shared passion for premium desserts and commitment to excellence, we look forward to unlocking new growth opportunities and delivering even more exceptional products to our customers,” Givens added.
The transaction is expected to close this month, subject to customary closing conditions.
Headquartered in Empoli, Sammontana Italia employs more than 2,000 people across six production plants in Italy and two abroad, generating a pro forma turnover of more than €900m ($627.21m) in 2024.
