Cerealto produces the world’s biggest biscuit assortment
October 15, 2015
Cerealto acquires Mondelez International factory in Mem Martins
August 8, 2016
Turnover of 82 million euros / Acquisition and construction of three new manufacturing facilities
In 2015, Cerealto achieved a turnover of 82 million euros, which represented an 18% growth over 2014. In line with its international expansion strategy, the company increased food production to 62,000 tons, created more than 350 new jobs, and expanded local sourcing to 70%.
“2015 was an extremely positive year for Cerealto, as it achieved important goals such as the acquisition of a biscuit factory in Mexico and the construction of a new plant in the UK for the manufacturing of gluten-free products and cereal bars. The company invested 3.2 million Euros in R&D and launched more than 100 new products onto the market,” said Luis Ángel López, Cerealto’s CEO.
Responsible Supply Chain Management
One of Cerealto’s main milestones in 2015 was the approval of its Code of Conduct for Suppliers, which was sent to all of its current and potential suppliers. Also in 2015, Cerealto adhered to a global platform that compiles and consolidates information about suppliers regarding human and labour rights, and environmental and ethical issues. At the same time, the company increased its requirements and reinforced its Food Safety audits for raw material suppliers. All of these measures were applied with the final aim of maximising the responsible management of supply chains.
Total investment of 68 million in the coming years
In the next strategic plan, Cerealto plans to invest 68 million euros, focusing on the markets of Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. This investment will enable the creation of 250 new jobs in 2016, as well as the enhancement of factories and the strengthening of teams in strategic markets.
For Cerealto’s CEO, the objective of this investment “is to always exceed our customers’ expectations by offering them innovative and top quality products. In this respect, only in 2015, the company launched 99 new product developments onto the different markets in which Cerealto is present, along with I+dea, a leading Research and Development Centre. In total, The Company’s R&D investment stood at 3.2 million euros, which represents a 4% of the total turnover obtained in 2015 “.
Focus on the Company’s Carbon Footprint
For Cerealto, the environment is key. In this respect, during 2015, the Company measured its carbon footprint in Italy and Portugal for the first time. In 2016, Cerealto will proceed to measure the impact of its operations in Mexico and United Kingdom, so that reduction and improvement plans can be executed.
Cerealto also renewed its commitment to Global Compact and its 10 principles, to which it has been a signatory since 2014.
The acquisition of a second factory in Portugal
The Group’s expansion strategy included the purchase of a new plant in Mem Martins, which was effective on March 2016. This means that Cerealto now owns two factories in Portugal: the Nutriceal Foods plant for baby food production in Benavente, which was purchased to Danone in 2013, and the new biscuits factory in Mem Martins. The agreement with former owner Mondelez enabled 92 factory workers to maintain their jobs.
“The acquisition of the Mem Martins factory is an important milestone for Cerealto, as it is an operation centre with a highly qualified team and advanced technology developed by one of the world’s leading food companies”, concluded Luis Ángel López, Cerealto’s CEO.
To find out more about the performance of Cerealto in 2015, download its 2015 Annual Report using the following link.
