TreValli Cooperlat is stepping up its focus on plant-based drinks and overseas markets, with a target turnover of 320 million

It might seem odd for a dairy co-operative to invest in plant-based drinks and products, which were originally developed as alternatives to milk. But diversification is a path that TreValli Cooperlat has been following for some time, having made its debut some fifty years ago with a ‘plant-based dessert mix’ (which, by law, cannot be called ‘cream’) that came about almost by accident, whilst trying to meet the needs of a foreign customer who was asking for a cream with a firmer texture. From that experience came the first Hoplà product and then the evolution of the plant-based range, which today accounts for more than a third of the Group’s turnover. And between now and 2030, this will be the part of the company’s business that records the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR): +8.3 per cent compared with +6.4 per cent for dairy products.

The other major driver of growth will be exports, which over the same period are expected to rise from the current 28 per cent to at least 35 per cent of turnover, thanks to the Group’s presence in 65 countries and an existing trend that the company aims to strengthen: in the first half of the year, growth in overseas markets stood at 11 per cent, 6 per cent higher than budgeted. To achieve these objectives, investments totalling 25 million are planned over four years, with the aim of exceeding 320 million euros in turnover by 2030, compared with the current 226 million, with projected EBITDA in excess of 20 million.

“The new strategic plan marks a turning point in TreValli Cooperlat’s evolution and is geared towards a structural strengthening of its competitive positioning,” explains Giordano Curti, general manager of the cooperative –. The objective is not limited to growth in size, but extends to the creation of sustainable value and the improvement of profit margins, through alignment with structural changes in consumption patterns, tailored to the specific characteristics of the relevant markets. In this context, a key driver of development is our plant-based range, an asset that sets us apart from our competitors in the dairy sector.”

A further strategic focus concerns the strengthening of the company’s presence in major distribution channels “with the aim,” continues Curti, “of increasing volumes, targeting new customer segments and developing commercial partnerships”, including through agreements for private-label production. Naturally, TreValli Cooperlat will continue to enhance and expand its dairy range, ‘building on its strong ties with the local area’ and focusing here too on innovation with lactose-free products and lactic acid bacteria.

15 per cent of the investment will be allocated to a new production line and packaging, whilst 5 million will go towards research and development of new products, particularly in the field of functional foods and drinks. The remainder will be dedicated to energy efficiency and improving sustainability.