Tuna in oil and Cantabrian anchovies, Consorcio Group grows in Italy
Between January and October 2024, the company recorded 7.9 per cent growth in the Italian market, bringing year-end estimates to 19 million in turnover
2' min read
2' min read
Almost a year after the opening of its independent Italian subsidiary, Grupo Consorcio draws an initial balance of the strategic change undertaken. The Spanish company of high quality albacore tuna and anchovy preserves, from 2024 has in fact decided to directly manage the business in Italy, relying on a capillary sales network.
An ambitious operation, which today has led the subsidiary to grow in a sector that is going through a complex period, due to the soaring costs of raw materials (+80% for canned oil) and transport. Consumers, however, have shown a growing preference for high quality, despite the focus on costs. A trend that has proved favourable for Consorcio, which is active in the premium tuna and Cantabrian anchovy segments. 'We have revised our business model in Italy,' says Valeria Piaggio, Vice-President of Grupo Consorcio, 'and consolidated our path towards sustainability, certified by the B Corp renewal.
Between January and October 2024, the company therefore recorded a 7.9% growth in the Italian market, which leads the subsidiary to estimate that it will close 2024 with a net turnover of approximately EUR 19 million. In the period April-October 2024, since Consorcio has had full control of distribution, sales of premium tuna in oil show a +16.1% increase, while the natural tuna segment registers triple-digit increases (+128.2% per year).
Cantabrian anchovies also grew significantly, up 31.4 per cent in volume, confirming the attractiveness of a premium product, appreciated in formats such as glass jars (under 100g). Market share is also increasing: premium tuna reaches 12% (+0.2%), while Cantabrian anchovies reach 10.4% (+2.1%).
"We have improved distribution," emphasises Dario De Stefano, general sales manager Italy, "and strengthened our presence, particularly in central Italy. Our success also derives from our ability to innovate: in 2024 we introduced new varieties of anchovies, and further novelties are planned for 2025'.
These includenew ranges of preserves and ready meals made with advanced technologies, such as Hpp (High Pressure Procedure). Also coming soon are Peruvian anchovies with a more affordable price positioning.
