UniCredit provides 20 million to EcorNaturaSì to support sustainable growth
Among the objectives are the expansion and improvement of the retail network – A new shop dedicated to pet wellbeing has opened in Milan
A 20 million loan aimed at supporting the business development and environmental mission of EcorNaturaSì, a leading group in the distribution of organic and biodynamic products, with over 350 NaturaSì-branded shops across Italia.
Resources for development
UniCredit has finalised the transaction that will enable the EcorNaturaSì Group to refinance its debt and invest in the expansion and improvement of its retail network, including through the implementation of automated logistics, state-of-the-art IT systems and greater energy sustainability.
The transaction, structured with the support of UniCredit’s ESG Advisory team, involves an innovative interest rate adjustment mechanism linked to the achievement of specific sustainability targets, with a particular focus on the protection of biodiversity.
An approach consistent with EcorNaturaSì’s business model, which has always been geared towards promoting agricultural supply chains capable of enhancing biodiversity, preserving soil fertility and supporting producers committed to respecting natural ecosystems.
Fausto Jori, managing director of EcorNaturaSì, comments: ‘The protection of biodiversity that we strive for every day not only has a positive impact on ecosystems but is also beginning to gain social and, above all, financial recognition, as demonstrated by this sustainability-linked loan. Organic and biodynamic farming, through its practices, on the other hand, not only protects biodiversity but also provides many other ecosystem services, foremost among which is carbon sequestration in the soil – so-called ‘carbon farming’ – enabling us to go well beyond simply reducing emissions, towards achieving a positive energy balance upstream of the supply chain.”
