Winland, La Doria Merge To Create $4B Private Label ‘Powerhouse’

U.S.-based Winland Foods and Italy-based La Doria announced today they have merged to create a new global manufacturing platform now known as Windoria Top Holding Ltd, which boasts nearly $4 billion in annual sales and operates 28 manufacturing facilities around the world.

Both businesses manufacture private label products with La Doria claiming to be one of Italy’s largest private label producers of tomato-based sauces, canned foods and dried pasta; that complements Winland’s core business. The company began in 1848 as a pasta maker and has since expanded its specialties to include sauces and condiments, and canned goods, among other foods, for retailers, foodservice distributors and major international food brand partners.

“As a strategic partner to leading retailers, foodservice and food brands, Windoria gives our customers a wide range of products to meet their consumers’ evolving preferences, a robust supply chain on multiple continents, and quality that is second to none,” said Eric Beringause, Windoria CEO, in a press release.

The combination of these businesses comes during a high-growth period for their core categories. According to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), sales of private label products have outpaced national brands for the past three years.

Consumer perception of these traditionally value-oriented products is also being elevated, per FMI’s latest Power of Private Brands report, which highlighted that 71% of U.S. shoppers believe store brand products match or exceed national brands on quality, per the survey.

“Private label growth is driven not only by value but by quality, taste and innovation,” said Antonio Ferraioli, chairman of Windoria and CEO of La Doria Group. “This new platform also will enable further growth in other markets, including through acquisitions.”

With nearly two centuries of manufacturing expertise between the two entities, their combined power and strategic infrastructure network is expected to increase value for their global client roster, the company said. The combined company employs over 5,000 individuals, and in addition to its manufacturing network located across North America and Europe, Windoria also operates four R&D centers and a distribution platform.

Now as a combined entity, Windoria also maintains a strategic hold across the grocery retail landscape. Winland brings over 5,000 SKUs across 13 categories and distributed in 10 countries to the new business while La Doria contributes over 4,200 SKUs spanning five categories and a distribution reach that stretches between 60 countries. Together, the business owns over 40 of its own regional and national consumer brands as well.

The business is also well positioned to continue accelerating growth. According to Windoria, the La Doria business generates 90% of its revenue from long-standing retail partnerships and 80% of its total revenue comes from international markets beyond its home country of Italy.

“From [Winland’s] humble beginnings [as] Zerega, pioneering pasta-making in America since 1848, to La Doria’s enduring dedication to quality and tradition in Italy, our new company brings together a wealth of expertise, heritage, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Ferraioli. “We are launching Windoria not only with remarkable momentum, but with a deep respect for the history and values that have guided both organizations and an unparalleled commitment to our customers.”