For over 40 years we have been a key player in the Italian sugar market as a partner to the food and beverage industry for the supply of high quality sugar. Along the major transformations that affected the European and especially the Italian market, the company has embraced innovation and continues to offer competitive and sustainable products.
The start-up company A.B.I. Srl was established by Domenico Saffioti, working with Italian and German sugar producers. From 1987 to 2006, it became the leading company in the Italian market for the sale of sugar in 1 kg packs, mainly produced in the Sadam sugar factories under the producer’s brand name or as private label. The company reached a market share of 20%.
Entrepreneur Domenico Saffioti realised that the “EU Sugar Reform” that was about to come into force would result in a radical transformation of the European market and prepared for it with a forward-looking approach. With the imminent end of the agricultural quota system in force in the EU, Italy quickly went from having 20 operational sugar factories in 2005 to 7 in 2010. Between then and 2024, further production sites were closed, leading to a deficit of around 90% compared to the demand and forcing the market to address to northern European producers.
Faced with the “EU Sugar Reform”, Domenico Saffioti chose to adopt a more dynamic business strategy in opposition to the role of the traditional trader, in the aim of building a balance between the needs of the producers and the ones of the consumers. This involved radical choices that led to corporate restructuring, with A.B.I. Srl ceasing its activity and the establishment of the new-co Achard Italia SpA. The period between 2006 and 2010 was crucial for the transformation of the sugar industry, which benefited from European funds to adapt to the end of the “sugar quotas” established in 1968.
On 30 September 2017, the dismissal of the “sugar quota regime”, approved by the European Parliament and Member States with the 2013 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reform, came into force. After a long process of reforms and reorganization, the company faced new challenges and changes. This opened up to a new phase that would lead to significant developments in 2020.
During this time, the company strenghtened its European and international relations, adressing to the world’s leading producers and developing the raw and white cane sugar sector, both conventional and organic. A new line was built in San Quirino (Pordenone) to process these sugars and supply Italian food industries with a certified product, at the same time cooperating with them to develop new recipes.
Saffioti Holding Srl signed an important agreement with the Dutch sugar group Cosun Beet Company, establishing Achard International Srl and further strengthening its presence in the Italian market.
On the 7th of July 2023, in cooperation with its partner Cosun Beet Company, the unique and innovative logistics hub in Nogarole Rocca was officially opened, equipped with:
- a drive-in storage system with over 10,000 pallet spaces for a more efficient management of storage processes; we are the first Italian operator to use this advanced storage and handling system in the sugar industry;
- a state-of-the-art rebulking line with a loading capacity of over 1,000 kg per minute;
- a 60,000 kg storage silo;
- a line for processing and packaging raw cane sugar;
- a state-of-the-art system for the production of icing sugar.
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