La Doria strengthens its position in the tomato-based market with the acquisition of 100% of the Solana Group, a company specializing in tomato processing and semi-finished vegetable products. The transaction, announced today, represents a new step in the Campania-based group's growth strategy and aims to consolidate its presence in the industrial and foodservice channels, as well as strengthen its production coverage in Central and Northern Italy.
The agreement was signed with Eight Holding One S.à rl, a vehicle controlled by funds managed by Xenon Private Equity, and with Solana's minority shareholder. The transaction involves the entire share capital of Solana Società Agricola and, indirectly, its subsidiaries Suncan and Desco.
The Solana Group, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Maccastorna, in the province of Lodi, closed the 2025 fiscal year with a turnover of approximately 90 million euros. Ninety-one percent of its revenue comes from tomato processing, through a portfolio that includes pulp, puree, and concentrate, while the remaining 9% comes from other plant-based products such as fruit, basil, and squash.
Over the past two years, Solana has significantly expanded its industrial footprint with the acquisition of Suncan, a company specializing in semi-finished fruit and vegetable products, and Desco, thus strengthening its presence in Central Italy.
The group currently has three production facilities, a total processing capacity of approximately 285 tons per year, and an industrial area of approximately 200 square meters. The workforce includes 46 permanent employees, supported by approximately 210 seasonal workers during production seasons.
The company's clientele is primarily large food companies: approximately 70% of its turnover comes from leading industrial clients, while the remaining 30% is generated by the foodservice channel. All production and raw material procurement takes place in Italy, with well-established relationships with operators active in the European and Japanese markets.
For La Doria, the acquisition offers several strategic advantages: in addition to increasing production capacity in the tomato sector, it allows for the expansion of the industrial and supply network in the northern and central areas of the country, accessing a highly qualified customer base and creating new business development opportunities.
With this operation, the group brings its total number of plants in Italy to 15: seven in the South, one in Central Italy, and seven in the North, further strengthening its presence throughout the country.
Chairman and CEO Antonio Ferraioli called the acquisition "a strategic step" that will allow the group to grow in synergistic sectors, strengthening production for industrial customers and the foodservice sector through a player recognized for its premium positioning, as well as improving the geographical diversification of its operations.
Xenon Private Equity also expressed satisfaction. Co-CEO Franco Prestigiacomo highlighted the growth path developed together with Solana's management and identified La Doria as the ideal partner to guide the company through the next phase of industrial development.
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to obtaining the required authorizations, including antitrust authorizations, and is expected by the end of September 2026.
For La Doria, which posted revenues of €1,375 billion in 2025, with approximately 90% of sales coming from the private label segment, the transaction confirms its growth strategy based on targeted acquisitions and strengthening its European leadership in private label canned food.
