The Polenghi Group, world leader in the production of Italian lemon juice, closed 2024 with a turnover of 100 million euros, up over 30% compared to 2019. Driving development is exports, now strengthened by the acquisition of Nielsen Citrus Products Company, a Californian company specializing in lemon juice.
The operation marks a strategic step: "America has been a key market for our Group for over a decade," said Filippo Scandellari, CEO of Polenghi. "Producing locally allows us to offer fresher juices and reduce CO₂ emissions related to transportation." The Nielsen plant, located south of Los Angeles, will improve quality and logistics thanks to its proximity to the crops.
The acquisition was supported by SIMEST, which invested 8 million euros and acquired a minority stake, strengthening the international expansion of Polenghi, already active in five countries. The global strategy is accompanied by a strong environmental commitment: the Group produces bottles in up to 100% recycled PET, uses solar energy and has started a collaboration with the start-up Ogyre for the recovery of marine plastic.
On the agricultural front, Polenghi promotes an ethical supply chain with organic lemon juice from Fondo Spinagallo (Siracusa), made in collaboration with local companies and obtained from PGI lemons of the Femminello Siracusano variety.
