Company turnover rose 8.8% to €159m for the year, 85% of which was credited to exports, the owner of several hard cheese brands reported.
The biggest importers of DalterFoods’ Italian hard cheeses were France, Germany, UK and Spain.
Top Italian hard cheese markets
Sales to Germany rose €8m to €61.5m, while the UK market accounted for €47m of value – an increase from €41.3m on 2022.
A focus on reducing energy usage would continue this year following a €1.7m investment and the installation of photovoltaic plants in two of the company’s production facilities, as well as new air conditioning systems at its dairy farms.
“Even though the macroeconomic scenario is still complicated, DalterFood Group has reported another year of significant growth,” said group general manager Andrea Guidi.
“In terms of the group, our performance and particularly by our sister companies in the UK and Germany, is positive and in line with market trends in all the countries where we operate, confirming our ability to meet the needs of operators in retail, the food industry and food service.”
Gender equality in DalterFood
Attention had been paid to further bolster the business’s integrated, sustainable supply chain for Parmigiano Reggiano, including continued certification with animal welfare organisation ClassyFarm, Guidi continued.
Other certifications such as the BRC, IFS and FDA had also been secured, while the business would continue to focus on its sustainable packaging programme and ongoing renewable energy project. This would see it complete the installation of solar panels at factories and farms to see 20% of energy come from renewable sources.
Employment with DalterFood Group also rose in 2023 to 181, with the business paying attention to gender equality through a new steering committee and training courses.