The Grote Company Family of Brands has agreed to acquire Italy-based Turatti Group, expanding its food processing equipment portfolio and strengthening its presence in Europe.

The transaction covers 100% of Turatti Group and remains subject to approval by the Italian government. Turatti will join Grote’s existing portfolio of food processing businesses, which includes potato and produce processing equipment manufacturer Vanmark.

Headquartered in Cavarzere, Italy, Turatti Group comprises Turatti, Tecnoceam, VGC and RS Tecnology. The group designs and manufactures machinery and complete processing lines for fruit, vegetables and prepared foods, with technologies covering operations including washing, cutting, peeling, cooking, conveying, mixing and batch processing.

Turatti also supplies equipment specifically for potato processing, including steam and abrasive peeling systems, inspection equipment and blanching technologies. The addition therefore broadens a potato-processing equipment portfolio that already includes Vanmark systems for receiving, washing, peeling, hydrocutting, storage and product transfer.

“The acquisition of Turatti Group marks an exciting milestone for the Grote Company Family of Brands,” said Bob Grote, CEO. “This is a major step in our growth strategy, building on the foundation we’ve established in Europe while strengthening our ability to serve food processors across both Europe and North America.”

Turatti currently operates in Italy and also has a North American operation in Salinas, California. Grote has existing European operations in the UK and the Netherlands.

Enrico Gribaudo will remain CEO of Turatti Group following the transaction, with the business continuing to operate with its existing leadership, employees and operations.

Turatti is being sold through Taste of Italy, a fund within Green Arrow Capital Alternative Funds SGR. Green Arrow Capital said the investment period had included strengthening Turatti’s organisational structure, acquiring Tecnoceam and developing a new production facility, as well as supporting the company’s international expansion.

The acquisition is intended to combine the complementary processing technologies of the two groups and expand the range of integrated solutions available to food manufacturers in Europe and North America.