Italy: Valsoia moves into kefir market with Kele & Kele stake

Valsoia, the Italian health food specialist, has entered the European kefir market by acquiring a 70% stake in the Slovenian producer Kele & Kele.

The transaction values the Slovenian company at an enterprise value of €5.4 million ($5.9 million), with Valsoia paying an initial €3 million ($3.3 million) for the majority interest. Effective from 3rd December, the deal includes an option for the Bologna-based group to acquire the remaining 30% from the founding Kelecevic family after three years.

Based near Ljubljana, Kele & Kele produces the Krepko brand, which holds a 30% value share of the Slovenian kefir market. The company, which generated €4.9 million ($5.4 million) in 2024 revenue, uses traditional Caucasian methods and live kefir grains to produce its range of organic and lactose-free products.

Valsoia chairman Lorenzo Sassoli de Bianchi commented: “The acquisition of the kefir brand Krepko represents a transaction of significant future value for our company. In addition to entering the extremely dynamic kefir market with the leading brand in Slovenia […] we are strengthening our direct presence in Europe”.

The move aligns with Valsoia’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, which already spans plant-based meals, desserts and gelato. The company reported a 3.5% revenue increase in 2024 to nearly €117 million ($128 million).

Source: Valsoia / Slovenia Business / FoodBev