CANADA-Andriani, an Italian gluten-free pasta manufacturer, has unveiled plans to build its first production facility in North America to expand its global footprint. 

The company, known for its Biori and Felicia pasta brands, will invest C$33.6 million (US$24.9 million) in the new site, located in Ontario, Canada.

The Ontario provincial government confirmed that the establishment of Andriani’s 61,225-square-foot factory will contribute to the creation of 42 jobs in the city of London, Ontario. 

Andriani’s facility will be in London’s Innovation Park, which also houses other agri-food companies like Dr. Oetker, The Original Cakerie, Aspire Food Group, Bosco & Roxy’s, and Cardiff Products.

The facility will specialize in the production of “gluten-free” and “GMO-free” pasta, catering to the growing demand for healthier food options in the North American market.

The decision to manufacture products locally marks a shift in Andriani’s strategy, as it plans to serve the North American market directly from Ontario rather than importing from its home country, Italy.

The Ontario government, in support of Andriani’s investment, has committed C$1.5 (US$1.12) million through its regional development program.

Mayor Josh Morgan expressed his support for the investment, commenting that “the city of London, Ontario, can be a place where people want to come, where people want to invest, where people want to grow our economy and grow our quality of life.

Michele Andriani, CEO and president of the pasta group, expressed enthusiasm about the move, explaining that in London, the pasta manufacturer had found the premises to ground the next steps of its international development, which aims at increasing the potential of having a positive impact on people’s lives through food innovation.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to professionalism, food innovation, sustainability, and regenerative agricultural practices.

Andriani’s decision to establish a manufacturing presence in North America aligns with the company’s dedication to providing quality gluten-free products. The company’s headquarters is situated in the Italian city of Bari, and it annually produces approximately 40,000 tons of pasta.

The group’s wholly gluten-free pasta factory is currently located in Gravia in Italy’s Puglia region. In addition to traditional gluten-free pasta, Andriani also offers a variety of products, including “high-protein” pasta, gluten-free instant noodles, cereal pasta, and pet food.

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