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Winland Foods and La Doria have combined to create a new $4 billion food manufacturing entity, Windoria.

Winland Foods is a US manufacturer of private label, branded food products and ingredients for the foodservice and retail channels. La Doria, based in Italy and still run by the founding Ferraioli family, produces private label tomato-based sauces, canned foods and dried pasta.

Together, the merged companies will deliver a broader range of products, bolster their combined supply chains and deliver high-quality goods and services to retailers, foodservice distributors and major food brands across continents.

Windoria, an entity now approved by European investment group Investindustrial (the majority owner of La Doria and Winland Foods), establishes itself with a strong foundation of nearly $4 billion in sales, 5,000 employees and 28 manufacturing facilities, including 11 pasta-making sites across North America and Europe. The two companies combine their years of pasta expertise, with Winland’s roots tracing back to 1848 with US pasta maker Zerega.

Windoria will draw on its vertically integrated supply chain and global scale to help customers develop and launch innovative new products, differentiate their brands and increase value to consumers.

The combined group produces products for major retailers and several North American brands while stewarding over 40 of its own regional and national consumer brands.

Eric Beringause will continue as CEO of both Winland Foods and Windoria. Antonio Ferraioli, chairman of Windoria, will remain CEO of La Doria Group. Dave Barta has been appointed as Windoria’s CFO and will continue to serve in the same capacity for Winland Foods.

Ferraioli commented: “From the humble beginnings of Zerega, pioneering pasta-making in America since 1848, to La Doria’s enduring dedication to quality and tradition in Italy, our new company brings together a wealth of expertise, heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence”.

He added: “We are launching Windoria not only with remarkable momentum, but with a deep respect for the history and values that have guided both organisations and an unparalleled commitment to our customers.”

The merger launches at a pivotal moment for private label, with sales of private label brands outpacing national brands for the past three years, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

According to the Food Marketing Institute 2024 Power of Private Brands report, 71% of US shoppers now believe private label items match or exceed the quality of national brands.

“Private label growth is driven not only by value but by quality, taste and innovation,” added Ferraioli. “This new platform also will enable further growth in other markets, including through acquisitions.”