Investindustrial Invests €100M to Expand Eataly in the Middle East

Investindustrial, a prominent European investment firm with a fund capital exceeding €16 billion, has partnered with Azadea Group, a well-established retail leader that manages over 40 international franchises across the Middle East and Africa. Together, they have announced a strategic agreement regarding Eataly S.p.A., a company within Investindustrial’s portfolio. Under this agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Investindustrial and Azadea Group will take direct control of Eataly’s operations in the Middle East, which were previously managed by Azadea through a franchising model.

A Significant Milestone Marked by a Grand Occasion

The announcement of this agreement coincided with the launch of Villaggio Italia in Jeddah, an event celebrating the arrival of the Amerigo Vespucci, the iconic Italian Navy tall ship. The signing of the MOU was attended by Valentino Valentini, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, highlighting the importance of this collaboration in reinforcing Italian business influence in the region.

Strengthening Eataly’s Market Presence in the Gulf

This initiative is a crucial step in expanding Eataly’s footprint across the Middle East, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. With an increasing appetite for Italian cuisine and premium culinary experiences in the region, Eataly aims to capitalize on this demand. Currently, Eataly operates in major Middle Eastern cities through its partnership with Azadea. Moving forward, Azadea will retain a significant stake in Eataly while continuing to oversee its operations. The brand’s growth strategy includes opening up to 40 additional outlets across the region, including airport concessions, alongside introducing Eataly-branded products into new markets.

Andrea C. Bonomi, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Investindustrial, commented: “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to supporting excellent Italian companies in their international growth. Eataly will benefit from strategic and financial resources to accelerate its development and bring its unique offerings to new, sophisticated consumers. We are proud to establish a partnership with Azadea and look forward to further developing Eataly together in the region. Expanding in this strategic region not only allows us to bring the best of the “Made in Italy” to a market with significant growth potential but also fosters a cultural dialogue that enhances tradition, innovation, and sustainability, which are at the heart of the values upheld by the companies in our portfolio.”

Said Daher, Chief Executive Officer of Azadea Group, added: “The GCC represents a strategic market where quality, tradition, and innovation are highly valued. We strongly believe that Eataly can become an even more significant reference for local consumers while maintaining the authenticity and sustainability values that distinguish the brand. Together with Investindustrial, we aim to accelerate Eataly’s development in the Gulf countries to contribute to the brand’s internationalization process worldwide.”

Investindustrial’s Expertise in Scaling High-Growth Businesses

Investindustrial has a strong reputation for collaborating with family-owned enterprises and global brands with high expansion potential. Since its inception, the firm has invested in more than 300 companies, supported by a workforce of over 200 professionals across eight international offices. Currently, its investment portfolio consists of 29 companies generating over €18 billion in revenue. The firm’s expansion into the GCC aligns with the region’s economic growth and increasing demand for premium global brands.

Established Regional Presence and Growth Ambitions

Several of Investindustrial’s key assets are already making significant inroads into the GCC market. These include the Italian luxury fashion brand Ermenegildo Zegna, Eataly’s culinary marketplace, Omnia Technologies—an automation and bottling solutions provider, and Flos B&B Italia Group, a global leader in high-end interior design. These brands are well-positioned to leverage the Middle East’s growing luxury and hospitality sectors.

Private Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Development

Investindustrial’s investment strategy demonstrates how private capital can drive economic growth while aligning with regional development priorities. The firm’s extensive experience spans various industries, including manufacturing and food security, a sector of increasing importance in the Gulf. With a strong foundation valued at over €8 billion, Investindustrial has built a portfolio of food-related businesses such as Sammontana, Forno D’Asolo, La Doria, and CSM Ingredients, all specializing in key food categories like special ingredients, private-label products, pastries, and frozen goods.

A Future Focused on Innovation and Sustainability

With a well-established presence in the region, Investindustrial is positioned to foster innovation and sustainable growth across the GCC. By leveraging its expertise and strategic investments, the firm aims to enhance food security, introduce new culinary experiences, and contribute to the long-term economic development of the Middle East.