Italian confectionery firm Balocco looks to boost exports

(AGI) Rome, Jan 26 - Balocco, a leading confectionery company from Fossano in the province of Cuneo, has closed 2016 with a turnover that is still on the rise and will amount to more than 170 million euros. Ranked second in this industrial sector in Italy, especially for its shortbread biscuits and Christmas and Easter cakes, Balocco has planned to strengthen its international position in 2017, which currently represents 12 percent of their global turnover. Today, the company sells its products in about 60 countries including France, China, and Great Britain, with the United States at the top of the list. A communique explained that in order to reach the goal it is necessary to participate in international fairs. This is why Balocco plans to participate at the end of January at the ISM in Cologne, the world's largest fair for confectionery products and snacks. At the end of February the company has plans to go to Dubai's Gulfood, the major international event for food and hospitality. Finally, Balocco has in mind Anuga in Cologne this October, the biennial major international event in the agrifood sector. Visitors will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the "Village of Mister Balocco", a communication format that has already been used on TV commercials, on their website and on social media. "We have managed to grasp a share of the domestic market, develop sales, improve yields and financial solidity year after year in spite of the many economic problems in our country. It has not deterred us from attempting to expand to international markets in the next few years," said Alberto Balocco, President and CEO of the company. The international markets represent a challenge and its success depends on a relevant socio-cultural factor. "Italian style breakfasts, with milk and biscuits, is a typical tradition in our country. Eating habits abroad are different," said Mr Balocco. This is the thought behind the company's research to make products that can meet the taste and habits of foreign consumers. Besides 2017 planning, which includes participation in major international events, the company has already started an industrial project to support its international development..
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