CVC Capital Partners has agreed to acquire Irca from Advent, marking a major move in the global food ingredients sector and setting the stage for the next phase of international expansion for one of Europe’s fastest‑growing B2B ingredient platforms.

The deal, made through CVC Capital Partners IX, will see CVC partner with Irca’s management team to accelerate growth across manufacturing, supply chain, acquisitions and new markets. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Headquartered in Italy, Irca has evolved into a global leader in value‑added ingredients and semi‑finished products for the pastry, bakery, chocolate and ice cream markets. Its footprint spans 19 manufacturing facilities and more than 7,000 products, serving customers in over 100 countries. The company’s reach extends across artisanal bakeries, gelato shops, foodservice operators and multinational food manufacturers, making it one of the most diversified suppliers in the category.

Under Advent’s ownership, Irca has undergone a dramatic transformation. Revenues have grown from €370 million in 2021 to €1.5 billion today, driven by targeted acquisitions, investment in manufacturing capacity and expansion into new markets and channels. The company is now widely recognised for its comprehensive product portfolio, strong innovation capabilities and customer‑centric culture.

With CVC stepping in as the new owner, the focus shifts to scaling Irca’s global platform even further. CVC plans to work closely with the management team to strengthen operational excellence across manufacturing and supply chain, pursue selective add‑on acquisitions and accelerate international expansion—particularly in the US and EMEA. The firm will leverage its extensive European and US networks to support Irca’s ambitions.

Massimo Garavaglia, CEO of Irca, said the company is well positioned for its next chapter. “Over the past years, Irca has strengthened its international platform and broadened its capabilities, and today we are in a great position to continue to expand into new markets and segments. We look forward to working with CVC as we continue to invest in our business and pursue the next phase of growth.”

CVC leaders echoed the sentiment. Giampiero Mazza, Managing Partner at CVC, highlighted Irca’s strong market position and resilient business model. “Working alongside management, we will support the company’s continued development through operational excellence initiatives, selective acquisitions and investment in its global platform.”

Massimiliano Mascolo, Managing Director at CVC, added: “The company has built an impressive business with a strong culture of innovation and customer focus. We are delighted to support them as they continue to execute on the company’s long‑term growth ambitions.”

Advent, reflecting on its four‑year stewardship, emphasised the scale of Irca’s transformation. “When we invested in Irca, we saw a strong Italian heritage brand with the potential to become a global ingredient solutions platform,” said managing director Francesco Casiraghi. “Working closely with the management team, that is exactly what it has become.”

The acquisition signals continued consolidation and investment in the global ingredients sector, with Irca now poised to accelerate its international growth under CVC’s ownership.