DIATOSTA AND RIALTO
DIATOSTA
Aligned by their desire for excellence within the bread-based segment, sister companies Diatosta and Rialto have developed the perfect formula for success. Now, one year on from their previous interview with Inside Food & Drink, Diatosta’s Director of Exports Vitor Barbosa and Rialto’s Head of Sales & Marketing Tiago Lameiro revealed the latest developments. Report by Imogen Ward.
Over the years, Portugal-based Diatosta and Rialto have successfully carved out prominent positions for themselves within the market. Although they remain separate entities, the two companies continue to support one another.
“Despite Diatosta and Rialto being individual companies, we regularly interact with each other,” explained Rialto’s Head of Sales & Marketing Tiago Lameiro. “Whenever we attend tradeshows, we do so as one entity, and our shared knowledge has also enabled us to develop a wider range of products that better benefit our customers.”
Both companies are also experiencing another very successful year of growth following several key developments.
Expanding capabilities
For Rialto, 2023 was record-breaking, bringing in €10 million in sales from nearly 4,000 tonnes of finished product. It also marked the completion of Rialto’s facility expansion. Inspired by the additional capacity, Rialto decided to add three new
product lines to its offering in 2024 –each one a perfect fit within the brand.
The first new line is inspired by the company’s best-selling, long-standing Croutons range. As a main element of Rialto’s offering, its Croutons continue to dominate the market and currently account for 25% of the company’s production rates. No longer limited to the conventional square-like shape, Rialto’s Croutons can now also be purchased in round form.
The company has also introduced Mini Grissinis, providing the perfect partner for any charcuterie board, but the true star of the show is its all-new Shakin’ Bits toppers. Made from toasted bread and designed to complement any meal, this unique product line currently offers three enticing flavours, Bacon & Cheese, Jalapeno & Cheddar, and Spicy & Lime.
“Shakin’ Bits originated from a private line we produced for the UK market,” said Mr Lameiro. “We decided to develop a similar product under our own brand and have developed the packaging to
be user-friendly and convenient, in order to fill a gap in the market.”
The company hopes these new products will go a long way in ensuring another record-breaking year for sales. By the end of 2024, Rialto expects to overtake its previous sales record by around €1-2 million.
Exploring new revenue streams
Diatosta, on the other hand, has set its sights on a different objective. Having also experienced a successful 2023 filled with growth, the company has been busy integrating itself into the Latin American market.
“In 2023, we dedicated a significant amount of time towards increasing our production capacity, our level of turnover and our connection with our customers,” commented Diatosta’s Director of Exports Vitor Barbosa. “That allowed us to shift our focus to new markets for 2024. We already maintain a good presence within Latin America in general. However, there were several key markets within the region that were completely closed off to us.”
In order to advance its presence in markets such as Argentina and Cuba, Diatosta
launched new product packaging that better reflected the needs of these markets.
Typically producing for mass market, Diatosta understood that the needs of more specific markets can vary greatly. Diatosta reduced the size of its packaging, in turn creating smaller portions, to better account for the Latin American market’s needs.
“We are always ready to make adjustments to suit market requirements,” explained Mr Barbosa. “We work within an incredibly dynamic market that is everchanging, and so, we have to adapt our offering in order to survive and thrive.”
Although the company is ready and willing to adapt, one thing that has remained consistent is the popularity of its mini toasts. Not only is Diatosta one of the few companies that manufacture this product, but the company’s toast is also beloved for its small size and versatile nature.
“Whether being consumed during the day as a snack, or in the evening as an appetiser, our mini toasts are great for so many different functions and occasions,” continued Mr Barbosa.
Experiencing it together
Of course, both companies would not be where they are today without the continued support of their customers and suppliers.
“The role of our suppliers is fundamental to the success of our businesses,” said Mr Lameiro. “Their quality, prices and lead times enable us to remain competitive.”
“We like to call these companies partners, because they do more than simply supply us,” added Mr Barbosa. “We rely on them to keep our business running; every single one playing a critical role in our success.
“When it comes to Diatosta, we divide our partners into two key categories. The first being raw material suppliers, who ensure we remain competitive and retain a consistency in quality. The second is our equipment suppliers who always integrate the latest technological advancements. We are so grateful for both sides of the supply chain.”
As they look to the future, both companies intend to continue with their respective
growth trajectories. Rialto plans to continue expanding its portfolio, having already implemented many development projects with its clients.
Diatosta on the other hand, is readying itself for future cutting-edge developments without losing track of its three guiding principles. The company hopes to integrate new technological advancements relating to AI, while also enhancing its environmental commitments.
“The biggest challenge is to prepare for the future without ignoring our core guidelines,” explained Mr Barbosa. “We want to be as responsible as possible in our mission to make money. Whether that be via the recyclability of our packaging, or the wellbeing of our employees, we want to balance our priorities accordingly.”
The pair are incredibly excited to discover what the future holds for Diatosta and Rialto, and they are also extremely appreciative of the journey that has led them to where they are today.
“Seeing our products on the shelves, and knowing I played a part in getting them there, is a great feeling,” commented Mr Lameiro. “It is inspiring; even more so
when we go abroad to tradeshows and see Rialto’s branding on the shelves there too.”
“Yes, seeing people interacting with the brand is great,” added Mr Barbosa, in conclusion. “We are brand builders, and we produce for consumers. So, seeing them picking up our products and admiring them, proves we are doing it right.” n
