Orva is a producer and supplier of a range of high-quality nutritious breads. Capturing classic Italian flavours with innovative technology and production methods, the company creates products suited to consumer demands.
Export Quality Manager Laura Saracino and CEO Luigi Bravi discussed the company’s growth and key investments. Report by Antonia Cole.
ASa company, Orva is dedicated to growth, Export Quality Manager Laura Saracino said: “Over the years, we have made great progress in expanding the company. We have doubled our production capacity from 40,000 tonnes in 2017 to a total of 80,000 tonnes in 2024. This has really broadened our capabilities and increased our turnover from €35 million in 2017 up to our current €90 million, with a forecast to achieve €100 million in 2025.”
Founded in 1979 in Bagnacavallo, Italy, Orva was originally a small producer of piadina Romagnola and distributor of various food products. However, in 2002, CEO Luigi Bravi restructured the company to facilitate major growth. This enabled the industrialisation of Orva, with the
expansion of sites and the installation of new continuous production lines.
In 2010, Orva acquired Riccione-based Global FOOD. This company specialises in the production of fresh piadina, allowing Orva to become an industrial producer of piadina Romagnola. This acquisition facilitated the company’s growth into a leading supplier of breads to large-scale distribution markets, such as Lidl, Aldi, Coop Italia , Conad and more.
“The creation of our new plant in 2017 saw our total production space grow from 9,000 square metres to 35,000 square metres across three sites,” added Ms Saracino. “This has really driven us forward and given us the opportunity to utilise new technologies in our operations, improving efficiency and quality. Our
production lines have grown from four to ten and our employee count has increased from 150 to 300. We expect this growth to continue moving forward.”
Traditional and tasty
Orva offers a range of authentic breads to the market, with its main products being piadina, bread bauletto, pan carré and pinsa. Each bread is made with fresh and natural ingredients to deliver exceptional flavour. From sandwiches to canapés, these breads can be enjoyed toasted or plain in a variety of dishes.
“Currently, our main focus is on developing our pinsa products,” explained CEO Luigi Bravi. “Pinsa is a staple of Italian cuisine, as it is both tasty and versatile. With a light and crispy texture, it is highly digestible thanks to the addition of sourdough and a very slow and long leavening process. What makes our pinsa so special is that we hand-stretch our dough before it is stone baked. Incorporating these traditional methods into our products really helps us to capture the classic flavours of Italy.”
As the demands of the food industry evolve so rapidly, it is important for Orva to adapt to changing consumer
requirements. The pinsa is an example of this as it can be prepared in only five minutes, providing both convenience and high-q uality flavour. In recent years, the demand for quick and easy food products has grown substantially and Orva’s pinsa meets this consumer need. Orva focuses on the consumer in operations, aiming to achieve exceptional quality in terms of both products and services. The company carefully researches and selects its range of raw ingredients to guarantee consumers receive the best possible flavours. Through long-term partnerships with suppliers and consistent control of production processes, Orva is able to maintain high standards in all products.
“We don’t wait for things to happen, we make them happen,” continued Mr Bravi.
“This is a motto that guides us as a company. We anticipate the needs of today’s consumers, which are increasingly oriented towards healthy and high-quality foods, and we take the necessary steps to satisfy demands. Orva will continue to invest in human resources, modern production facilities and advanced technologies to deliver market-leading foods.”
Innovative investments
To meet rising sustainability concerns throughout the industry, Orva has also made many investments into environmental protection in operations. The company’s newest production site is fitted with advanced sustainable technology and is designed to limit impacts to the environment.
The facility is powered by solar energy and natural gas, minimising carbon emissions. Also, only recyclable plastics are used in production to reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment.
We don’t wait for things to happen, we make them happen
ORVA CEO - Luigi Bravi
“Our production lines are highly automated to optimise efficiency and limit energy use,” commented Ms Saracino. “Additionally, they are integrated with control systems to closely monitor each production phase, from kneading, rising and cooking to cooling, packaging and delivery. Not only does this guarantee quality standards, but it also makes our operations much more sustainable.”
Orva is committed to reducing pollutants and energy use in operations, as well as researching and incorporating sustainable packaging solutions. The company gives consumers clear instructions on how to appropriately dispose of product waste and is working to introduce more environmentally friendly packaging materials.
“In 2025, we are going to take our sustainability efforts even further,” added Ms Saracino. “We have many short- and long-term goals that we are set to achieve This will propel the company in terms of
In 2025, we are going to take our sustainability efforts even further
Export
Quality Manager - Laura Saracino
environmental preservation and provide our customers with more sustainable options. We are constantly researching and developing solutions and production processes aimed at reducing consumption and limiting environmental impacts.”
Global growth
Orva is oriented to further expand into foreign markets. By providing high-quality products made in Italy, the company will be able to drive international growth. Increasing production capacity and investments in high-performance and innovative equipment allow Orva to meet the increasing market demands. Currently, 70% of the company’s turnover is from the domestic market. One of Orva’s goals is to increase the percentage of international sales to 40%.
“Our global growth is one of our longterm projects,” said Mr Bravi. “We have many loyal partnerships with our suppliers, and working together is what allows us to develop as a company. Our suppliers provide the ingredients and materials that make our products great, which then drives our growth.
“Molino Casillo provides our flour, Puratos supplies bakery ingredients and components, SIT produces our packaging materials, and PFM provides our packaging machines All these companies together create Orva’s premium products.”
Orva is committed to delivering market-leading products and developing cutting-edge facilities. Thanks to its
determined and talented people, plus the use of innovations, Orva is oriented towards continuous improvement of sustainability and quality standards.
“Working with a team of motivated and passionate people is what really makes Orva special,” continued Mr Bravi. “Our priority is to make products that excite and nourish our consumers. We have already achieved so much as a team and I’m excited for our future accomplishments.” n
