Love It Food CPE: launching high-quality Italian food in Large-Scale Retail
The Challenge
Love It Food CPE is an innovative project promoting top-quality ready-to-eat products made in Italy and inspired by contemporary Italian cuisine.
Aiming to enter the Italian large-scale retail network (LSR, It. ‘GDO’) with a solid and credible approach, the company set three strategic goals:
Aiming to enter the Italian large-scale retail network (LSR, It. ‘GDO’) with a solid and credible approach, the company set three strategic goals:
- Identify reliable production partners that are capable of ensuring quality, flexibility, and scalability.
- Define recipes and technologies that are compatible with LSR requirements without losing the brand’s culinary identity.
- Design a labelling and communication system that is clear and compliant with Italian and European regulations.
The Solution
Strategic Approach:
- Supplier and co-packer selection: we conducted targeted research across Italy, evaluating production facilities capable of meeting the required quality standards and the technical characteristics of Love IT Food CPE recipes.
- Technological development and recipe formulation: we co-operated with the Love It Food CPE team to define final recipes, optimising production parameters according to available technology and distribution targets.
- Labelling and regulatory compliance: we prepared labels compliant with current regulations (EU Reg. 1169/2011), managing allergen information, nutritional values, origin statements, and marketing claims.
- LSR support: we supported the commercial department in its dialogue with large-scale retail to ensure the project’s success.
Techniques Implemented
- Comparative supplier analysis: technical screening and on-site audits to identify the partner best suited to the project’s needs.
- Recipe formulation: definition of recipes and ingredient percentages to be used.
- Commercial labelling: design of complete labels compliant with regulatory and commercial requirements.
- LSR documentation: provision of technical documentation to support products such as technical sheets, Food-Contact Materials declarations, as well as microbiological, chemical, and GMO compliance, and other required certifications.
The Impact of Our Work
- Prompt identification of strategic production partners capable of ensuring reliability and quality.
- Technologically stable products: consistent with the brand’s positioning and ready for distribution.
- Law-compliant labels: developed in accordance with current Italian and EU regulations.
- Products on shelves: already available in over 100 retail outlets.
The Results
- Accessing national retail distribution network: Love IT Food CPE products are now sold in over 100 stores across Italy.
- Structured supply chain: suppliers are selected and monitored to ensure consistent quality and full traceability.
- Brand image and compliance ensured: clear, complete labels appreciated by retail buyers, also ready for potential export development.
