Perwyn-backed Crosta Mollica sees 41% revenue growth following buyout

Crosta Mollica has experienced rapid growth following its acquisition by private equity firm Perwyn, with turnover rising 41% to £49.2m in the year ending 30 June 2024.

Perwyn acquired the Italian food brand in January 2023 and appointed former Tyrrells and Lily’s Kitchen CEO David Milner as chairman. The investment was aimed at expanding Crosta Mollica’s international presence, though recent financial filings indicate that the UK still accounts for nearly all sales.

The company has seen strong performance in its core category, with pizza sales rising 46%, cementing its position as the fourth-largest pizza brand in the UK, according to NIQ data. While it has expanded into pasta sauces and coffee, Milner emphasized a continued focus on pizza, which makes up 70% of sales. He noted that the company is unlikely to enter additional categories, stating that success in a competitive market requires a dedicated approach.

Crosta Mollica recently introduced refreshed branding to emphasize its Italian heritage. The updated packaging showcases its pizzas more prominently, with product names and ingredients now appearing in Italian. Milner described the rebrand as the start of a new era for the company, reinforcing its commitment to authenticity and category leadership.

Looking ahead, Crosta Mollica plans to scale distribution, expand geographically, and strengthen its product range while maintaining its foundation in premium Italian food.