It was 1962, in the midst of the "Italian economic miracle." During that period of great transformation, a group of breeders and farmers from the Imola area decided to unite to create a new entity, capable of ensuring dignity for agricultural work and quality for food products. This is how CLAI, Cooperativa Lavoratori Agricoli Imolesi, was born, with a clear mission: to combine knowledge with participatory management, where cooperative values would become the engine of growth.
Sixty years later, that dream is now a solid reality that represents a distinctive model in the European agri-food world. Three generations of women and men have taken up the mantle, transforming CLAI into an international food company, without ever betraying its original roots and principles.
A different kind of cooperative: cultivating values to produce goodness
From the beginning, CLAI has not limited itself to producing meats and cured meats. The cooperative has built a 100% Italian, transparent, and controlled supply chain, where every choice is guided by values that prioritize people, territory, and quality.
The cured meats sector, with a specialization in excellent salami, and the fresh beef and pork sectors were the first pillars of its activity. Over the years, however, the company has expanded its horizons with strategic acquisitions such as:
Prosciuttificio Zuarina, a symbol of the sweetness and refinement of Parma ham.
Cooperativa Faggiola, incorporated in 2019, bringing the Tuscan-Romagnola dairy tradition.
At the heart of our cooperative model are people. It's not just a figure of speech: CLAI is made up of faces, stories, and hands that contribute to building value every day.
The cooperative has 280 members, including 135 breeders who directly supply livestock.
A large part of the meat we process comes from them: pigs born and raised in Italy, following shared and controlled criteria throughout the supply chain. Many members also work within the company. This link between those who breed, those who work, and those who process is the silent strength that allows us to guarantee quality, safety, and consistency with our values every day.
Key milestones in sustainable growth
The founding years (1962–1980)
The first two decades were dedicated to building the foundations: processing plants, facilities, and a cooperative model capable of giving voice and space to its members. During those years, a shared vision took shape: the growing desire of working members to assert their Cooperative, which was immediately felt to be more than just a business. It was a collective project, rooted in the territory and carried forward with a sense of responsibility and belonging.
Expansion and certified quality (1980–2000)
With the growth of consumption and increasing attention to food safety, CLAI embarked on a path of profound innovation. It obtained its first quality certifications, invested in technologically advanced facilities, and, in parallel, enriched its expertise with the entry of qualified professionals. CLAI chose to demonstrate that tradition and innovation can coexist, giving rise to safe, good products consistent with its values.
From supply chain to food company (2000–2020)
Entry into new markets and strategic acquisitions marked CLAI's transformation into a modern food company. Attention to the environment and animal welfare became an integral part of company policies, anticipating the needs of more conscious consumers.
The present and the future (2020–today)
Today, CLAI represents a model of sustainable and participatory enterprise, with certified facilities (IFS Food, BRCGS, ISO 22005, and ISO 14001). Since the early 2000s, the cooperative has adopted the new Integrated Quality-Environment Policy, a concrete sign of its commitment to responsible development.
People at the center: an intergenerational pact
CLAI's true strength lies in its community. It's not just about members, but about families who have passed down values, trades, and skills for generations. Three generations of breeders and workers have nurtured a supply chain built on passion, responsibility, and respect.
The link with the territory: the "Macellerie del Contadino" and CLAI&Friends
CLAI has never been a company distant from its territory. The Macellerie del Contadino represent the most concrete example: local sales points where quality and transparency meet consumers.
The cooperative also invests in sports, cultural, and solidarity projects. Among these is CLAI&FRIENDS, an initiative launched in 2023 that combines sports and education to transmit the values of cooperation to young people.
Values that guide every choice
At the core of CLAI's success are six founding values that, for over sixty years, have guided strategic and operational decisions:
- People: the cooperative community as the beating heart.
- Environment: respect and protection of natural resources.
- Territory: valuing local roots and communities.
- Quality: both in terms of raw materials and processes.
- Ethics: transparency, responsibility, and integrity.
- Development: continuous innovation without betraying origins.
In a sector where trust is fundamental, CLAI has chosen the path of absolute rigor. Hundreds of analyses are performed every month in accredited laboratories, guaranteeing safe products that comply with the strictest standards.
CLAI in the world: bringing Italian tradition to global tables
From Romagna to the world. Today, CLAI products are present in all Italian sales channels and distributed in numerous international markets. Each product carries the guarantee of a controlled supply chain and authentic values.
Global expansion has never weakened the link with its origins; rather, it has strengthened it: every export is an opportunity to tell the story of a cooperative, sustainable, and high-quality Italy.
Looking to the future, the cooperative is ready to continue its journey with passion, responsibility, and innovation.
