For a company that for decades has strengthened and passed down the unique "know-how" of its specialists, there could not be a more fitting claim, made even more genuine by the "Romagna-filled" voice of the actor Paolo Cevoli, with whom a collaboration based on values and smiles is born.
The event dedicated to private labels, which represent 15% of CLAI's cured meats revenue, returns to Bologna on January 16th and 17th. Marketing Director Delfini: "On this front, too, we're firmly committed to uncompromising quality, partnering only with those who share our value journey."
At the stand, a splendid selection of the most iconic and tasty products and some new ones, starting from the collaboration with Molino Naldoni
Imola, January 2024 – CLAI's trade fair year kicks off with participation in Marca , the traditional event dedicated to private labels, held at BolognaFiere on January 16 and 17. For the Imola-based agri-food cooperative, private labels currently account for 15% of CLAI's entire cured meats turnover, an 11% increase compared to last year.
"We believe we can be a reliable partner for large-scale retail trade by thinking in terms of private labels ," emphasizes Gianfranco Delfini , Marketing Director at CLAI, " also because fewer and fewer companies, like ours, are choosing to stay on top of key issues such as 100% Italian meat, supply chain management, long curing periods, and the expertise and professionalism of our operators... This systematic pursuit of quality has therefore become an additional distinguishing factor. We are open to shared growth paths only with partners who share this vision. Craftsmanship, care, expertise, professionalism, experience, and safety are truly important to us, and for this reason, we constantly invest in our people and facilities."
“CLAI MAKES SALAMI,” AS PAOLO CEVOLI SAYS
The most evident result of this commitment is found in the unique products that arrive on tables throughout Italy every day. "Salami is made by CLAI," says Paolo Cevoli , the popular comedian and the perfect ambassador to best convey the quality, expertise, and values of the Romagna-based cooperative. The cooperative has made meticulous production, a passion for work, and a "smile"—symbolizing a way of interpreting life and human relationships aimed at greater individual fulfillment—the cornerstones of its offering to the market.
MANY CLAI SPECIALTIES ON DISPLAY AT BRAND
In Bologna, there will be a truly impressive array of gastronomic delights on display. CLAI will once again present a wide selection that meets the demands of current market trends .
We begin with the most popular specialties, such as the classic Passita di Romagna cured sausage, a unique thin salami made according to an ancient recipe with the finest lean meat from pigs born and raised in Italy. This year, its sales have increased by 25% . Then there are the Sbuccia e Mangia , convenient and practical to enjoy at any time of day, and the traditional Contadino . The list of regional products is also long, such as Ventricina , Spianata romana , Sicilianella , and Soppressa , which, despite the geographical gap, CLAI manages to interpret in qualitative terms thanks to the expertise of its specialists and the connection it has developed over time with its territory of origin.
The demand for "free from"—more natural—products is met by Imola 1962 , a preservative-free salami with a very short list of ingredients. This product required over two years of research and is one CLAI fully identifies with. Another cured meat created for this specific area, yet outside the realm of salami, is Guanciale . This too is a product without any preservatives and perfectly represents the "spirit" of this Cooperative: it is born from tradition, and its meat—from CLAI's own supply chain, sourced from pigs born and raised in Italy—is processed with just a few ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and a slow, gentle aging process lasting at least twelve weeks , giving the product a unique flavor and intense aroma.
For those who prefer healthy, light options, CLAI offers Bella Festa Light salami, which has 50% less fat than traditional Milano salami. The special curing process reduces the fat percentage to a maximum of 15%, ensuring a sweet and balanced flavor. A unique combination of flavor and lightness.
NEWS FOR FREE-SERVICE
There are also new additions to the self-service range: from the Sfizioso to the evergreen Golosetto, from a revisited version of the curved sausages to a preview of the new packaging for the Passita, a true novelty of the year that will be launched on the market in the coming months.
Lo Sfizioso , 270 grams of 100% Italian meat, is a salami with a captivating flavor and the perfect size to accompany any time of day. Il Golosetto , weighing 100 grams, is a salami that has always been among the most popular in the Clai assortment. Made with 100% Italian meat, ideal for snacks or aperitifs, it is packaged in ATP. Sweet and delicate, it is now also available in a spicy version.
ROMAGNA'S MAGNIFICENT, 40 KG OF FLAVOR
CLAI's strong commitment to listening to its customers has also led to the creation of custom salamis, which can represent a further opportunity to support customers' in-store activities. In recent weeks, for example, CLAI partnered with Salumeria Paciotti in Rome to offer the Magnifico di Romagna , a festive salami measuring 1.5 meters long and weighing 40 kilograms. The convivial in-store tasting event generated such enthusiasm (with long lines of people eager to participate) that a repeat is already planned for next Easter. "These 'tailor-made' collaborations can only arise from a strong desire to listen to customer input," says Delfini, "the ability to connect with them, and, finally, the expertise necessary to achieve the best results."
CLAI BRAND AMBASSADORS GENERATE VALUE FOR CUSTOMERS
The foundation for creating this fundamental connection with the various realities of the territory is also laid by the figure of the Brand Ambassadors . "They are colleagues who work within our butcher shops ," explains Delfini , "another unique feature of our company. They are therefore specialized counter staff, as well as young people who 'live' the cooperative every day, with a talent for communication and a desire to share their work experience, the products and values of the cooperative to which they belong. They don't explain 'lessons' learned from others, but rather talk about people, stories and values they know first hand. They therefore know how to go 'beyond' the characteristics of the product, demonstrating a genuine passion that always leaves an impression. This is why they are particularly effective and appreciated by customers when we use them to describe a product, encouraging its inclusion within their store or to encourage its sell-out."
WITH MOLINO NALDONI FOR A VALUABLE PARTNERSHIP AND A QUALITY PROPOSAL
CLAI has always appreciated the opportunity to forge valuable collaborations in the name of quality. A fine example of this is the agreement signed with Molino Naldoni , which, following previous "approaches" in 2023 that materialized at events such as Sigep and Anuga, will help enhance the activities offered at the CLAI stand. Molino Naldoni is a unique business in Faenza, founded in 1705 and today capable of milling nearly 450 tons of soft wheat per day, selected and certified to produce excellent flours. "We are very pleased that this collaboration between Molino Naldoni and CLAI has been established ," explains Alberto Naldoni , CEO of Molino Naldoni . "Trade fairs like Marca are a precious opportunity to unite two excellences from Romagna. Together with CLAI, we share experience, the highest quality, and passion." This collaboration, celebrating Romagna's excellence and its ability to create valuable synergies, will continue throughout 2024, also in preparation for several events taking place across the Atlantic this spring. Specifically, the CLAI-Molino Naldoni partnership will bring to life special moments that will culminate on a special occasion: January 17th is World Pizza Day , and the stand will feature delicious versions of this iconic dish, enhanced with the Romagna Cooperative's quality cured meats.
SUSTAINABILITY BALANCE SHEET TO BE PRESENTED IN 2024
An interesting development at CLAI also concerns its sustainability journey (which in Imola always encompasses both environmental and human aspects). A document packed with data and information aimed at maximum transparency will now provide a clear picture of how CLAI interprets its role in this field. The first Sustainability Report is coming soon and will outline the Cooperative's initiatives.
For example, from an environmental perspective, the reforestation project in Sasso Morelli has begun. This project involves the historic villa (which houses CLAI's headquarters) and the adjoining garden, and extends over 62,000 square meters, planting 3,140 native plants, trees, and shrubs of high environmental value. This large green area will provide new life, well-being, and opportunities for education, sport, and culture throughout the Imola area.
From a solidarity perspective, the collaboration with Banco Alimentare has allowed over 1.5 million meals to be donated to people in real need in five years.
"Marca is another opportunity to share the ideas and initiatives we have in mind for the future, which will help us continue on our path to quality, " concludes the Marketing Director . "Those who come to visit us in Bologna will be able to gain a clear idea of the quality of our products, the professionalism and craftsmanship of our operators, how much we truly care about sustainability, the care we take in our all-Italian supply chain, and the attention we pay to listening to our trade customers and consumers."
CLAI at Marca by BolognaFiere can be reached in Pavilion 26, at Stand B44-C45
