Caterline
Caterline S.p.A. is an Italian B2B food distributor serving roughly 9,000 Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and pastry/bakery customers across Northern Italy and Tuscany via 130+ sector-specialized agents, four temperature-controlled warehouses, 130 delivery vehicles, and a 10,000+ SKU catalog.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1940
- HeadquartersArsago Seprio, Italy
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Caterline does
Caterline S.p.A. is an Italian B2B food distribution company headquartered in Arsago Seprio (Varese) that distributes a catalog of over 10,000 SKUs — non-perishable, fresh, and frozen raw materials, semi-finished and finished products, packaging, kitchen equipment, and hygiene supplies — to approximately 9,000 active customers across Northern Italy and Tuscany. The company operates three vertical divisions: Commercial Catering (Ho.Re.Ca. — restaurants, pizzerias, hotels, bars), Collective Catering (canteens, schools, hospitals, care homes), and Pastry & Bakery (pastry shops, bakeries, gelaterie). Founded in 1981 with corporate origins dating to the 1940s, Caterline is a privately held S.p.A. with 300+ employees and collaborators, €160 million in annual revenue, and a documented M&A history spanning Italservice (1999), Gianni Pan (2014), Italmill commercial branch (2017), and Varese Distribuzione (2021).
The operating platform combines a 130-strong network of sector-specialized field agents (the primary relationship channel), an EShop e-commerce platform, a call center, EDI integration for enterprise customers, and a mobile app noted as in development. Physical infrastructure comprises four temperature-controlled warehouses — including a 22,000 cubic meter facility using 100% green CO2 (R744) refrigeration adopted in 2015 — and 130 dedicated delivery vehicles. Caterline Academy, inaugurated in 2019, adds a monthly in-person and online training layer featuring master chefs and brand partners (Callebaut, Debic, PreGel, Surgital, Leagel, Eurovo, Corman, among others). Certifications include HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22005:2007 traceability, CCPB organic, and MSC sustainable fisheries.
Revenue is generated from product margins on distributed goods, with pricing quoted through specialized agents rather than published list pricing, and access restricted to VAT-registered businesses. The company reports 475,000 annual orders and 315,000 annual shipments, implying a high order frequency per customer. There are no disclosed funding rounds, parent company, or external investors, and ownership appears to rest with founding/family principals.
Caterline firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Caterline
- Legal name
- Caterline S.p.A.
- Website
- https://caterlinespa.it
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1940
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Caterline S.p.A. is an Italian B2B food distributor serving roughly 9,000 Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and pastry/bakery customers across Northern Italy and Tuscany via 130+ sector-specialized agents, four temperature-controlled warehouses, 130 delivery vehicles, and a 10,000+ SKU catalog.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Caterline industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Food Service Distribution
- NAICS
- Food Service Contractors (72231), Food Service Contractors (722310)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Contract Foodservice Management (Outsourced Catering) (THAFAIAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Corporate & Office Catering (THAFAIAA), Institutional Catering (Schools, Hospitals, Government) (THAFAIAE)
Keywords
Where Caterline is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arsago Seprio
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Caterline business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Food and Supply Distribution: Caterline generates revenue through the distribution and sale of food products and professional supplies to Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and Pastry & Bakery businesses. Revenue is derived from product margins on a catalog of 10,000+ SKUs including non-perishable ingredients, fresh and frozen products, finished goods, semi-finished products, packaging, kitchen equipment, and hygiene/cleaning supplies. The company serves 9,000 active customers with 475,000 orders processed annually through 315,000 annual shipments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B direct pricing through specialized agents |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Caterline product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Caterline is a B2B food distribution company that supplies professional ingredients, semi-finished and finished products, packaging, kitchen equipment, and hygiene supplies to the Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and Pastry & Bakery sectors across Northern Italy and Tuscany. The company operates a 10,000+ SKU catalog, four temperature-controlled warehouses, and a fleet of 130 dedicated vehicles, serving 9,000 active customers through 130+ sector-specialized field agents.
Product overview
Caterline is a food distribution company serving the Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and Pastry & Bakery sectors in Northern Italy and Tuscany. The company's product portfolio centers on a multi-channel distribution model comprising: E-Shop for online ordering, a Catalog system with over 10,000 product references, and Caterline Academy for professional training. Services are organized across three divisions: Ristorazione Collettiva (collective catering for canteens, schools, hospitals), Ristorazione Commerciale (commercial catering for restaurants, hotels, bars), and Pastry & Bakery (specialty supplies for pastry shops, bakeries, gelateries). The company also offers zone agent consulting services and maintains a content platform (Buono a Sapersi blog) for industry insights. The business distributes Italian and international brands including Callebaut, Debic, PreGel, Surgital, and Scrocchiarella, among others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Caterline Academy: Training academy for food service professionals offering courses in pastry, bakery, gelato, and hospitality sectors.
Products and services
- Caterline E-Shop Authenticated online e-commerce platform allowing registered business customers to browse the 10,000+ SKU catalog, place orders, and manage their accounts.
- Caterline Academy Professional training service inaugurated in 2019 offering in-person and online courses for pastry, bakery, gelato, and Ho.Re.Ca. professionals, with monthly events featuring master chefs and industry experts.
- Ristorazione Collettiva (Collective Catering Supply) Supply service for canteens, schools, hospitals, and elderly care facilities (RSA), served by agents specialized in collective catering and HACCP-compliant food safety.
- Ristorazione Commerciale (Commercial Catering Supply) Supply service for restaurants, self-service establishments, pizzerias, hotels, and bars, with dedicated agents specialized in commercial catering.
- Pastry & Bakery Supply Specialized supply service for pastry shops, bakeries, and gelaterie offering raw materials, semi-finished products, finished goods, and consumables tailored to artisan professionals.
- Zone Agent Consulting Service Dedicated local agents providing specialized consulting, product selection support, menu analysis, and ongoing training assistance for customers across all segments.
- Monthly Product Catalogs Monthly updated product catalogs featuring over 10,000 product references across Italian and international brands of non-perishable, fresh, and frozen raw materials, finished products, and semi-finished goods.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serving 9,000 active customers with 475,000 orders processed annually
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Caterline
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Caterline technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Caterline partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
36 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CallebautcorePremium Belgian chocolate brand distributed by Caterline. Featured prominently in Caterline Academy training events including Chocolate Academy sessions on chocolate techniques and the new spreadable chocolate line.
- LeagelcoreItalian company specializing in gelato and frozen dessert ingredients. Featured in cold pastry training events at Caterline Academy, particularly for gelato-focused training with Marco Adelfio.
- DebiccoreDairy and butter products brand for professional pastry and baking. Co-developer of training events including biscuits and pastry workshops with Davide Malizia.
- Eurovo ServicecoreItalian egg products and high-quality ingredients brand for pastry, gelato, and culinary use. Co-organizer of monoporzioni and dessert innovation events at Caterline Academy.
- SurgitalcoreItalian company specializing in fresh and frozen pasta, prepared dishes, and culinary specialties. Featured in multiple Caterline Academy events including 'Esperienze di Gusto' tasting sessions.
- PreGelcoreLeading Italian manufacturer of specialty ingredients for gelato, pastry, and beverages. Distributed through Caterline for gelato professionals.
- ItalmillcoreItalian milling and bakery ingredients company. Commercial branch acquired by Caterline in 2017. Brands include Scrocchiarella Frozen product line.
- CSM Bakery Solutions (Braims/Marguerite Waldkorn)minorInternational bakery solutions group featured in Iginio Massari masterclass event organized by Caterline Academy.
- CormancoreBelgian company specializing in butter and dairy specialties for pastry and baking. Co-organizer of leavened products and savory pastry training events.
- DisanominorItalian edible oil and specialty fats brand distributed through Caterline's food service catalog.
- TwiningsminorPremium tea and beverage brand distributed through Caterline's catalog for hotel and restaurant use.
- Minucci and ParodiminorBrand partners collaborating with Caterline on Open Day events in Genoa, featuring products for baking, pastry, gelato, hotel, and banqueting.
- Caffè Teti, Ruggeri, and BoniminorBrand partners co-organizing Open Day Lecco event with Caterline for professionals in baking, pastry, gelato, hotel, and banqueting sectors.
- Ambra'sminorItalian brand distributed through Caterline's catalog.
- Casa ModenaminorItalian brand distributed through Caterline's catalog.
- Danish CrownminorInternational meat brand distributed through Caterline's catalog.
- Farm FritesminorFrozen potato products brand distributed through Caterline.
- Divine CreazioniminorChocolate specialty brand featured in 'Confondente' (chocolate and fresh pasta) training event.
- DemetraminorItalian brand distributed through Caterline's catalog. Featured in savory pastry events.
- IcewerminorItalian ice and frozen products brand distributed through Caterline.
- KompletminorFood products brand distributed through Caterline. Featured in Carnival fried specialties training.
- VanHoutenminorChocolate and cocoa brand distributed through Caterline's catalog.
- DelifranceminorFrench-origin bakery and pastry brand distributed through Caterline.
- FrieslandminorDairy products brand distributed through Caterline's catalog.
- LoakerminorItalian wafer and chocolate brand distributed through Caterline.
- Molino RachellominorItalian milling products brand distributed through Caterline.
- MoratominorItalian bakery brand distributed through Caterline.
- RogelfrutminorFruit and preserves brand distributed through Caterline.
- SenfterminorItalian charcuterie brand distributed through Caterline.
- StufferminorItalian prepared foods brand distributed through Caterline.
- G.S.I. LabminorPastry & Bakery laboratory facility hosting Caterline's Open Day events in Nembro (BG).
- The Cooking LabminorTraining facility hosting Caterline's 'Esperienze di Gusto' events with Surgital in Orio al Serio (BG).
- MOG (Mercato Orientale Genova)minorHistoric market venue hosting Caterline's Open Day Genova events.
- GI-MetalminorBakery equipment manufacturer collaborating on pizza and bread contemporary training events in Tuscany.
- MAGI ServiceminorEquipment and service partner for Innovation Day gelato events in Livorno.
- Agenxia Wine DayminorWine expertise partner for Wine Day San Siro professional events.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Caterline competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Marr S.p.A. Italy's largest B2B food distributor to the food service industry (Ho.Re.Ca.), publicly listed on Borsa Italiana with a similar 100,000+ customer, multi-category, multi-temperature warehouse model. The most direct head-to-head comparable for Caterline across product range, customer segments, and geographic footprint in Italy.
- Brakes Group: Sysco-owned UK and European food service distributor serving restaurants, hotels, and caterers with a multi-temperature supply chain model closely paralleling Caterline's. Operates the same consultative sales-led distribution to professional food service operators across thousands of SKUs.
- Bidfood: International food service distributor (UK, Ireland, Australia, continental Europe) serving caterers, restaurants, and hospitality operators with multi-temperature logistics and an extensive branded product range. Closely comparable in B2B operating model and customer mix to Caterline.
Broad incumbents
- Sysco Corporation: Largest global food service distribution company operating across North America, Europe (via Brakes), and other regions. Represents the scaled global reference point for the B2B Ho.Re.Ca. distribution model that Caterline executes in Northern Italy.
- METRO AG: European cash & carry and food service supply operator (METRO/MAKRO stores) serving Ho.Re.Ca. customers across 25+ countries with multi-category food and non-food assortment. Overlaps Caterline's Ho.Re.Ca. customer base but operates a self-service rather than agent-led model.
- US Foods: One of the largest US food service distributors, serving independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality operators with a comparable multi-temperature warehouse and consultative selling model. Useful North American comparable for unit economics and capital intensity benchmarks.
- Performance Food Group: US-based food service distribution major covering restaurants, schools, and healthcare with broad product portfolios. Comparable business model and customer mix (including institutional Collective Catering equivalents) to Caterline.
- Compass Group: World's largest contract foodservice and support services operator, serving workplace, education, healthcare, and leisure clients. While primarily a caterer/operator rather than distributor, it overlaps heavily with Caterline's Collective Catering customer base (schools, hospitals, corporate canteens) as a procurement customer.
- Elior Group: Major international contract catering and food services group with strong European presence (France, Italy, Spain, UK). Overlaps Caterline's Collective Catering segment (school, hospital, corporate canteens) as both an operating peer and a high-volume procurement customer.
Others
- Cremonini Group (Chef Express): Large Italian food group operating Chef Express (motorway and station catering) and supplying institutional and on-board catering. Adjacent in the Italian Ho.Re.Ca. ecosystem and a potential strategic partner or competitor for Caterline's Collective Catering supply contracts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Caterline social profiles
Digital presenceCaterline compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Caterline financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Caterline leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Caterline subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Caterline funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Caterline M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Caterline
What does Caterline do?
Caterline is a B2B food distribution company that supplies professional ingredients, semi-finished and finished products, packaging, kitchen equipment, and hygiene supplies to the Ho.Re.Ca., collective catering, and Pastry & Bakery sectors across Northern Italy and Tuscany. The company operates a 10,000+ SKU catalog, four temperature-controlled warehouses, and a fleet of 130 dedicated vehicles, serving 9,000 active customers through 130+ sector-specialized field agents.
Is Caterline a public or private company?
Caterline is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Caterline founded?
Caterline was founded in 1940. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Caterline based?
Caterline is headquartered in Arsago Seprio, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Caterline make money?
One revenue line is on record: food and Supply Distribution.
Who are Caterline's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Marr S.p.A., Brakes Group and Bidfood. Broad incumbents are Sysco Corporation, METRO AG, US Foods, Performance Food Group, Compass Group and Elior Group. Cremonini Group (Chef Express) is listed as an others.
Does Caterline have an API?
No public API is recorded for Caterline.
What industry is Caterline in?
Caterline's product category is Food Service Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFAIAH, Contract Foodservice Management (Outsourced Catering), with a secondary code of THAFAIAA, Corporate & Office Catering. Its NAICS code is 72231 and its SIC code is 5141.