Gruppo Tonazzo, one of Italy’s oldest and most established meat producers, is making a historic move that could change the future of food.
After 136 years in the meat industry, the Veneto-based company is officially exiting the meat business as of December 31, 2024. Their future? Plant-based proteins through their well-established brand, Kioene.
This groundbreaking decision not only signifies a dramatic shift for the Tonazzo family but also marks a monumental moment for Italy’s food industry. As Italy’s culinary culture, deeply rooted in tradition, adapts to modern challenges, Tonazzo’s leadership in sustainability sets a powerful example.
Kioene: From Vision to Leadership in Plant-Based Foods
Gruppo Tonazzo’s plant-based journey began much earlier than today’s market trends.
More than three decades ago, during a business trip to South America, Albino Tonazzo, now CEO of Kioene, realized that the consumption of animal protein was unsustainable for both humanity and the planet. This epiphany led to the creation of Kioene in 1988, with a clear mission: to provide high-quality, plant-based foods that are both nutritious and eco-friendly.
Kioene debuted on the market in 1990 under the BIO-ENE brand, which later became Kioene in 2013. The name itself holds deep meaning. “Ki” refers to inner energy in ancient oriental cultures, “O” symbolizes universal harmony, and “ENE” represents the planet’s energy. This philosophy reflects Kioene’s commitment to balancing personal health with environmental sustainability.
Today, Kioene offers over 100 plant-based products, enjoyed by 2.3 million Italian households. The company’s focus on using fresh vegetables, legumes, and high-quality ingredients has earned it a reputation as a leader in Italy’s plant-based market.
A Bold Transition for a Healthier Future
For Gruppo Tonazzo, the decision to go fully plant-based is not just about business—it’s about responsibility to future generations.
As Stefano Tonazzo, CEO of Gruppo Tonazzo, told ItalianFOOD.net, “We are embarking on the third revolution in our company’s history, and, we hope, in the sector as well. With the same spirit of innovation and foresight, we are now closing all meat-related operations to focus entirely on plant-based proteins.”
This shift marks a crucial moment for the Tonazzo family, who have been involved in the meat industry for five generations.
“As early movers in this market, we feel a deep responsibility to future generations,” said Albino Tonazzo. “We want to contribute to environmental preservation and foster collective awareness. We are confident that the market and consumers will once again follow our lead.”
The company is acutely aware of the global food industry’s impact on the environment, from deforestation to greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to focus on plant-based alternatives, Gruppo Tonazzo aims to reduce its carbon footprint while offering healthier options for consumers.
Growth and Jobs in a Plant-Based World
As Gruppo Tonazzo exits the meat business, it’s ensuring that no one is left behind. The company is offering roles within its growing Kioene brand to employees affected by the closure of the meat operations.
The company’s factory in Villanova di Camposampiero (Padua) will continue to produce and develop new plant-based products, with investments aimed at expanding the range of offerings to meet growing demand.
With more than 30 years of experience in the plant-based sector, Kioene is poised to grow even further, leveraging its leadership in the Italian market and responding to the increasing global shift towards plant-based eating. Tonazzo’s transformation also sends a powerful message to other traditional food companies: change is not only possible, it’s essential.
A New Era for Italian Cuisine
Italy’s culinary heritage is rich in meat-based dishes, but the Tonazzo family’s historic transition signals a cultural shift. As one of the country’s most respected food producers, Gruppo Tonazzo’s full embrace of plant-based proteins could inspire others to follow suit, making sustainable dining an integral part of Italy’s future.
By prioritizing plant-based options, Gruppo Tonazzo is not only innovating for today’s consumers but also shaping the diets of future generations. This transition is about more than just food—it’s about the health of the planet and the legacy we leave behind.
Kioene’s story, rooted in vision and responsibility, represents the future of food in Italy. And as the Tonazzo family closes the chapter on 136 years of meat production, they open a new one—leading the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Main image: Kioene
