Michele Perinotti revealed his secret for global rice distribution: "I devised a method in my garage"
Gli Aironi: A Piedmont-Based Rice Processing Company Expanding Globally
Gli Aironi, an Italian rice processing company based in Turin, Piedmont, was founded by Michele Perinotti in 1998. The company has established itself as a key player in the rice industry, specializing in high-quality rice varieties such as "Baldo" and "Carnaroli Gemma."
Initially operating from a garage on Piazza Bernini, Gli Aironi has grown significantly over the years, with 90% of its production dedicated to risotto rice. The company was the first to create ready-to-eat risottos, mixes of Carnaroli with high-quality dehydrated ingredients, and it has continued to innovate with its signature method, Ipodry, which preserves food without heating or water through volumetric air extraction.
Europe absorbs 21% of Gli Aironi's total sales, with Italy remaining the main market, accounting for 62%. America contributes 8%, while Asia and Australia represent small portions with 4% and 1% respectively. The company's foreign market contributes 24% of the total sales, with Eataly, a significant sales channel, accounting for 23-24% of the turnover. Italy's large-scale retail represents 29% of Gli Aironi's business.
One of the factors contributing to Gli Aironi's success is its geographical position, which benefits from the irrigation of the Cavour canal, fed by the melting of the snow and glaciers of Valle d'Aosta. This ensures stability in supply while other provinces may suffer from drought.
Gli Aironi has also expanded its product range to include gluten-free biscuits made with 100% rice flour, distributed in Coop stores of Northwest Italy. The company's catalog now counts 23 varieties, including some inspired by traditional pasta flavors like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and carbonara.
In a notable development, Michele Perinotti deposited a patent for vacuum packaging in glass, and the company produces a smoked Nebbia rice, a product that allows them to enter restaurants with established suppliers due to the lack of direct competition.
As of 2024, the projected turnover for Gli Aironi is 2.2 million euros, and the company currently employs 11 people. Despite the growth, the company maintains its commitment to Italian authenticity and quality standards, positioning itself as a significant player in the rice industry.
While publicly available detailed narratives about the company's internal growth milestones or expansion strategy are limited, it is clear that Gli Aironi's focus on quality, innovation, and strategic location have contributed to its success in the global market.
References: - [1] EuroStore Australia. (n.d.). Gli Aironi. Retrieved from https://www.eurostore.com.au/products/gli-aironi-risotto-rice-1kg.html - [2] Gli Aironi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gliaironi.it/ - [3] Sapori Turinesi. (n.d.). Gli Aironi. Retrieved from https://www.saporiturinesi.it/gli-aironi/
- Michele Perinotti, an entrepreneur in the business sector, founded Gli Aironi, a small-business specializing in rice processing, which has since expanded globally, focusing on high-quality food-and-drink products like readymade risottos and gluten-free biscuits.
- Financing from sales channels such as Eataly and large-scale retail in Italy, as well as innovation efforts like the Ipodry method and the patent for vacuum packaging in glass, have played significant roles in Gli Aironi's business lifestyle and growth, both domestically and abroad.
- Despite growing revenues and employing more staff, Gli Aironi remains dedicated to maintaining its Italian authenticity and quality standards, ensuring its continued success in the competitive landscape of the rice and food-and-drink industries.
