Polenghi Indústrias Alimentícias Ltda. stands as one of Brazil’s most iconic and respected names in the dairy industry. With a heritage of over 70 years, the company has pioneered cheese innovation in Brazil and built a diverse portfolio of premium dairy products that cater to both consumers and foodservice professionals. Headquartered in São Paulo, Polenghi is part of the French Savencia Fromage & Dairy Group, a global leader in specialty cheese manufacturing.
History and Core Business
Founded in 1947, Polenghi began as a small cheese company and has since grown into a national powerhouse in Brazil’s dairy sector. The company's acquisition by Savencia Group strengthened its international reach and brought a wealth of global expertise in cheese production. Today, Polenghi is synonymous with innovation, quality, and taste in the Brazilian market.
The core business revolves around the production and distribution of a wide range of cheese and dairy products, catering to both end consumers and the foodservice sector through its Polenghi Profissional line.
Product and Service Offerings
Polenghi's extensive portfolio includes over 200 SKUs across multiple categories:
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Traditional Cheeses:
- Polenguinho (processed cheese squares)
- Queijo Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Minas Frescal, Prato
- Muçarela and Requeijão
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Specialty and Imported Brands:
- Ile de France: Brie, Camembert, Bleu
- Skandia: Scandinavian-style smoked salmon and cheeses
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Foodservice Solutions:
- Polenghi Profissional: cream cheese, culinary sauces, cheese blocks and shredded cheese options for industrial kitchens and bakeries.
- Club do Molho: exclusive sauces and toppings line for B2B clients.
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Innovative and Functional Products:
- Lactose-free lines
- High-protein dairy items
The company's strategic focus on quality and taste has ensured consistent product satisfaction across both premium and mass-market segments.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Polenghi’s USP is rooted in its specialization in cheese and dairy. It was the first company to produce Brie and Camembert in Brazil, effectively setting the standard for premium cheese in the country. With a dual-channel strategy serving both retail and B2B clients, Polenghi also differentiates through:
- Exclusive imports of global dairy brands via Savencia Group
- Robust R&D and quality assurance processes
- Consumer education and recipe development initiatives
Financial Performance
Although Polenghi does not publicly disclose financials, parent company Savencia Fromage & Dairy reported €5.6 billion in revenue in 2023, with a notable share attributed to Latin America. Polenghi represents a key regional arm of this revenue stream, underscoring its importance and financial stability in the Brazilian market.
Shipment and Export Activity
Polenghi focuses primarily on the domestic Brazilian market but has export capability through Savencia’s global network. According to trade insights, Polenghi products are included in shipments to select Latin American countries and Lusophone markets. Exports generally include specialty cheeses and professional-grade dairy products.
Target Market
- Retail Consumers: via supermarket chains, convenience stores, and e-commerce
- Foodservice Professionals: bakeries, restaurants, hotels, catering services
- Industrial Buyers: food manufacturers using cheese in recipes and packaged meals
Its dual-market approach enables Polenghi to capture both volume sales and high-margin specialty categories.
Capabilities
- Production Plants: State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with EU-aligned standards
- R&D: Dedicated team developing local and global innovation
- Cold Chain Logistics: National distribution with temperature-controlled fleets
- Digital Integration: Online platforms and B2B ordering systems
Certifications and Compliance
Polenghi adheres to rigorous food safety standards including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- ISO 22000 food safety certification in production plants
- Compliance with ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) regulations
- Parent group compliance with IFS Food and BRCGS standards
These certifications assure buyers of product safety, quality, and traceability.
Customer Testimonials
Across its consumer base, Polenghi receives high praise for its flavor authenticity and product reliability. Recipes developed with Polenghi Profissional Cream Cheese are commonly cited by chefs in bakery and foodservice testimonials for their stability and taste in heated applications.
Major Achievements
- First Brazilian producer of Brie and Camembert
- Over 1 billion units of Polenguinho sold nationwide
- Award-winning marketing campaigns and product launches
- Integration with Savencia Group, bringing global product access to Brazil
- Presence in major food expos and trade events like Fispal Food Service
Polenghi continues to lead the Brazilian dairy market through constant innovation, product excellence, and a commitment to delivering superior taste and nutrition to homes and kitchens across the country.