Italian roots, Hungarian success, European vision
The story of KOMETA began in a small Alpine village, Bormio in Italy, and continued in Hungary, among the hills of Somogy, in Kaposvár. The values of the Italian Pedranzini and Ruffini families — respect for nature, responsible animal farming and a commitment to producing quality food — still define the way the company operates today.
With its Italian roots, KOMETA is today one of the largest pork processing companies in Hungary. It employs more than 1,100 people and its products are available in over 30 countries. Great attention is paid to sustainability: the company has its own heat recovery and wastewater treatment plants, as well as a facility for by-products. One of its main competitive advantages is integrated operation: the entire processing chain — from slaughtering to the packaging of finished products — takes place at a single site, ensuring high quality, food safety and efficiency. In recognition of this commitment, KOMETA is the first pork processor in Europe, and the second worldwide, to have issued a green bond and obtained «green» certification.
In Kaposvár, KOMETA is carrying out one of the most important development programmes in its history. As part of the investment, worth several tens of billions of forints, a new production plant is being built with expanded and modern slicing and packaging capacity and an automated high-density warehouse, to be followed by a new slaughterhouse, a modern refrigeration system and new deboning and cutting lines. The developments also include the expansion of wastewater treatment capacity, new wells and a new water main, as well as photovoltaic parks that will further increase the use of renewable energy. The aim is not only to increase production, but also to strengthen energy efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness. Through its subsidiary, KOMETA is steadily increasing its pig stock by modernising existing farms and adding new ones.
In figures
1,100+ employees
1st in Europe · «green» certification (2nd worldwide)
30+ countries around the world
At the heart of the company's strategy lies the HonestFood concept, devised by Giacomo Pedranzini, chief executive officer of KOMETA. The initiative is founded on the conviction that the food industry of the future must offer good quality food at affordable prices, taking into account people's health, animal welfare and the protection of the environment.
For years now the company has taken, and continues to take, significant steps in this direction. Its products have a meat content higher than required, contain no added monosodium glutamate, soy or gluten, and many are free from lactose and milk proteins. KOMETA is also a frontrunner in salt reduction: thanks to the developments carried out, a large share of its processed products today contains up to 30% less salt, while keeping their familiar taste.
For KOMETA, Hungary is not merely a place of production, but also a home. For more than three decades the company has been part of the economic and social life of Kaposvár, while preserving its Italian roots and an international outlook. It is this dual identity that forms the basis on which the company builds its future. KOMETA aims to remain one of the leading players in the Hungarian food industry and to contribute to a sustainable, competitive and innovative European food production.
«When we arrived in Hungary more than thirty years ago, we were guided by the same goal as today: to produce good quality food in an honest way, at an honest price. Our growth shows that the Italian entrepreneurial mindset, Hungarian expertise and long-term thinking, together, create real value.»
— Giacomo Pedranzini, chief executive officer of KOMETA
Sport and community
Giacomo Pedranzini also brought his passion for cycling to Hungary. From the very beginning KOMETA has supported Alberto Contador's professional team (Team Polti Visit Malta), of which it was also title sponsor for many years. Partly thanks to them, the Giro d'Italia started from Budapest in 2022, contributing greatly to spreading this sport.
In Kaposvár the company is title sponsor of the local basketball team, which one year after promotion to the top division finished the national championship in third place. KOMETA also supports its employees' participation in sporting competitions and their everyday activity: those who come to work on foot, running or by bicycle, or who take part in sport in the swimming pool or the gym, receive a contribution of 400 forints on each occasion.
