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GDO Italy: from pitch to shelf

Online webinar | 23 May, 2026 | 15:00 - 16:00 (BST)
  • Preparation
  • Italy
  • General retail

About this event

Date: 23 May, 2026

Time: 15:00 - 16:00 (BST)

Location: Online

Language: en

Sector: General retail

Speakers: Andrea Calistri

This webinar explains how to succeed in large scale retail, Italy. You will learn how GDO works and how Italian buyers make decisions. We cover the Italian retail landscape and key Italian buyer requirements. The session explains retailer KPIs, certifications, and required technical documents. It also shows how to sell in GDO with a clear private label proposal. You will learn how to build a strong private label pitch and answer buyer questions. Real case studies show successful market entry and common mistakes to avoid.

Speakers

Andrea Calistri , CEO & Owner, AC Retail Advisory

Andrea Calistri is a retail and food industry executive. He has worked across large scale retail, food production, and restaurant chains for 25 years. He is currently CEO and Owner of AC Retail Advisory in Milan. The firm supports food companies and retail restaurant chains with business development and performance improvement. Andrea was previously CEO of EatHappy Group Italy, where he led sales and general management. Andrea also founded and grew EatHappy ToGo and Wakame Italia, which reached €29M in turnover. The group became the third largest sushi producer in Italian large-scale retail, with a 15% market share. Earlier, Andrea served as CEO of KellyDeli Italia. He scaled the business to 95 retail corners in three years, reaching €65M in turnover and a 50% market share. He also founded Calistri & Partners, advising major food brands and restaurant chains. Andrea has completed executive programmes at Columbia Business School, MIT Boston, and Di Luccia Business School. He speaks Italian, English, and French.

Andrea Calistri , CEO & Owner, AC Retail Advisory
What you will learn

Understand how GDO Italy works and what Italian retail buyers expect from overseas businesses.

Discover how to build a private label pitch that meets Italian buyer requirements.

Learn how to avoid common mistakes and achieve successful market entry.