Stef Italia inaugurated a new branch in Padua on 25 March 2026, strengthening its presence in the North-East, a key area for Italy’s agri-food sector. The 6,500 sq m platform is dedicated to temperature-controlled logistics and transport for the food industry, organised retail and food service. The opening forms part of the group’s growth strategy in the country, aimed at consolidating its territorial footprint and improving service across the cold chain.
According to the company, the new hub is designed to meet an evolving market characterised by growing demand for operational efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. Padua represents a strategic node thanks to the concentration of agri-food operators and its logistics position, enabling extensive connections across the national territory. As Stef Italia’s general manager Paolo Maraschi stated, the facility is intended to act as a development platform for the region and to strengthen the company’s network.
The site integrates several operational functions. It includes a 4,700 sq m temperature-controlled cross-docking warehouse dedicated to fresh product flows, alongside a 1,800 sq m logistics warehouse, of which 600 sq m is at sub-zero temperature for frozen goods. The platform can handle a range of product categories, including dairy, meat, packaged seafood and confectionery, offering services tailored to different user requirements.
The launch of the branch has a direct impact on the organisation of regional distribution. The new hub reduces delivery times, improves supply efficiency and strengthens traceability and food safety systems. For retail, it supports the management of flows to distribution centres and points of sale, while for industry and local producers it provides a tool to optimise logistics and expand their presence in national markets.
From an infrastructure perspective, the facility was designed by Immostef Italia and incorporates solutions for energy efficiency and cold management. These include a 682 kWp photovoltaic system installed over more than 3,000 sq m. The investment also has employment implications, with more than 80 staff working across offices and warehouse operations, a figure set to grow in line with business development. With this opening, Stef strengthens a network that includes 36 platforms in Italy and operations in eight European countries.
